2018, June - MEMBER SPOTLIGHT INTERVIEW - ​MITCH BELL

MEET MITCH BELL OF FSDA CORPORATE MEMBER, PERSHING LLC.
We are speaking today with Mitch Bell, Director of Global Client Relationships with Pershing, a BNY Mellon company. 

Mitch, please tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was raised in Metuchen, NJ, went to school at Johnson & Wales University and after graduation went to work for Merrill Lynch before joining Pershing in 1997.

What do you do at Pershing?
I am a Director and a Senior Relationship Manager for Pershing, a BNY Mellon company, in the Global Client Relationship group.

​For 25 years, I’ve had the incredible the opportunity to grow businesses and partner with some really talented people within our client base, Pershing and our parent company BNY Mellon. It’s been a career path driven by passion, life-long learning and embracing challenges. 

Today, I’m fortunate to work strategically to foster client relationships with some of the largest most complex broker-dealers and the advisors they serve. Importantly, we are working to help them fulfill business plans and goals by leveraging the resources of our entire firm. It’s a unique role that provides me with the opportunity to work closely with the executives that are running a broker-dealer. By investing in their success, we are often able to compliment what they already do really well. It’s personally and professionally rewarding to see our client succeed. 

I know you're a member of the FSDA Scholarship Committee.  Tell us a little bit about what that committee does.
The FSDA offers two or more, $2,000 scholarships, to members of the FSDA.  They may be utilized by anyone within the member firm.  All information is under our scholarships tab on our website.

Why is it important for Pershing to be a member of the FSDA? 
The FSDA has shown great commitment to positive change in financial services around critical issues such as adopting new business models, addressing new regulations and dealing with product complexity. Importantly, they have developed a trusted and constructive relationship with Florida Legislators and the investment community. These important issues are crucial for Pershing and the clients we serve. We are proud to work side-by-side with FSDA as we move ahead in these exciting and challenging times.

I know that in June Pershing will host its annual INSITE conference, which will take place this year in Orlando. Tell us a little bit about why an investment adviser or financial adviser should consider attending INSITE 2018. 
For 20 years, INSITE has brought industry leaders together to discuss prominent issues, trends and best practices. This year, home office professionals and advisors will have a chance to explore the major issues they are facing, such as regulatory and technology changes, while networking with those who are passionate about this business. Take a look at our sessions; they have been uniquely developed to customize your experience by choosing the breakout sessions that interest you most.

Mitch, has Pershing extended to employees of FSDA members any exclusive offers to attend this year’s INSITE conference?
Absolutely! I’d be happy to have anyone affiliated with the FSDA as my guest. I’ve arranged to have our conference fee waived for INSITE 2018 when you use Priority Code "FSDA" at registration so please join us June 6-8, 2018, at the Hyatt Regency Orlando. Visit BNYMellonINSITE.com to learn more, and register today!

Mitch, thanks for taking time to speak with us today. INSITE 2018 sounds like a wonderful event. The FSDA urges employees of all FSDA members to consider attending, and if you or your firm have not yet joined FSDA, now is an exciting time to do so to take advantage of this opportunity and to reap all the other benefits of FSDA membership. 

Next month, Patricia Cowart an attorney with Wells Fargo Advisors will be "In the Spotlight."