The potential for “unlimited liability” under DOL rules is generating significant levels of anxiety among advisors, worry about being found liable for investment losses due to unintentional or unforeseeable events.
This is a key finding of a new survey from Market Strategies International unit Cogent Wealth Reports. Conducted in mid-June, the survey polled financial advisors with $25 million plus in assets under management and more than 5 years of industry experience, as well as investors with over $100,000 in investable assets.
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According to the report, advisors lament that the Department of Labor’s fiduciary rule is “casting a negative industry glow.” While agreeing with the objectives of the DOL regulations, they fear that reputation of industry players — notably non-fiduciary advisors perceived as acting in their own interest — will be tarnished
“The DOL fiduciary ruling is fueling investors’ focus on fees,” the report states. “Investors, largely influenced by the news media, are articulating the impact of the ruling more in terms of fees rather than the more abstract concept of ‘responsibility.’”