August 18, 2010
As a practitioner who has voluntarily submitted his professional conduct to the highest ethical standards of the industry as a Certified Financial Planner, extending the fiduciary standard to all licensed financial professionals seems not only wise but a decision in the best interest of both the profession and the consumer. I am licensed to conduct business as a registered representative, an Investment Advisor Representative and an insurance agent. All of my professional activity is governed by the code of ethics of the CFP Board of Standards which elevates my obligation to my clients as that of a fiduciary.
Furthermore, I have witnessed the devestation of unethical sales practices from competitors on clients and prospects who fall prey to salespeople who shun their responsibility for honesty and suitability and serving the clients' interest first.
I see no reason why any professional practitioner would not willingly submit to this standard. Indeed, there is no compelling argument that any true professional could make to excuse himself from this standard of care, whether by regulation or voluntarily. I concur and wholeheartedly support the proposed adoption of a fiduciary standard to govern this noble profession.