COLUMBUS – Up until now, not all financial advisers in Ohio and the rest of the country were required to put their clients first, before any investment funds they represent.

This month that’s expected to change after the U.S. Department of Labor issued a fiduciary rule – taking full effect in 2018 – that requires all financial advisers, who give retirement advice, to act in the best interest of their clients.

Jim Lardner, communications director with Americans for Financial Reform, explains the problem.

“Brokers, insurance companies, sales people and others can take advantage of loopholes and have taken advantage of loopholes, to promote high-commissioned investment products that do very well for them, but are not so good for the investor,” he states.

This is the first time the rules have been updated in 40 years. Opponents say the change will require excess paperwork and will result in higher costs for investors in the long run.

Americans for Financial Reform estimates the lack of consumer protection until now has cost savers more than $17 billion annually.

The policy hasn’t been mandated by law before now, but many reputable investment companies require their advisers to sign a contract committing to act in the best interest of their clients.

Lardner says to protect yourself, ask your adviser if he or she has committed to such a standard.

“There are already a great many financial advisers out there who adhere to a best-interest standard,” he states. “Some because they’re required to, some because they choose to, but either way, it’s something they commit themselves to contractually.”

According to a study by the Center for American Progress, even a seemingly small extra fee on an investment in a mutual fund can add up over time.

A 25-year-old earning $30,000 a year and investing 5 percent of his or her salary annually would end up paying almost $100,000 extra over a lifetime with an extra fee of less than 1 percent.

A new rule from the U.S. Labor Department aims to ensure financial advisers are acting in their clients’ best interests.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2016/04/web1_gr-51344-1-1-1.jpgA new rule from the U.S. Labor Department aims to ensure financial advisers are acting in their clients’ best interests.

By Mary Kuhlman

Ohio News Connection