Disclosures and client consent are insufficient – by themselves – to satisfy the fiduciary standard.
The Specific Fiduciary Duties of Investment Advisers
Contrary to what some of the comments received by the DOL/EBSA suggest, fiduciary duties are neither too “ill-defined” nor “vague” to be applied to investment advisory activities.
Proposed Rule, Definition of the Term “Fiduciary”
Certain comments made by Kenneth E. Bentsen, Jr. of SIFMA before the U.S. Department of Labor hearing on the proposed definition of fiduciary regulation were either misleading and/or not relevant to the issues under consideration.
The Regulation of Brokers, Dealers, Advisors and Financial Planners
By Tamar Frankel — The SEC, authorized by the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, should impose a fiduciary duty on all brokers (and similar financial professionals) who suggest specific securities to clients.
An Investment Adviser’s Fiduciary Duty
By Lorna A. Schnase — An investment adviser’s fiduciary duty derives primarily from common law and federal statutory law. There are two basic duties, those of care and loyalty. Some authorities list additional duties such as a duty of obedience, a duty to act in good faith, and a duty of disclosure.
Dodd-Frank Act, Section 913: Study and Rulemaking Regarding Obligations of Brokers, Dealers, and Investment Advisers
Rulemaking – The Commission may commence a rule-making, as necessary or appropriate in the public interest and for the protection of retail customers, to address the legal or regulatory standards of care for brokers, dealers, investment advisers, persons associated with brokers or dealers, and persons associated with investment advisers for providing personalized investment advice about securities to retail customers.
