August 18, 2010
RE: File No: 4-606
Dear Ms. Murphy:
I am a financial planner and an investment advisor representative with 15 to 20 accounts handling $50 million of assets under management. In my practice, I have been servicing clients under a fiduciary standard of care for 15 years. I strongly urge you to extend the Advisers Act fiduciary standard of care to all financial professionals who provide personalized investment advice to retail clients.
It is unfair to consumers that the quality of advice they receive from a financial professional is dependent on the professionals registration or title. Its no wonder consumers are confused, and do not know whether their financial professional is looking out for their best interests. I can tell you from my personal experience that adhering to the fiduciary standard of care and putting my clients interests ahead of my own benefits my clients and my business.
When I sit in a room with a client, I begin by stating that all of the information discussed regarding their personal financial situation will be held in the strictest of confidence. And because Im an independent financial planning professional, the only two parties represented in the room are my client and myself. I work hard to reach an understanding with every client, uncovering information necessary to serve each one individually. This ensures that the clients needs and wishes are clearly communicated and prioritized without conflict or overriding inputs.
My clients recognize and understand that the advice I give them is in their best interests, because: my loyalty is to them first I will advise them with utmost good faith I will manage any conflicts of interests that may harm them and disclose those conflicts to them I get paid for the advice I give them and the investments I select for them I am required to choose from the best investments available keeping their interests first and I can charge a fee or commissions based on their needs and preferences.
Adhering to the fiduciary standard of care does not limit my ability to provide my clients with appropriate services and products. As a fiduciary, I can choose to operate in a business model that is best for my client. The key is fully disclosing, and avoiding and fairly managing conflicts of interest. Providing financial advice with fiduciary accountability does not reduce services to middle Americans. It insures that the services consumers receive will be in their best interests -- not in the best interests of the financial intermediary or his or her company.
I urge you to recommend to Congress that it is necessary and appropriate in the public interest and for the protection of consumers to extend the fiduciary standard to broker-dealers, who provide personalized investment advice, and to initiate a rulemaking to achieve this long overdue consumer reform.
Sincerely,
Curtis L. Catlin, CFP
720 Goodlette Rd N – Suite 200
Naples FL 34102