The Obama administration's proposed financial services regulatory overhaul may have a profound impact on the way that investment advice is disseminated in the United States.
The administration's proposal would impose a fiduciary standard on financial advisors who offer investment advice.
As reported earlier, stockbrokers are currently held to standards of "suitability" which is a much lower standard than a fiduciary obligation. From a consumer perspective, the difference between an advisory account and a brokerage account is critical.
While the proposal has a long road to become reality, the implications of an across the board fiduciary standard for financial advice would be far reaching. The standard would likely affect existing business models, compensation methods, and certainly product recommendations.
Some form of minimum fiduciary standard would be a huge win for financial services consumers in the United States.
- tom's blog
- Log in to post comments
Comments
mc replied on Permalink
A huge plus for the investing public!!!!
I agree......This type of proposal would be a huge positive for the general investing public.
William replied on Permalink
I really like how you added a
I really like how you added a photo to the article. It adds a very good visual touch to the website--lightens it up, actually.
Patrick Bruce replied on Permalink
if the prudent investor rule
if the prudent investor rule and fiduciary standards are going to applied to retail brokers, then the courts better get ready for an onslaught of law suits.
Anonymous replied on Permalink
Prudent Investor Rule
Good stuff :)
You're right, either a traffic jam in court or a huge house cleaning on the financial advisor front.
Huge implications but highly unlikely (unfortunately) to become reality IMO.
Good to hear from you Patrick.