According to informed sources, Richard Smerin, the head of equity derivatives for Asia Pacific at Morgan Stanley, has left the firm after more than 16 years of service. One source indicated that Smerin, who was based in Hong Kong, resigned last week. The individuals requested anonymity as the information is not public. A representative for Morgan Stanley declined to comment.

Professional networking profiles show that Smerin held the title of Managing Director at the Wall Street firm and previously served as a co-head of equity derivatives trading. He began his career at UBS Group.