Fiduciary 101: What you need to know...
WHAT IS A FIDUCIARY?
A fiduciary is a professional entrusted to manage assets or wealth while putting the client's best interests first at all times. Financial advisors who follow a fiduciary standard must disclose any conflict, or potential conflict, to their clients prior to and through the advisory engagement. Fiduciaries will also adopt a code of ethics and will fully disclose how they are compensated.
WHO IS A FIDUCIARY?
Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) are held to a fiduciary standard or care. By law, they must act solely in the best interest of their clients. To ensure your advisor or a potential advisor is following a fiduciary standard, requests to see the advisor's ADV (a form filed with the SEC) or ask if they will sign a Fiduciary Oath.
Things To Keep In Mind
Non- fiduciary financial professionals can recommend investments based on a suitability standard applicable on a per product basis. In some cases, commissions on products drive the financial professionals product mix and recommendations to their client.
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