July 30, 2010
Advisors I know have always put their clients best interest first. Not only is that the right thing to do but if we do not look out for the customer we do not keep them. I have had experience with planners that work fee for advice and claim they have "fiduciary duty to the customer" and therefore the are more trustworthy. These financial consulants frequently do not place their clients interest first. There is no room for dishonest advisors in this business-they make it difficult for the rest of us who are trying to give the best representation we can to our customers. The suitability rule looks forward--the fiduciary rule looks back in hind sight. Keep the "suitability" rule for brokers.