August 25, 2010
Dear SEC:
I am commenting as a licensed, practicing financial advisor. This issue is very important to me as a professional.
Currently, investors have a reasonable expectation that their "advisor" is acting in their best interests at all times. The average investor is not aware of the different legal standards and even if he is, does not fully comprehend the implications. As such, the average investor is unable to evaluate his advisor options and make an informed decision.
Given this, industry professionals should be held to the standard generally expected by investors, that their "advisor" will always act in the best interests of the client.
I urge the SEC to adopt a fiduciary standard for any professional holding himself out to be an advisor.