August 12, 2010
To Whom It May Concern:
This is in response to the new rules authorized by a recently-passed law in Congress that would impose new 'fiduciary duty' liabilities on me.
I wish to bring to your attention my feelings as to these changes and the affect that they will have on the Financial Insurance Industry.
Please make it known that the Suitability standards currently governing broker-dealers and registered representatives are already stringent and heavily enforced. I will add that the current regulations already provide strong and appropriate consumer safeguards. Requiring compliance with 'fiduciary standards' will drive many advisers out of the market and eliminate a valuable advisory resource to consumers, especially in middle- and lower-income markets.
Additional risk of lawsuits involving registered representatives will increase costs to consumers. Driving every registered representative to fee-only compensation will not necessarily result in better, unbiased advice for the consumer.
I thank you for your time in allowing me to express that of my opinion.
Sincerely,
Troy E. Blaine LUTCF, FSS
Agency Manager,
Farm Bureau Financial Services