RIA vs Registered Representative
- How We Differ from Registered Representatives
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Some think Registered Representatives are similar to RIAs, but:
- They are usually compensated by commissions on product transactions.
- Typically not held to a fiduciary standard when making a recommendation, but rather held to a “suitability standard”.
- Suitability standards say they can recommend certain securities or investments if they believe they are suitable for a particular investor – but they are not required to put your best interest first.
- So, which option is right for you?
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Some questions you should ask yourself:
- What am I looking for – assistance with buying/selling individual securities, investment advice, or both?
- How do I want to pay my financial professional? Fees? Commissions?
- Do I want to take a longer-term, holistic approach to the management of my investments or make it more transaction oriented?
- How important is it that my financial professional have a fiduciary responsibility to put my interests first?