The Importance of Working With a Fiduciary Financial Advisor

Trust is more important than ever in today’s complex and fast-moving financial world. Beyond upholding a commitment to the core values of integrity, passion, and teamwork, the team at Sequoia Financial Group is proud to be a trusted fiduciary for individuals and families nationwide. Through these foundational commitments, we believe we can offer clients peace of mind and best deliver on our promise to provide a BUILT FOR YOU experience.

What Is a Fiduciary?

Being a fiduciary means the Sequoia Financial Group team has a legal and ethical obligation to always put our clients’ interests first and disclose any conflicts of interest. Given the inherent volatility of financial markets and the expansion of available investment products, having a fiduciary team is critical to aligning your financial plan with your goals.

Registered Investment Advisors vs. Broker-Dealers

Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) like Sequoia are financial firms required to adhere to the industry’s fiduciary standard—the highest standard of care. This duty extends beyond simply making “suitable” recommendations. It requires advisors to prioritize each client’s goals, needs, and well-being above all else, including their compensation or their firm’s revenue.

By contrast, many broker-dealers operate under what’s known as the suitability standard. This means their recommendations must only be “suitable” for the client, not necessarily the best option. The suitability standard can leave room for undisclosed conflicts of interest, such as promoting investment products that yield higher commissions, even if better alternatives exist. That distinction can make all the difference in the quality and objectivity of the advice you receive.

The Stakes for Investors

When an advisor is not held to a fiduciary standard, clients may unknowingly pay hidden fees, be steered toward proprietary products that don’t represent their best interests, or receive advice shaped more by an advisor’s incentives than their own financial goals. Over time, these seemingly minor disadvantages can add up to significant financial consequences.

Fiduciary advisors, on the other hand, typically use transparent fee structures. This often results in fees being charged based on a percentage of assets under management or at a flat rate. This alignment ensures that when you do better, your advisor does, too. It encourages long-term thinking, strategic planning, and a genuine commitment to your success.

While fiduciary advisors may offer proprietary products, their recommendations are made through a rigorous, client-first lens. Each investment or solution must be evaluated against a range of alternatives to ensure it truly serves your best interests, not the firm’s bottom line. Fiduciaries are obligated to disclose potential conflicts of interest, explain why a proprietary option is being recommended, and demonstrate how it aligns with your overall financial plan. This level of transparency and accountability helps build trust and means every decision supports your long-term financial well-being.

Why It Matters Now

In today’s investment landscape, uncertainty can feel like the norm. From market volatility and economic instability to the increasing complexity of financial products, working with a fiduciary advisor means you have a professional by your side whose sole purpose is to help you succeed. There are no hidden agendas, no confusing fine print; just straightforward, honest guidance.

Conclusion

The fiduciary difference isn’t just about compliance; it’s about care. It’s about knowing your financial advisor is committed to your goals, values, and financial future. At Sequoia Financial Group, we are honored to embrace this responsibility every day. We believe clients deserve nothing less than advice that puts their best interests first.