July 30, 2010
I believe that we as investment representatives are already held to a high enough standard with our current suitability requirements. My recommendations to clients are always based on what is in their best interest. My company has a suitability review for every new account to make sure that this is the case. My files are reviewed on an annual basis by our compliance officer to ensure that the proper procedures are followed. I am also required to review suitability with each investment client on a bi-yearly basis to ensure the continued appropriateness of their investments. I believe that any increased burden of fiduciary responsibility as proposed would just serve to increase the cost of doing business for myself and my company. This would in turn, increase the cost of investing to clients and would be a disservice to their ability to build future financial security.