August 29, 2010
I believe the simplest solution for the general public is to not allow any broker and/or brokerage firm that will not serve in writing as a named investment fiduciary to use the term client in any communication ever. The broker and firm must use at all times the word customer whenever the individual broker AND/OR firm receives ANY remuneration, other than a fee agreed upon in advance in writing, on ANY/ALL activities be they transaction or "advisory".
Steven L. Klosterman
Regional Director
Halbert Hargrove