August 23, 2010
I am troubled by the negative effects of even MORE regulation of the financial services industry.
I do not see the need to further complicate things.
I have such intense supervision and oversight from by broker dealer, that I can not imagine what more needs to be done to provide adequate and suitable disclosure to our clients.
Getting to know clients, and helping them navigate through the disclosures, sign offs, and suitability paperwork is a significant expenditure of time and effort. I worry that more steps and disclosures will not only confuse the clients, but force the professionals to limit their time and involvement due to making it more difficult and expensive to be in practice.
Then people will be vulnerable to the "point and click" environment of internet investing, without the caring and nurturing guidance derived from a personal relationship with a professional whom they know and trust, and who knows the client and the client's circumstances.