When you hire a financial advisor, you’re placing a great deal of trust in them — to help you make the right decisions, protect your future, and act in your best interest. That’s why understanding what it means to be a fiduciary is so important.
It’s one of the most misunderstood — but most critical — distinctions in the financial industry.
Let’s break it down in plain language.
Fiduciary: A Legal Duty to Put You First
A fiduciary is someone who is legally and ethically required to act in the best interests of their client — not themselves, their company, or any third party.
When an advisor is a fiduciary, they are obligated to:
- Put your needs above their own
- Avoid conflicts of interest (and disclose any that exist)
- Provide recommendations that are best for you — not just “good enough”
This standard applies not just to investments, but to every part of your financial life — from retirement planning and tax strategy to estate planning and insurance decisions.
Non-Fiduciary = The “Suitability” Standard
Here’s the part many people don’t realize: Not all financial professionals are fiduciaries.
In fact, many operate under what’s called the suitability standard, which only requires that a recommendation is “suitable” for your situation — not necessarily the best option available.
That leaves room for:
- Recommending higher-cost products that pay higher commissions
- Steering you toward solutions that benefit them more than you
- Prioritizing sales quotas over long-term results
They may be doing nothing illegal — but they’re not held to the same duty of care.
Real-World Examples: Why It Matters
Imagine this scenario:
You’re retiring soon and want help rolling over your 401(k). A fiduciary advisor would evaluate all your options and recommend the one that best fits your retirement income goals, risk tolerance, and tax situation.
But an advisor who isn’t a fiduciary? They might steer you into a high-fee annuity or proprietary fund that earns them a commission — even if it isn’t the best long-term choice for you.
It’s not just about ethics — it’s about outcomes. Over time, these decisions can mean thousands of dollars in unnecessary fees, taxes, or missed growth.
So How Do You Know If an Advisor Is a Fiduciary
Here are a few ways to find out:
- Ask directly: “Are you a fiduciary at all times?” (Some advisors are only fiduciaries part of the time — a red flag.)
- Check their credentials: CFP®, CFA®, and CIMA® professionals are often held to fiduciary standards.
- Look at their compensation model: Fee-based advisors are typically fiduciaries. Commission-based advisors are usually not.
- Review their ADV brochure: Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) file this with the SEC and must act as fiduciaries.
At Insight Capital, Fiduciary Isn’t Just a Buzzword – It’s Our Standard
At Insight Capital Management, we operate as fiduciaries — always.
That means every recommendation we give is built around what’s best for you – not what’s best for us. It’s a core part of our process, our planning philosophy, and the trust our clients place in us.
We believe you deserve nothing less.