Resume & Credentials

Michael K. Smith

Executive Summary

Managing Director and Regional Manager responsible for all aspects of the securities and banking activities within the Midwest region for three major firms: Lehman Brothers, Barclays Wealth and Citi Private Bank. Managed up to 110 registered representatives, compliance and operational staff.


Supervised an Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction (OSJ). Consistently noted in audit findings for a “high level of compliance awareness with regulatory rules and firm policies.” Possesses extensive understanding of SEC / FINRA regulations.


In-depth understanding of investments and products & services including: Equities, Fixed Income, Mutual Funds, Investment Management, Options, Futures, Structured Products, Restricted Stock Transactions, and Lending.

Substantial experience with hiring and termination of personnel and related industry standards and practices.


Synthesized all the above experience and knowledge gleaned into an expert witness practice focused on the financial services industry.

Industry Credentials & Licenses

NFA and FINRA (non-public) Arbitrator.
Series 8, 23 // 3, 5, 7, 15 // 63, 65

Professional Employment

ExpertSmith, LLC - Bozeman, MT (2015-Present) 

  • ExpertSmith, LLC - Bozeman, MT (2015-Present) 
    Expert Witness
    Served as an expert witness in domestic and international tribunals, including JAMS, AAA, and FINRA arbitrations, German District Court, Ohio Probate Court and United States District Court. Retained to consult with claimants, respondents and respective counsel; authored both primary and rebuttal expert reports; provided deposition, trial and hearing testimony; qualified as expert and testified in JAMS and FINRA arbitration hearings.
    Issues have included: suitability, churning, supervision, negligence, misrepresentation, fraud, fiduciary duty, deferred compensation, employment related loans, U-5 reporting, raiding, broker protocol, concentrated equity holdings, margin lending, trading practices, private placement disclosures, IPO’s and others.
  • Citigroup – Chicago, IL (2010-2015)
    Managing Director/Head of Midwest Region/Member of North American Leadership Team-Citi Private Bank Provided leadership for Private Banking Team responsible for 125 Ultra-High Net Worth clients with $1B in deposits, $2.5B in loans outstanding, and $1B in managed investments. Overall responsibility for: compliance & audits, capital requirements, product mix, and new accounts.
  • Barclays – Chicago, IL (2008-2010)
    Managing Director & Head of Midwest Region
    Enhanced client retention following Lehman bankruptcy and began rebuilding process. Within 60 days retained 25% of business portfolio. In 2009, increased asset base by 25%.
  • Lehman Brothers – Chicago, IL (1997-2008)
    Managing Director/Regional Manager
    Directly supervised four business lines within Private Investment Management Group and Institutional Client Group across four branch offices within the Midwest region. Improved internal and external audit results due to the restructuring of existing compliance and operations teams and the integration of 33 brokers from Cowen acquisition. Simultaneously grew revenues and AUM's by 22% CAGR over 10 years to $110mm and $6.5B respectively.
  • Morgan Stanley – Chicago, IL (1982-1997)
    Principal
    Managed five-person internal team responsible for direct client coverage of UHNW individuals, family offices, institutional investors and corporations. Developed extensive trading and order execution experience across all products.
  • Kidder, Peabody & Co. – Chicago, IL (1979-1982)
    Registered Representative
    Responsible for new account development and direct client management of HNW clients. Developed a specialization in restricted stock transactions.
  • Merrill Lynch Pierce Fenner & Smith – Chicago, IL (1977-1979)
    Registered Representative
    Prospected and opened new accounts for individual investors. Served as new issue product manager within the largest regional office.
  • Loewi & Co. – Chicago, IL (1976-1977)
    Registered Representative
    Prospected and opened new accounts for individual investors.
  • E.F. Hutton – Chicago, IL (1975-1976)
    Runner / Phone Clerk / Trade Checker / Floor Broker
    Responsible for support of the Floor Traders at the Chicago Board Options Exchange.

Education

Rockford College – Rockford, IL (1971-1975) BA Economics

Associations / Community Involvement 

Involved in the community through past board membership and past leadership roles at the University Club of Chicago and the Village of Hinsdale, IL. Currently serves as President of the Coco Point Fund.