Financial Advisor “Red Flags”
When entrusting your financial well-being in a financial advisor, being vigilant is essential. There are some common warning signs or “red flags” that may indicate dishonest practices or incompetence. By looking out for warning signs you can reduce your chances of being in an investment scam, or a Ponzi Scheme.
We have compiled a list of things to be aware of when using a financial advisor.
Lack of Credentials or Professional Designations |
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Your advisor should hold the appropriate certifications or licenses relevant to their field, such as Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), or Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). Be cautious if they lack recognized credentials or if their qualifications seem dubious.
Also ensure that your advisor is properly registered and licensed with the appropriate regulatory authorities. You can verify this information through regulatory bodies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). |
High-Pressure Sales Tactics |
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Beware of advisors who use aggressive or pushy tactics to sell you certain financial products or services. A reputable advisor should focus on your needs, goals, and risk tolerance, providing objective advice rather than pressuring you into making hasty decisions. |
Limited Transparency |
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Transparency is crucial when it comes to fees, commissions, and potential conflicts of interest. If your advisor is or has been evasive about disclosing fees or fails to provide clear explanations regarding the products they recommend, it may be a sign of hidden fees or undisclosed incentives. |
Lack of Fiduciary Duty |
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Determine if your advisor operates under a fiduciary duty, meaning they are legally bound to act in your best interests. Some advisors operate under a suitability standard, which means they only need to recommend products that are suitable for you, even if they may not be the best option. |
Excessive Trading or Churning |
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Watch out for excessive trading of your investments, known as churning, which is when an advisor engages in an unusually high volume of buying and selling transactions within their client’s investment portfolio. A financial advisor might do this in order to increase their own commissions, as they are usually paid whenever they buy and sell a financial asset. |
Poor Communication or Availability |
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A trustworthy advisor should maintain regular communication, promptly respond to inquiries and provide updates on your investments.
If your advisor is unresponsive, fails to explain investment strategies clearly, or avoids your questions, it may be a cause for concern. |
Unregistered Investments or Promises of High Returns |
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Be cautious of advisors who promote unregistered or highly speculative investments, promising unrealistically high returns. Such investments may carry significant risks and could be potential indicators of fraudulent schemes. |
When trusting someone to manage your money and savings, it pays to be vigilant. If you have experienced at least one of these aspects we recommend you have a quick chat with our litigation team here at Burt Brill & Cardens to see if there is a possibility your financial advisor is mismanaging your funds.
What should I do?
Your financial advisor should be someone you trust completely with your finances. If you feel as though your advisor has been negligent or made you uncomfortable due to one of the reasons above, then reach out to us. We can look into whether there has been mismanagement of your funds.
You can contact us on 01273 604 123, email us at enquire@bbc-law.co.uk or fill in our enquiry form.
If you would like more information about making a claim against your financial advisor, have a look at our webpage on professional negligence.
Get in touch
Speak to one of our solicitors today. We would love to hear from you and discuss any legal issues you may have and how we can assist you.