UBS Scores Strategic Talent Coup
Swiss bank UBS is making a high-conviction bet on advisor leadership and long-term growth in the US. By hiring industry heavyweight from Morgan Stanley, the bank strengthens its ambitions in advisor development, recruitment, and retention – three pillars central to expanding its US wealth-management franchise.
UBS Global Wealth Management US has appointed Ben Firestein, one of the most seasoned executives in the American brokerage sector, to lead Field Leader Development and National Recruiting & Retention starting February 2026.
Firestein will report directly to Mike Camacho, head of Global Wealth Management US – a sign of the strategic importance UBS attaches to advisor leadership and talent development.
Talent Development as a Strategic Lever
Firestein joins UBS after more than 30 years at the forefront of advisor development, recruiting, and team leadership in the US wealth industry.
His move from Morgan Stanley marks a notable gain for UBS, given his track record of shaping high-performing advisory teams across the country.
Building a New Leadership Architecture
At UBS, Firestein is tasked with developing a top-tier leadership program for managers, defining clear career pathways, and expanding the skills of future leaders. He will also oversee business-transition and succession programs for financial advisors – key mechanisms to secure long-term growth opportunities and continuity within the advisor network.
A central pillar of Firestein’s mandate will be the design and execution of a national recruiting strategy that aligns with UBS’s long-term US expansion goals. Working closely with regional leadership teams, he will focus on building a scalable advisor pipeline to strengthen the bank’s competitive position nationwide.
Aligning Talent Strategy With US Growth Plans
Before joining UBS, Firestein served as head of national recruiting for wealth management and private wealth management at Morgan Stanley. He previously led the firm’s Midtown Manhattan flagship, which became the organisation’s largest under his leadership.
His earlier roles included senior positions in management training, branch management in Boston, and Associate Regional Director for the Northeast. From 2010 to 2015, he also chaired the National Branch Manager Council – underscoring his influence in shaping the wider industry.
Clear Message
UBS’s decision to bring Firestein on board reflects a clear message: the race for top financial-advisor talent remains one of the most decisive battlegrounds in US wealth management. With this appointment, the bank signals its intention to compete at the highest level.
