Eight investment management firms threatened to stop using the CFP designation if the CFP Board expanded it’s fiduciary rule. Despite the bullying, the CFP Board still voted to improve the consumer protections in their Standards of Professional Conduct.
5th Circuit Agrees: Stock Brokers & Insurance Agents Just Salespeople
The Stock Brokerage and Insurance Industries are fighting hard against the Department of Labor's Fiduciary Rule, which would require their advisers to put their client's interests first and disclose conflicts of interest. The industries got the 5th Circuit Court to agree that, unlike Registered Investment Advisers, stock brokers and insurnce agent are just salespeople
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.