August 2, 2010
The suitability standard governing broker-dealers and registered representatives is a robust and heavily enforced standard. Registered Investment Advisors already have adequate regulatory compliance. Other Registered Representatives are meeting the current regulations with success. Layering on additional requirements is costly in terms of both time and expense for many of my peers. I am a thirty year veteran of our profession and proud of my record. The efforts I take to continue to hold my licenses in multiple states and meet SEC/FINRA requirements are substantial and in large measure working well. In addition, our firm and broker/dealer impose further and more stringent rules in regards to securities and any replacement of insurance products in our business. This is complimented by the firm's procedures to make all applications and orders IN GOOD ORDER. We work diligently to meet the standards and in fact I spend more time meeting compliance requirements than meeting in person with clients. Nothing that we do is easy, or quick.
A program to encourage consumers to regularly keep their advisors up-to-date would do more to foster financial health and limit abuses than layering on changes in the compliance and regulatory environment.
If a client feels that they need additional information or protection they can select an RIA, a Financial Planner, CPA or Attorney. That way they can obtain a 'fiduciary' as needed.
My practice is currently not fee-based. I hold a Series 7 license, along with Series 6 22, 63 in OH, IN, MI, PA, FL, AZ and life/health/variable insurance licenses in OH, IN, MI, GA, FL.