The recent approval of the SEC’s Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) has killed any hope that financial advisers at Broker/Dealers would finally be required to be fiduciaries for their clients. The SEC went out of its way to create a regulation that would confuse consumers into thinking they have legal protections, when they don’t.
An Open Letter re: SEC (supposed) Fiduciary Rule
8 Investment & Wealth Management Firms Threaten CFP Board Over Fiduciary Rule
What the Broker Protocol Exits Mean for Investors
Is Your Financial Adviser Infested with BICE?
The DOL Fiduciary rule is now in force, but there is a loophole for commissioned advisers which can allow them to maintain their current compensation model. Make sure you understand the Best Interest Contract Exemption and the implications it has on potential conflicts of interest which could influence the investment advice you recieve.
Do You Know How Your Advisor is Licensed
Between the wide range of meaningless job titles and the alphabet soup of certifications and designations, it's easy for an advisor to hide how they truly do business. One thing an adviser can't hide, however, is how they're licensed. Knowing the license will tell you what they can advise on, how they are compensated, and whether they are fiduciaries.
How to Identify Financial Professionals for Individual Tasks
The purpose of personal finance is more personal than finance, but there is value to having an objective financial advisor in your corner. Seeking out professional advisors for individual goals or pieces of your financial plan can save you or earn you thousands of dollars more than you pay for the advice. Identify key advisors and find the answers to these 5 questions.