August 17, 2010
I have been working in a fiduciary advisory role for the past 6 years, and feel strongly that investors who receive investment advice from any type of advisor should be given that advice under a fiduciary standard of care. Many investors are rightfully confused about who is looking out for their best interests, if anyone. I believe it is time that anyone who offers investment advice should do so under a fiduciary duty. Investors will be best served when they can make informed decisions not only about their investments, but also about their advisors. As long as a broker can choose the highest commission product that is suitable for an investor, that investor may not be well-served. I urge you to do what is best for the individual investor, and recommend to Congress that the fiduciary standard be extended to all who provide personalized investment advice.