August 24, 2010
I have been an Advisor and hold the 6, 7 63 for 8 years. I disagree that the fiduciary standard will protect consumers better. The suitability standards governing broker-dealers are already heavily enforced. Country is very proactive in traing classes and continuing education. We also have strict oversight on activities and are required to justify and document all recommendations that then go to review.
Requiring a fiduciary duty will dramatically increase the costs for consumers who are now provided services at no cost. The liability will require me to charge a fee for the things my clients now currently benefit from and expect.
Each time I open an account it already goes through numerous suitability compliance reviews.