Decoding the Duties of Financial Advisors: Are Your Interests Their Top Priority?

[Steven Libman]

Tune in as we dive deep into the challenges faced by investors when seeking advice

from financial advisors.

Reasons some financial advisors can't be trusted

Financial advisors are crucial in assisting individuals with investment decisions and financial planning. While many rely on these professionals to guide them in making sound financial choices, certain aspects demand attention and scrutiny.

Here are some reasons why some financial advisory services may not be trustworthy:

• ● Dismissive attitude: Some advisors may dismiss investment opportunities without thoroughly evaluating them, leaving clients wondering about their reluctance and potential missed opportunities.
• ● Compensation structure: Financial advisors earn income through management fees based on the client's assets under management and commissions for recommending specific products. This dual income stream could create conflicts of interest, as advisors may be motivated to recommend products that benefit them financially.
• ● Fiduciary vs. suitability standard: Registered investment advisors have a fiduciary duty to act in their client's best interest, whereas financial advisors operate under a suitability standard. This standard only requires them to recommend suitable investments for their clients, potentially neglecting their financial well-being.

In conclusion, it is essential to understand these distinctions to ensure trustworthy financial advice. Consider seeking guidance from registered investment advisors with a fiduciary responsibility towards their clients.

Selling away and the challenges it poses for financial advisors

In financial advisory services, "selling away" poses a significant challenge for advisors. It refers to the restriction placed on financial advisors, preventing them from recommending investments outside their firm's offerings. This limitation, imposed by regulatory bodies, raises concerns about advisors' fiduciary responsibility and the conflicts of interest they face.

Selling away arises from regulatory frameworks governing the securities industry. Financial advisors not registered as investment advisors are typically bound by agreements with their firms, limiting them to selling only the products and investments provided by their company. While this restriction aims to protect clients' interests, it may create a conflict of interest for advisors who may be aware of alternative investment opportunities beneficial to their clients. Violating the restriction may result in the loss of a license and legal consequences, raising doubts about advisors' ability to act in their client's best interests and hindering unbiased advice and exploration of better investment options.

Financial advisors often position themselves as fiduciaries committed to acting in their client's best interests. However, the selling away limitation challenges this notion. Although advisors can engage in discussions with external investment professionals, they are prohibited from recommending these opportunities to clients. This paradox misleads clients into thinking their advisors thoroughly evaluate all options when, in reality, they cannot act upon valuable insights gained from these discussions. The impact on clients may be disheartening, as they realize their advisors are restricted from endorsing potentially profitable investments. This realization could undermine clients' confidence and trust in their advisors, built over years of a trusted relationship.

To address these challenges, transparency and client education are crucial. Financial advisors must openly discuss the regulatory limitations they face, explaining how these restrictions impact their ability to recommend specific investment opportunities. By fostering transparency and educating clients about the complexities of the financial industry, advisors might help clients make more informed decisions and understand the constraints within which they operate.

Therefore, “selling away” presents a significant hurdle for financial advisors aiming to provide their clients with the best advice and service. Regulatory limitations restrict their ability to recommend investments beyond their firm's offerings, potentially depriving clients of valuable opportunities.

Why you should know who's managing your money and giving you advice

Regarding your hard-earned money and financial future, it is crucial to understand who is handling your funds and providing you with advice. We’ll delve into a few essential things you should remember when choosing a financial advisor and explain why these considerations matter.

• ● When choosing a financial advisor, it's essential to consider their qualifications and experience. While some advisors may be highly trained and knowledgeable, others may only receive minimal training. Understanding your advisor's educational background and professional history is essential to assess their expertise accurately.
• ● It's common for financial advisors to claim that they act as fiduciaries, meaning they prioritize your best interests. However, it's essential to understand that many financial advisor roles are focused on sales. These individuals are hired based on their ability to generate sales and meet targets. This doesn't mean they can't provide helpful advice, but it underscores the importance of carefully assessing their suggestions and ensuring they align with your long-term financial objectives.
• ● To understand an advisor's financial decisions, looking at their net worth is helpful. You may ask for a personal financial statement or talk about their financial situation to see how successfully they manage money. If they're hesitant to share this information, it's reasonable to question their ability to guide you effectively in managing your finances.
• ● It's essential to conduct your own research to ensure the accuracy of information provided by financial advisors. The internet offers numerous resources to help you understand fiduciary and non-fiduciary roles, suitability factors, and selling away. By equipping yourself with knowledge, you might make informed decisions about your financial future.
• ● It's essential to be proactive in managing your finances instead of solely relying on a financial advisor. Surrounding yourself with successful and knowledgeable individuals in finance might give you valuable insights. Seek diverse perspectives beyond traditional financial institutions and learn from those who have excelled.

Knowing who is handling your money and offering financial advice is essential. This helps you make informed decisions about your financial future. Remember, you are ultimately responsible for your money. By understanding these factors, you may strive to live and thrive financially.

[Denver McClure]

Registered Investment Advisor here! I just wanted to add that several Investment Advisors do own active real estate portfolios (myself included) and believe in using real estate to achieve financial independence. It never hurts to speak with someone about your financial health, but as Steven said, you want to make sure they are a Fiduciary, and are transparent about their fees whether it is AUM or fee-based by hour. 

Keep in mind that many of us trust realtors and loan officers who sometimes might not act in our best interest similar to a fiduciary, just to close a deal to earn commissions. An Investment Advisor is just another tool on your team, however their compensation is attached to advice and portfolio performance, rather than you closing on a property. That's why I usually recommend working with Agents, LOs, and Investment Advisors that own real estate and have your best interest in mind, similar to a Fiduciary.