July 30, 2010
As a financial representative for Northwestern Mutual, I know that we are called to a high standard of professionalism and integrity.
I pride myself in serving client's interests ahead of my own. They do business with me because they trust me.
The suitability standard that is currently imposed is enforced rigorously by Northwestern Mutual. The many hours of time that it takes to comply with all aspects of this has led me to hire a compliance officer to assist me in keeping all files, correspondence, etc. compliant.
The cost of this to my practice is already very high. Many of our clients are shocked at the amount of paperwork and signatures we must generate in each transaction.
I request that our costs and burden as representatives serving our community NOT be increased with this fiduciary standard. It seems this fiduciary standard will only take our industry down a path of heavy litigation, high costs, and further public distrust. I provide a valuable service to my community, but if the costs of compliance and liability become too great, I (and many others) will not be able to continue serving in this way.
This loss would be a tragedy. Now more than ever, many Americans need our advice and assistance with their financial needs, and they are more than grateful when we are able to assist them. Please help us continue to help them by rejecting this unnecessary fiduciary burden and keeping our compliance costs in line with common sense.
Respectfully,
Tim Doozan