July 30, 2010
I believe with 42 years in the financial world, I am qualified to speak on the regulation of financial advisors. I find the suitability requirement is excellent. It has a basis for explaining why the product was recommended. A bad advisor will not be honest no matter how you regulate. I find the suitability standard now in place helps the advisor with a paper trail and the client understand the comparison. In the past 5 years there have been Ethics, Money Laundering and Annuity continuing education requirements added to the license renewal along with the Suitability requirement. Advisors with character are thinking of the client and those added requirements enough.