The obligation to act in the best interest of the client, putting their interests ahead of the advisor’s.
Fiduciary Duty
Adhering to moral and ethical principles, being honest and transparent in all dealings.
Integrity
Providing advice and making decisions without bias or personal interest.
Objectivity
Possessing the necessary knowledge, skills, and expertise to provide effective financial advice.
Competence
Treating all clients equally and impartially, without favoritism.
Fairness
Safeguarding client information and not disclosing it without proper authorization.
Confidentiality
Conducting oneself in a manner consistent with ethical standards and industry norms.
Professionalism
Performing thorough research and analysis to ensure accurate advice and recommendations.
Diligence
Exercising caution and good judgment in decision-making.
Prudence
Situations where a financial advisor’s personal interests may conflict with those of the client.
Conflict of Interest
Providing full and transparent information to clients about relevant matters, including potential conflicts of interest.
Disclosure
Recommending products or services that align with the client’s financial goals, risk tolerance, and financial situation.
Suitability
Placing the client’s interests and needs at the center of all decision-making and actions.
Client-Centric
Exercising the necessary caution and attention to ensure that all recommendations and actions are appropriate and well-considered.
Due-Care
Providing false or misleading information to clients.
Misrepresentation
Failure to disclose relevant information to clients.
Omission
Compensation received by financial advisors for selling certain financial products.
Commission
Refers to the method by which the clients are charged for services. This can include asset-based fees (a percentage of assets under management), hourly fees, fixed fees, performance-based fees, and commission-based fees.
Fee Structure
Obligation to inform clients about any conflicts of interest, fees, or other relevant information that may impact their decisions.
Duty to Disclose
Responsibility to educate clients about financial matters, risks, and potential outcomes.
Duty to Inform
Requirement to identify, address, and manage conflicts of interest in a manner that prioritizes the client’s interests.
Duty to Manage Conflicts