BOARD CERTIFICATION EXAM STUDY GUIDES Lower Extremity Trauma
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So, advice is subject to a fiduciary duty, while product sales (brokerage) activity is not. The ratio of fiduciary advice to brokerage sales is about 1:99. So, what does that tell you?
A Contentious and Complicated Issue
This issue is so contentious and complicated today that lawyers are needed to define each and every term, engagement, transaction, brokerage or advisory contract, etc. It is far too amazingly contorted and complicated for most; including me; and we have even discussed the industry machinations and political double-talk on this ME-P previously; from some vary sharp industry experts, too.
The “work-around” for these rules is industry “dual-registration”. Simply put, just get licensed to do both; as I did. Charge a commission when selling stuff and charge a fee for advice. And ideally, do both at the same time; while getting paid for both sides.
As a naïve luddite, I learned this little truism in financial planning school decades ago, and as a doctor and fiduciary for my patients at all times, almost vomited.
Of course, there were more sophisticated students in our classes who regurgitated the standard industry opinion: “We’ll give the client a financial plan for free IF we can sell commissioned products.”
Ideally this meant a fat and fully commissioned wrap account, whole-life insurance policy, LTCI policy; etc. Or, sell products and collect fat ongoing, and often unrecognizable AUM fees [fee-only], too!
From the stock broker-advisor’s POV, it was “Heads I win – tails you loose” for the client. Now, you know why I am a former or reformed certified financial planner.
The Physics Split
Know that as a pre-medical college student years earlier, I leaned about the Werner Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, in physics class.
Of course, true Advice – is not Sales … and Sales is not Advice. Both should never be; simultaneously. So, let’s ditch dual registration and decide which to pursue … and then proceed accordingly. Both sales and advice have risks and benefits to client and producer; both have advantages and disadvantages to both; as well.
WHY? Just like the Werner Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle; it shouldn’t [shan’t] be both; at once.
NOTE: In quantum mechanics, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle is any of a variety of mathematical inequalities asserting a fundamental limit to the precision with which certain pairs of physical properties of a particle, known as complementary variables, such as position x and momentum p, can be known simultaneously.
So, in physics, I can tell you where you are -OR- how fast you are going; but not both. Thus, if it is product sales; it is not advice.
Today, since “dual registration” is still allowed, my suggestion to clients is to seek a fiduciary in all matters 24/7/354; get it in writing, and try to avoid arbitration and “best interest” or BICE clauses! Run from [fee-based and fee-only] AUM fees, too.
PS: I am not against Series #7 representatives and product sales. Salesmen/women often provide a valuable service and should be appropriately compensated. I only object when fees, costs, charges and commissions are duplicative, excessive and/or not fully disclosed to the client. Since excessive is an arbitrary term; full disclosure is the key ingredient.
Assessment
So – How am I wrong, mistaken and/or what did I miss? Do tell! Should We – Can We – Ditch Dual Registration [DDR]?
Oh! In the future, I also hope that State fiduciary standards will potentially cover both non-ERISA and ERISA situations, and employee plan participants will have access to full discovery rights, the one thing the industry fears most.
But, that’s a discussion for another day and time.
Your thoughts and comments on this ME-P are appreciated. Feel free to review our top-left column, and top-right sidebar materials, links, URLs and related websites, too. Then, subscribe to the ME-P. It is fast, free and secure.
Speaker: If you need a moderator or speaker for an upcoming event, Dr. David E. Marcinko; MBA – Publisher-in-Chief of the Medical Executive-Post – is available for seminar or speaking engagements. https://medicalexecutivepost.com/dr-david-marcinkos-bookings/
The Evolving Landscape of Broker-Dealer Recruitment
Broker-dealer recruitment has become a dynamic and competitive arena within the financial services industry. As firms vie for top talent, the strategies and incentives used to attract and retain financial advisors have evolved significantly. In an environment shaped by regulatory changes, technological innovation, and shifting advisor expectations, broker-dealers must continuously refine their recruitment approaches to remain competitive and relevant.
At the heart of broker-dealer recruitment is the pursuit of experienced financial advisors who bring with them established client relationships and significant assets under management. These advisors are highly sought after because they can generate immediate revenue and enhance a firm’s market presence. According to recent industry reports, firms like LPL Financial, Commonwealth, and Cetera have ramped up their recruitment efforts by investing in platform enhancements, rebranding initiatives, and technology upgrades to appeal to both seasoned professionals and the next generation of advisors.
One of the most significant trends in broker-dealer recruitment is the emphasis on value-added services. Advisors today are not merely looking for the highest payout or signing bonus; they are increasingly drawn to firms that offer robust support systems, including compliance assistance, marketing resources, and advanced technology platforms. Broker-dealers that can demonstrate a commitment to advisor growth and client service excellence are more likely to attract top-tier talent.
The competitive nature of the industry has also led to the rise of aggressive recruitment tactics, including lucrative transition packages and equity offers. While these financial incentives can be effective, they are increasingly being supplemented by strategic differentiators such as flexible affiliation models, access to alternative investment platforms, and opportunities for practice acquisition or succession planning.
Moreover, the recruitment landscape is being reshaped by broader economic and regulatory forces. The implementation of Regulation Best Interest (Reg BI) and the ongoing impact of high interest rates have prompted advisors to reassess their affiliations and seek firms that provide clarity, stability, and strategic guidance. Broker-dealers that proactively address these concerns and offer transparent, advisor-centric solutions are better positioned to succeed in the recruitment race.
In conclusion, broker-dealer recruitment is no longer just about offering the biggest check. It is about creating a compelling value proposition that resonates with advisors’ professional goals and personal values. Firms that invest in technology, culture, and advisor support—while remaining agile in response to industry trends—will be best equipped to attract and retain the talent necessary for long-term success.
SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR-http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com
Critical thinking allows a Financial Advisor [FA] to analyze information and make an objective judgment. By impartially evaluating the facts related to a matter, Financial Planners [FPs] can draw realistic conclusions that will help make a sound decision. The ability of being able to properly analyze a situation and come up with a logical and reasonable conclusion is highly valued by employers, as well as current and potential clients.
Now, according to Indeed, we present the six main critical thinking and examples that will help you evaluate your own thought process as a FA, FP or Wealth Manager, etc.
What is critical thinking?
Critical thinking is the ability to objectively analyze information and draw a rational conclusion. It involves gathering information on a subject and determining which pieces of information apply to the subject and which don’t, based on deductive reasoning. The ability to think critically helps people in both their personal and professional lives and is valued by most clients and employers.
Why do employers value critical thinking?
Critical thinking skills are a valuable asset for an employee, as employers, brokerages and Registered Investment Advisors [RIAs] typically appreciate candidates who can correctly assess a situation and come up with a logical resolution. Time is a valuable resource for most managers, and an employee able to make correct decisions without supervision will save both that manager and the whole company much valuable time.
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Six main types of critical thinking skills
There are six main critical thinking skills you can develop to successfully analyze facts and situations and come up with logical conclusions:
1. Analytical thinking
Being able to properly analyze information is the most important aspect of critical thinking. This implies gathering information and interpreting it, but also skeptically evaluating data. When researching a work topic, analytical thinking helps you separate the information that applies to your situation from that which doesn’t.
2. Good communication
Whether you are gathering information or convincing others that your conclusions are correct, good communication is crucial in the process. Asking people to share their ideas and information with you and showing your critical thinking can help step further towards success. If you’re making a work-related decision, proper communication with your coworkers can help you gather the information you need to make the right choice.
3. Creative thinking
Being able to discover certain patterns of information and make abstract connections between seemingly unrelated data helps improve your critical thinking. When analyzing a work procedure or process, you can creatively come up with ways to make it faster and more efficient. Creativity is a skill that can be strengthened over time and is valuable in every position, experience level and industry.
4. Open-mindedness
Previous education and life experiences leave their mark on a person’s ability to objectively evaluate certain situations. By acknowledging these biases, you can improve your critical thinking and overall decision process. For example, if you plan to conduct a meeting in a certain way and your firm suggests using a different strategy, you should let them speak and adjust your approach based on their input.
5. Ability to solve problems
The ability to correctly analyze a problem and work on implementing a solution is another valuable skill.
6. Asking thoughtful questions:
In both private and professional situations, asking the right questions is a crucial step in formulating correct conclusions. Questions can be categorized in various forms as mentioned below:
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* Open-ended questions
Asking open-ended questions can help the person you’re communicating with provide you with relevant and necessary information. These are questions that don’t allow a simple “yes” or “no” as an answer, requiring the respondent to elaborate on the answer.
* Outcome-based questions
When you feel like another person’s experience and skills could help you work more effectively, consider asking outcome-based questions. Asking someone how they would act in a certain hypothetical situation, such as a stock market correction, can give you an insight into their perspective, helping you see things you hadn’t thought about before.
Reflective questions
You can gain insight by asking a client to reflect and evaluate an experience and explain their thought processes during that time. This can help you develop your critical thinking by providing you real-world examples.
* Structural questions
An easy way to understand something is to ask how something works. Any working system results from a long process of trial and error, and properly understanding the steps that needed to be taken for a positive result could help you be more efficient in your own endeavors.
CONCLUSION
Critical thinking is like a muscle that can be exercised and built over time. It is a skill that can help propel your career to new heights. You’ll be able to solve workplace issues, use trial and error to troubleshoot ideas, and more.
SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit a RFP for speaking engagements: MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com
FIVE INVESTING MISTAKES OF DOCTORS; PLUS 1 VITAL TIP
As a former US Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC] Registered Investment Advisor [RIA] and business school professor of economics and finance, I’ve seen many mistakes that doctors must be aware of, and most importantly, avoid. So, here are the top 5 investing mistakes along with suggested guideline solutions.
Mistake 1: Failing to Diversify Investment but Beware Di-Worsification
A single investment may become a large portion of your portfolio as a result of solid returns lulling you into a false sense of security. The Magnificent Seven stocks are a current example:
Apple, up +5,064%% since 1/18/2008
Amazon, up +30,328% since 9/6/2002
Alphabet, up +1,200% since 7/20/2012
Tesla, up +21,713% since 11/16/2012
Meta, up +684% since 2/20/2015
Microsoft, up +22% since 12/21/2023
Nvidia, up +80,797% since 4/15/2005
Guideline: The Magnificent Seven [7] has grown from 9% of the S&P 500 at the end of 2013 to 31% at the end of 2024! That means even if you don’t own them, you’re still very exposed if you have an Index Fund [IF] or Exchange Traded Fund [ETF] that tracks the market. Accordingly, diversification is the only free lunch in investing which can reduce portfolio risk. But, remember the Wall Street insider aphorism that states: “Di-Versification Means Always Having to Say Your Sorry.”
The term “Di-Worsification” was coined by legendary investor Peter Lynch in his book, One Up On Wall Street to refer to over-diversifying an investment portfolio in such a way that it reduces your overall risk-return characteristics. In other words, the potential return rises with an increase in risk and invested money can render higher profits only if willing to accept a higher possibility of losses [1].
A podiatrist can easily fall into the trap of chasing securities or mutual funds showing the highest return. It is almost an article of faith that they should only purchase mutual funds sporting the best recent performance. But in fact, it may actually pay to shun mutual funds with strong recent performance. Unfortunately, many struggle to appreciate the benefits of their investment strategy because in jaunty markets, people tend to run after strong performance and purchase last year’s winners.
Similarly, in a market downturn, investors tend to move to lower-risk investment options, which can lead to missed opportunities during subsequent market recoveries. The extent of underperformance by individual investors has often been the most awful during bear markets. Academic studies have consistently shown that the returns achieved by the typical stock or bond fund investors have lagged substantially.
Guideline: Understand chasing performance does not work.Continually monitor your investments and don’t feel the need to invest in the hottest fund or asset category. In fact, it is much better to increase investments in poor performing categories (i.e. buy low). Also keep in remind rebalancing of assets each year is key. If stocks perform poorly and bonds do exceptionally well, then rebalance at the end of the year. In following this strategy, this will force a doctor into buying low and selling high each year.
Often doctors make their investment decisions under the belief that stocks will consistently give them solid double-digit returns. But the stock markets go through extended long-term cycles.
In examining stock market history, there have been 6 secular bull markets (market goes up for an extended period) and 5 secular bear markets (market goes down) since 1900. There have been five distinct secular bull markets in the past 100+ years. Each bull market lasted for an extended period and rewarded investors.
For example, if an investor had started investing in stocks either at the top of the markets in 1966 or 2000, future stock market returns would have been exceptionally below average for the proceeding decade. On the other hand, those investors fortunate enough to start building wealth in 1982 would have enjoyed a near two-decade period of well above average stock market returns. They key element to remember is that future historical returns in stocks are not guaranteed. If stock market returns are poor, one must consider that he or she will have to accept lower projected returns and ultimately save more money to make up for the shortfall. For example,
The May 6th, 2010, flash crash, also known as the crash of 2:45, was a United States trillion-dollar stock market plunge which started at 2:32 pm EST and lasted for approximately 36 minutes.
And, investors who have embraced the “buy the dip” strategy in 2025 have been handsomely rewarded, with the S&P 500 delivering its strongest post-pull back returns in over three decades.
According to research from Bespoke Investment Group, the S&P 500 has gained an average of 0.36% in the trading session following a down day so far in 2025. The only year with a comparable performance was 2020, which saw a 0.32% average post-dip gain [2].
The most recent example came on May 27, 2025 when the S&P 500 surged more than 2% after falling 0.7% in the final session before the holiday weekend. The rally was sparked by President Trump’s decision to scale back huge previously threatened tariffs on EU —a recurring catalyst behind many of 2025’s rebound.
Guideline: Beware of projecting forward historical returns. Doctors should realize that the stock markets are inherently volatile and that, while it is easy to rely on past historical averages, there are long periods of time where returns and risk deviate meaningfully from historical averages.
Some doctors believe they are “smarter than the market” and can time when to jump in and buy stocks or sell everything and go to cash. Wouldn’t it be nice to have the clairvoyance to be out of stocks on the market’s worst days and in on the best days?
Using the S&P 500 Index, our agile imaginary doctor-investor managed to steer clear of the worst market day each year from January 1st, 1992 to March 31st, 2012. The outcome: s/he compiled a 12.42% annualized return (including reinvestment of dividends and capital gains) during the 20+ years, sufficient to compound a $10,000 investment into $107,100.
But what about another unfortunate doctor-investor that had the mistiming to be out of the market on the best day of each year. This ill-fated investor’s portfolio returned only 4.31% annualized from January 1992 – March 2012, increasing the $10,000 portfolio value to just $23,500 during the 20 years. The design of timing markets may sound easy, but for most all investors it is a losing strategy.
More contemporaneously on December 18th 2024, the DJIA plummeted 2.5%, while the S&P 500 declined 3% and the NASDAQ tumbled 3.5%
Guideline: If it looks too good to be true, it probably is. While jumping into the market at its low and selling right at the high is appealing in theory, we should recognize the difficulties and potential opportunity and trading costs associated with trying to time the stock market in practice. In general, colleagues are be best served by matching their investment with their time horizon and looking past the peaks / valleys along the way.
Mistake 5: Failing to Recognize the Impact of Fees and Expenses
A free dinner seminar or a polished stock-broker sales pitch may hide the total underlying costs of an investment. So, fees absolutely matter.
The first costing step is determining what the fees actually are. In a mutual fund, these costs are found in the company’s obligatory “Fund Facts”. This manuscript clearly outlines all the fees paid–including up front fees (commissions and loads), deferred sales charges and any switching fees. Fund management expense ratios are also part of the overall cost. Trading costs within the fund can also impact performance.
Here is a list of the traditional mutual fund fees:
Front End Load: The commission charged to purchase a fund through a stock broker or financial advisor. The commission reduces the amount you have available to invest. Thus, if you start with $100,000 to invest, and the advisor charges up to an 8 percent front end load, you end up actually investing $92,000.
Deferred Sales Charge (DSC) or Back End Load: Imposed if you sell your position in the mutual fund within a pre-specified period of time (normally one – five years). It is initiated at a higher start percentage (i.e. as high as 10 percent) and declines over a specific period of time.
Operating Fees: Costs of the mutual fund including the management fee rewarded to the manager for investment services. It also includes legal, custodial, auditing and marketing fees.
Annual Administration Fee: Many mutual fund companies also charge a fee just for administering the account – usually under $100-150 per year.
Guideline: Know and understand all fees.
For example: A 1 percent disparity in fees may not seem like much but it makes a considerable impact over a long time period.
Consider a $100,000 portfolio that earns 8 percent before fees, grows to $320,714 after 20 years if the investor pays a 2 percent operating fee. In comparison, if s/he opted for a fund that charged a more reasonable 1 percent fee, after 20 years, the portfolio grows to be $386,968 – a divergence of over $66,000!
This is the value of passive or index investing. In the case of an index fund, fees are generally under 0.5 percent, thus offering even more savings over a long period of time.
One Vital Tip: Investing Time is on Your Side
Despite thousands of TV shows, podcasts, textbooks, opinions and university studies on investing, it really only has three simple components. Amount invested, rate of return and time. By far, the most important item is time! For example:
Nvidia: if you invested $1,000 in 2009, you’d have $338,103 today.
Apple: if you invested $1,000 in 2008, you’d have $48,005 today.
Netflix: if you invested $1,000 in 2004, you’d have $495,679 today.
Unfortunately, this list of investing mistakes is still being made by many doctors. Fortunately, by recognizing and acting to mitigate them, your results may be more financially fruitful and mentally quieting.
REFERENCES:
1. Lynch, Peter: One Up on Wall Street [How to Use What You Already Know to Make Money in the Market]: Simon and Shuster (2nd edition) New York, 2000.
1. Marcinko, DE; Comprehensive Financial Planning Strategies for Doctors and Advisors [Best Practices from Leading Consultants and Certified Medical Planners™] Productivity Press, New York, 2017.
2. Marcinko, DE: Dictionary of Health Economics and Finance. Springer Publishing Company, New York, 2006.
3. Marcinko, DE; Risk Management, Liability Insurance, and Asset Protection Strategies for Doctors and Advisors [Best Practices from Leading Consultants and Certified Medical Planners™] CRC Press, New York, 2015.
BIO: As a former university Professor and Endowed Department Chair in Austrian Economics, Finance and Entrepreneurship, the author was a NYSE Registered Investment Advisor and Certified Financial Planner for a decade. Later, he was a private equity and wealth manager
SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit an RFP for speaking engagements: CONTACT: Ann Miller RN MHA at MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com -OR-http://www.MarcinkoAssociates.com
A hedge fund is a limited partnership of private investors whose money is pooled and managed by professional fund managers. These managers use a wide range of strategies, including leverage (borrowed money) and the trading of nontraditional assets, to earn above-average investment returns. A hedge fund investment is often considered a risky, alternative investment choice and usually requires a high minimum investment or net worth. Hedge funds typically target wealthy investors.
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The Hedge Fund manager I am considering is a Registered Investment Adviser [RIA]
QUESTION: What is a Registered Investment Advisor?
If the fund manager is an entity, then any individual you deal with will be a registered investment adviser representative. If the fund manager is an individual, then that individual is a registered investment adviser. In either case, the designation implies several steps have been taken.
In order to become a registered investment adviser, an individual must register for and pass the Series 65 Uniform Investment Adviser Law Exam, a three-hour, 130-question computer-based exam administered by the North American Securities Administrators Association. Topics covered include economics and analysis, investment vehicles, investment recommendations and strategies, and ethics and legal guidelines. A passing score is 70 percent or higher.
Once an individual has passed the Series 65, he or she must then apply via Form ADV to become a registered investment adviser. This application is made to either a state authority or to the SEC, depending on the adviser’s assets under management. If assets under management exceed $30 million, then the adviser must register with the SEC.
Form ADV consists of two parts. Part I provides general information to the regulatory authority. Part II is designed to be distributed to potential clients, and includes disclosure of a decent amount of information about the adviser. If the manager is a registered investment adviser, then you should expect to receive as part of the offering documentation either a current copy of Part II of the adviser’s Form ADV or a brochure that contains all the current information in Part II of Form ADV.
In addition to filing Form ADV and paying a small fee, the registered investment adviser becomes subject to extra administrative/regulatory burden as well as capital adequacy requirements that state the Adviser must maintain certain net worth levels.
By and large, because of the extra administrative burden as well as restrictions on certain activities, hedge fund managers attempt to avoid registering as investment advisers. Whether such managers can or cannot avoid such registration is largely dependent upon the state in which the manager operates. In California, for instance, hedge fund managers must register as investment advisers. In New York, such registration is not necessary. Not surprisingly, hedge fund managers located in California are rare, while they are quite plentiful in New York.
9. We act with honesty, integrity and are always straightforward. 8. We strive to be innovative, creative, iconoclastic, and flexible. 7. We admit and learn from mistakes and don’t repeat them. 6. We work hard always as competitors are trying to catch up. 5. We treat others with dignity and respect. 4. We are the onus of consulting advice for the well being of others. 3. We fight complacency as former success is in the past. 2. The best management styles are timeless, not timely. 1. Our clients are colleagues and always come first.
SPEAKING: Dr. Marcinko will be speaking and lecturing, signing and opining, teaching and preaching, storming and performing at many locations throughout the USA this year! His tour of witty and serious pontifications may be scheduled on a planned or ad-hoc basis; for public or private meetings and gatherings; formally, informally, or over lunch or dinner. All medical societies, financial advisory firms or Broker-Dealers are encouraged to submit a RFP for speaking engagements: MarcinkoAdvisors@outlook.com
Posted on September 11, 2024 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
Dubious Financial Specialists?
By Rick Kahler MS CFP®
Even if you work with a financial planner, there are times you may also need the services of a financial specialist such as an attorney, accountant, or insurance agent.
Conflicted
In a situation where the specialist’s advice may seem to conflict with the suggestions of your financial planner, as a rule the specialist always has the last word. After all, they are the experts. Their particular knowledge is the reason your generalist financial planner recommended consulting them in the first place.
Occasionally, however, a specialist’s recommendations may not be in your best interest. Most are skilled professionals who are very good at their jobs and provide a great service to their clients in moving the financial planning process forward.
However, as in any profession, there are exceptions.
One example of this is when a specialist’s knowledge doesn’t adequately cover the particular needs of a client’s situation.
Another example is a specialist who has a conflict of interest because of receiving commissions for the sale of financial products.
Both of these may be more likely to occur when specialists are chosen less because of their skills and more because of a prior relationship with the client.
While most specialists are open to listening to another point of view, acknowledging errors, or learning new information, some are not. It’s those specialists who lack needed knowledge and are unwilling to admit errors that cause financial planners to lose sleep.
A Choice
If a planner disagrees with the client’s specialist and says so, this can put the client in a difficult and unenviable position of having to choose between two trusted professionals, one of whom may have some incorrect information.
Unfortunately, the client usually doesn’t have the training or knowledge to know which. If the client is forced to side with one professional against the other, at best this damages the ongoing ability of the professionals to work together and at worst it finds the client firing one or both.
Planners who choose to keep silent about the disagreement and defer to the specialist can save face as well as retain working relationships with both the client and the specialist. They can only hope that the apparent poor advice the specialist has given the client works out in the long run.
Most planners I know will weigh the severity of the issue, as well as the strength of the client’s relationships with them and the specialist, when deciding how forcefully to oppose poor advice. If the consequences are significant, many financial planners will risk losing their relationship with the client to point out a specialist’s error.
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To Do List
What can you do to encourage your planner to level with you if one of your specialists is giving you advice that doesn’t serve you well?
I don’t have a definitive answer to this difficult question.
One thing I can suggest is that communication is essential. It’s important that you fully and openly explore any disagreement a planner expresses, no matter how insignificant it sounds.
My second suggestion is to minimize the chances of getting poor advice in the first place. Avoid anyone who might have a conflict of interest, especially if they receive commissions for selling you something. Don’t assume a professional you’ve worked with in other areas is qualified for this particular concern.
Assessment
Make sure your planner has thoroughly researched the specialist’s expertise, and don’t be afraid to ask questions about anything you don’t fully understand. Partner with your financial planner to choose a specialist carefully in the beginning, and you increase the likelihood that all of you will be able to work effectively as a team.
Conclusion
Your thoughts and comments on this ME-P are appreciated. Feel free to review our top-left column, and top-right sidebar materials, links, URLs and related websites, too. Then, subscribe to the ME-P. It is fast, free and secure.
Speaker: If you need a moderator or speaker for an upcoming event, Dr. David E. Marcinko; MBA – Publisher-in-Chief of the Medical Executive-Post – is available for seminar or speaking engagements. Contact: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.com
OUR OTHER PRINT BOOKS AND RELATED INFORMATION SOURCES:
Did you know that Federal and state laws require Registered Investment Advisors [RIAs] be held to a fiduciary standard? To satisfy this extremely high legal standard, an advisor must act solely in the best interest of the client, even if that interest is in conflict with the advisor’s own financial interests. Investment Advisors [IAs] must disclose any conflict, or potential conflict, to the client prior to and throughout a business engagement. Investment Advisors must fully disclose, in writing, how they are compensated. In addition, most adopt a Code of Ethics to ensure that fiduciary obligations are achieved.
Brokers or Advisors
Unfortunately, not all “financial advisors” work for federally or state-registered investment advisory firms. Many so-called financial advisors are registered representatives, better known as stock-brokers, and are employed by brokerage firms [broker-dealers]. Generally, these registered representatives [RRs] need not comply with the fiduciary duty standard that is owed when you are dealing with a registered investment advisory firm. Because broker-dealers are not necessarily acting in your best interest, the SEC [remember what a fine job former Commissioner Chris Cox did for investors in the Bernie Madoff incident?] and FINRA [NASD] require them to add the following disclosure to your client agreement.
Disclosure
Read this disclosure, and decide if this is the type of relationship you want to dictate your financial security:
“Your account is a brokerage account and not an advisory account. Our interests may not always be the same as yours. Please ask us questions to make sure you understand your rights and our obligations to you, including the extent of our obligations to disclose conflicts of interest and to act in your best interest. We are paid both by you and, sometimes, by people who compensate us based on what you buy. Therefore, our profits, and our salespersons’ compensation, may vary by product and over time.”
Disclaimers
If this disclaimer appears in agreements you are signing, or have already signed, you should ask questions of your advisor. S/he’s probably a broker. Obtain complete disclosure about how he or she is compensated, and where his or her first loyalties lie. Then decide if the relationship is in your best interest [Source: www.focusonfiduciary.com NAPFA Consumer Education Foundation]. Also, consider mediation and arbitration clauses very carefully. Do not wave your rights to litigation. Your patients do not; and neither should you!
Assessment
I am a doctor, former stock-broker, registered-rep, certified financial planner and licensed insurance agent who decided there must be a better way to help physician colleagues. As a health economist, and Founder of www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org I’ve believe I’ve found that way.
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TOPIC: Financial Designations and Certifications [Alphabet Soup of Industry Obfuscation and Self-Promotion, or Real Gravitas – You Decide?]
EXCERPT: “Until recently, most financial advisors were regulated by the NASD, the National Association of Securities Dealers. Now the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority or FINRA is the largest non-governmental regulator for all securities firms doing business in the United States. It is a self-regulatory agency comprised of the nation’s brokerage firms. Upon completion of a required exam the FINRA will issue a variety of licenses. The most common are the Series 6, 7, and 24.
The Series 6 is essentially a license to sell packaged products, namely mutual funds. It is most commonly held by insurance agents and bank representatives. It is considered a very easy test. Holding such a license allows the holder to collect commission income through its member firm.
The Series 7 exam is a bit more difficult and includes issues relating to individual securities such as stocks, bonds and limited partnership interests. The pass rate is lower than the Series 6. The probable culprit is the extensive questioning on margin and options, topics most are unfamiliar with prior to entering the securities business.
The Series 24 covers issues of compliance and supervision and is required of Branch Managers of brokerage firms. All registered representatives (the proper name for a broker) must be supervised by someone with a Series 24, also known as a principal’s license.
Checking the background of a registered representative, a branch manager or a member firm is easily done through NASD and/or FINRA Regulation, Inc. NASDR/FINRA maintains the Central Registration Depository (CRD). The CRD can be checked for a description of a disclosed event by phone or by Internet. One should request information on an advisor’s firm as well as the individual. A reputable advisor at a disreputable firm has its own set of potentially dangerous implications.
Regardless of the above, these tests produce licenses to sell financial products. They are not educational achievements. There is virtually no academic barrier to entry for them. Stock-brokers today – hate the term – and prefer “financial advisor”; yet the term has no real meaning other than as a sales license.
Some are college graduates, and beyond; while some other experts argue that too many are not!”
Hence, the need to “raise the bar to fiduciary accountability with deep knowledge of healthcare modernity.”
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Can a financial advisor represent your best interests and still earn a commission? Surprisingly, this can sometimes be the case.
But … It’s up to you to find out.
Fiduciary
Being required to put the consumer’s interest first, which means representing a client rather than selling products and services to a customer is called having a fiduciary duty. While fee-only planners are inherently fiduciaries, they don’t exclusively own the fiduciary domain. The definition of a fiduciary duty does not inherently ban receiving commissions. Numerous statutes and applications of common law can require someone receiving a commission from selling a financial product to act in a fiduciary capacity.
One such circumstance was discussed in a blog post at http://www.kitces.com by Duane Thompson, president of Potomac Strategies, LLC, a legislative and public relations consulting firm.
Registered Investment Advisor
Those registered with the SEC as Registered Investment Advisors (RIA) under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 are required to uphold a fiduciary standard of care. Advisors must register as RIAs if they, “for compensation, engage in the business of advising others” about investing in securities and as a central part of the business.
The 1940 Act has almost nothing to say about linking compensation to fiduciary responsibility. While large firms selling financial products can argue whether they must register as RIAs, it is clear that anyone registered as an RIA is held to a fiduciary standard, regardless of their compensation structure.
That said, the chances are an advisor who is compensated 100% by commissions is not an RIA and not held to a fiduciary standard. Of the 11,475 adviser firms registered with the SEC, only four are commission only, according to Thompson. Of the remainder, those that receive a commission also charge some type of fee.
The Odds
The overwhelming odds are that, if you don’t pay a fee to a company giving investment advice or selling a financial product, they are not legally required to look after your best interests.
Even though an RIA who is totally or in part compensated by commissions has a legal obligation to put your interests first, they may still have a conflict of interest, which the SEC requires them to disclose. The size of that conflict of interest depends on the percentage of an adviser’s revenue derived from selling financial products.
Example:
For example, a RIA receiving 90% of their revenue from the sale of financial products has a large conflict of interest. The sustainability of the company and advisers’ careers depends upon sales. Arguably it’s going to be very difficult for an adviser to remain unbiased, especially if what may be in the client’s best interest is a no-load, low cost index mutual fund or variable annuity; which pay no commission.
Conversely, an advisor receiving 99% of their revenue from fees and 1% from commissions on the sale of low-cost term life insurance has almost no conflict. The sale of the insurance is most likely a convenience for clients and has an insignificant financial impact to the adviser.
[Fiduciary Advisor versus Sales Man/Woman]
In order to find out the likelihood of advisers upholding a fiduciary standard, first ask whether they are a RIA with the SEC. If not, they owe you no fiduciary responsibility. You are a customer.
Assessment
If an adviser is an RIA, however, don’t assume there is no conflict of interest that may taint the fiduciary relationship. Ask how much of the firm’s gross revenue comes from commissions on the sale of financial products and how much comes from fees paid directly by clients. The higher the percentage of revenue that comes from fees, the lower the conflict of interest and the greater the chance you will receive unbiased, client-centered advice.
Conclusion
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As the US Supreme Court is preparing to review the contentious debate about overtime pay for sales reps, the US Solicitor General has filed an amicus curaie, or friend of the court brief, and sided with pharma reps. The move is not surprising, given that the US Department of Labor has, several times, taken a similar step in federal courts around the country where cases were heard.
Far Reaching Implications?
The review is expected to have far-reaching implications for the pharmaceutical industry, and I believe the financial services industry, as well. Why?
Both sectors have been fighting a growing number of cases nationwide over the past several years, but has had mixed results as the issue has continually divided the courts. At the same time, drug makers, Wall Street and broker-dealers have been laying off thousands of sales reps – “financial advisors”, “wealth managers” and stock brokers – as they try to cut costs and alter their business models to prepare for some level of fiduciary accountability.
The Issue
At issue is whether drug reps, and FAs by extension, are exempt from overtime provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act. The FLSA overtime compensation requirement does not apply to employees who work as outside salespeople, but the law does require employers to pay overtime for hours worked beyond 40 hours a week, unless a FLSA exemption applies.
And so, does this mean that most “financial advisors” are really stock-brokers and product pushers after all? At least in medicine, we doctors know what a pharmaceutical rep is – and we understand his/ her roll is to push pharma products, DME and drug sales.
Shouldn’t a salesman – be a salesman – and an “advisor” – be an RIA or RIA rep? I don’t often agree with the White House, but I do on this one.
FAs can’t be independent client advocates – and employees – at the same time
Now, isn’t it time for the public to know that the vast majority of FAs are just salesmen [still SBs], too? Just selling retail financial products to doctors and others; not drugs. After all, FAs can’t be independent client advocates – and employees – at the same time. And, it appears with this potential filing and ruling; that they truly wish to be the later. Now FAs, admit it!
Assessment
Why do you think FAs are licensed as “registered representatives”? Rarely; a fiduciary among them!
Conclusion
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As a former certified financial planner for almost 15 years, I was surprised to recently receive the following unedited e-mail correspondence.
Dear Marcinko,
If you are clever, have a way with people, or are a born salesperson, then becoming financial advisor could be your ticket to paradise.
Maybe not exactly paradise, but you could definitely have a ticket to a rewarding career. If you’re thinking about starting out as a new financial advisor – you may already be half the way there.
Why?
Because it’s an occupation where your life challenges will give you the understanding and empathy needed to work with your clients. Have you ever been in the position where you had to figure out a budget for your children’s education? Or manage an over extended credit card? These life situations will aid an individual on the path to become a financial consultant.
Requirements to Be a Financial Advisor
Even though a formal education is not a necessity to become financial adviser, it helps if you’ve taken certain courses.
What degree do you need to become a financial advisor? A bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Commerce, Business or Marketing would be a good start. A degree won’t assure you of a startling career but it may help get your foot in the door.
Rumor has it that a degree in psychology is also an asset as financial advising is as much about counseling as it is about advising. There are a plethora of people with all sorts of emotional entanglements around their financial lives.
Licenses
So, what licenses do you need to be a financial advisor? Some companies will assist a newbie in the financial advisory business and place them into a special program that will help them to obtain the required regulatory licenses such as a Series 66, this license permits them to vend annuities and mutual funds. It’s also possible to manage your own training. You can take part-time courses in order to qualify for the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) exam.
There are roughly over 286 universities and colleges that will assist you in preparing for the CFP exam. How long does it take to become a financial advisor? In order to qualify for the exam you will also need three years full-time working experience with a financial planning establishment.
Statistics state that over 40% regularly fail this all important exam. It’s worth the time and effort as with this certification you are deemed as a certified financial planner and demand a higher salary.
Assessment
Hot tip: Stay away from insurance companies for financial employment. They’ll insist that you sign everyone including the dog and your grandmother. Then get rid of you if you don’t procure sufficient business. Banks are better they will bring in the clients for you.
Conclusion
And so, your thoughts and comments on this ME-P are appreciated. Are financial advisors true professionals; or a truely professional sales force?
Please review our top-left column, and top-right sidebar materials, links, URLs and related websites, too. Then, subscribe to the ME-P. It is fast, free and secure. Are financial advisors true professionals, or a professional sales force?
Speaker: If you need a moderator or speaker for an upcoming event, Dr. David E. Marcinko; MBA – Publisher-in-Chief of the Medical Executive-Post – is available for seminar or speaking engagements. Contact: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.com
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Posted on December 19, 2011 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
Why We Should “Run” from the SEC’s Mary Schapiro
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA CMP™
[Publisher-in-Chief]
OK, I’ve opined about fiduciary accountability for stock brokers, FAs and FPs – as well as Mary Schapiro [Chairman of the SEC] before – on this ME-P. And usually, in not so glowing terms!
But now, Mary really chaps my ethical and linguistic sensibilities.
Why I’m So P…… Off!
According to Bloomberg, and Advisor One [a financial services industry trade magazine], the chairwoman is considering something called the “business model neutral” rule that retains proprietary financial products, and brokerage sales commissions.
This concept of ‘business neutral’ is the one sought by many in the brokerage and insurance industry in order to redefine the term ‘fiduciary’ as an enhanced form of ‘suitability’ with opt-out provisions.
But, it is not sought by me, and should not be accepted by physicians.
Definitions
Suitability Rule – According to the Free Dictionary:
Some pundits suggest we think of this new “business model neutral” rule as “suitability on steroids.”
However, as most of us in medicine know, steroids are not a panacea and are typically used as a quick fix for short term gain, only.
Otherwise, the excessive use of anabolic steroids is bad for our physical health. Just like Mary Schapiro is bad for our fiscal health. But, a Certified Medical Planner™ is a fiduciary at all times http://www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org
And so, your thoughts and comments on this ME-P are appreciated. I was an insurance agent and certified financial planner for almost 15 years [Series 7, 63 and 65] before I resigned all – in disgust over the fiduciary flap.
Doctors are fiduciaries. I am a fiduciary, a doctor, and a financial advisor. Shouldn’t all physician-investors demand same from their own financial advisors [NASD-FINRA, RIAs, RIA-Reps]?
But hey – I’m just a medical provider.
Conclusion
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As a financial advisor for more than 15 years, it has been my experience that many doctors who require assistance in developing a comprehensive personal financial plan also need help with implementing any investment planning recommendations. While perhaps not so true before the “flash-crash” of 2008-09, the issue seems especially true today as retirement portfolios have been decimated, and the specter of healthcare reform is no longer just a threat but a political reality. The mindset of hubris has been replaced by a tone of fear in many medical colleagues.
The Financial Advisors
Physician investors who develop an investment plan may use a competent financial advisor [FA] or other specialist in the investment area. A financial advisor can help clients understand their current financial situations and develop strategies for achieving their goals. Other FAs are specialists that help clients design and implement plans for investing. Still others use a more comprehensive approach to the entire financial planning process with extreme degrees of healthcare specificity
These Certified Medical Planners™ are fiduciaries at all times and put client needs first as registered investment advisors [RIAs], not commissioned sales agents or mere stock-brokers despite often confusing monikers.
Implementation
Implementation may be accomplished using professionally managed portfolios and mutual funds. The following shows how a plan may be implemented with an advisor assisting the physician-investor. The process may include:
• Developing investment policy and strategies
• Selecting and implementing managed portfolios and mutual funds
• Evaluating performance on a periodic basis
• Periodically reviewing and adjusting the investment plan as required
Note: The advisor may provide all of the investment services, or the physician investor may use other advisors in the process.
Example:
A financial planner has developed a number of financial planning recommendations for a client. One recommendation is to develop a written investment plan, review current investments, and implement changes. The planner has recommended an investment advisor experienced in selecting and monitoring managed portfolios and mutual funds. The financial planner will meet with the client and advisor initially and once each year to monitor the plan.
Example:
A financial planner has developed a financial plan for a client. The financial planner specializes in developing investment policy but not in implementing investments. The financial planner will use asset allocation software and develop a written long-term plan for the client. The doctor-client will work with a major brokerage firm to implement the plan using managed portfolios and mutual funds. The financial planner will monitor the brokerage firm and help the client evaluate performance.
Example:
A financial planner has developed a financial plan for a physician-client and will assist the client in developing asset allocation strategies. The planner has extensive knowledge in implementing the asset allocation strategies using managed portfolios and mutual funds. The planner will select and monitor the choices. The planner will provide the client with a quarterly performance report and meet with the client every six months to review the plan and strategies.
Assessment
Understanding the above is more critical than ever as physician-income continues to shrink going forward in the era of healthcare reform.
Conclusion
And so, your thoughts and comments on this ME-P are appreciated. Feel free to review our top-left column, and top-right sidebar materials, links, URLs and related websites, too. Do you seek professional assistance with your investing needs, or do you go-it-alone; why or why not? Then, subscribe to the ME-P. It is fast, free and secure.
Speaker:If you need a moderator or speaker for an upcoming event, Dr. David E. Marcinko; MBA – Publisher-in-Chief of the Medical Executive-Post – is available for seminar or speaking engagements. Contact: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.com and http://www.springerpub.com/Search/marcinko
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Posted on October 23, 2010 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
Contribute Your Insights to the ME-P
By Ann Miller RN MHA
[Executive-Director]
You are cordially invited to contribute to the ME-P; one of the nation’s fastest growing professional networks for financial advisors, accountants, stock brokers, RIAs and their physician and medical professional clients.
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Posted on May 31, 2010 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
A MEMORIAL DAY OPINION – EDITORIAL
[Innovation – Not Nationalization – Can Again Lead]
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko; FACFAS, MBA, CPHQ, CMP™
[Publisher-in-Chief]
By Hope Rachel Hetico; RN, MHA, CPHQ, CMP™
[Managing Editor]
Ann Miller; RN, MHA
[Executive-Director]
On this 2010 Memorial Day weekend, please allow us to directly reflect for a moment on the decline of the healthcare, banking and financial services industry in America. And; then somewhat indirectly comment on the hopeful emergence of the web 2.0 phenomena of which we all are a part. The competitive applicability to these sectors should be appreciated by the insightful ME-P reader.
Collapse of Command and Control Monopolies and Oligarchies
Old monopolies everywhere are crumbling because of tougher new competitors and the transparency wrought by electronic connectedness. For example, our old newspaper has to compete with the internet, your electric utility company battles low-cost local start-ups, telephone companies must begin installing fiber optic lines to fend off cable companies; and RIAs and fiduciary focused financial advisors [FAs] will supplant BDs and stock brokers in the financial services sector.
The airline industry collapsed a few years ago, the banking industry has just collapsed, and the auto industry is recovering as we pen this post. [We have a particular affinity for the auto sector however, as the son of a UAW member and step-daughter of Michiganders]. Regardless, the rush to more intense competition cannot be stopped. As a doctor, FA or other business competitor; you either keep pace or get crushed by quasi-oligarchic organizations like the American Medical Association [AMA], American Podiatric Medical Association [FPMA], American Dental Association [ADA], American Osteopathic Medical Association AOMA], Financial Planning Association [FPA], Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards [CFP BoS], College for Financial Planning [CFP] or the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors [NAPFA], etc. What have they, and Wall Street, done for you … lately? Scandal, taint, doubt, lost-credibility, a business-as-usual ennui, lethargy and ruin! Enter www.Sermo.com
In the last-generation of health insurance companies and related fraternal medical organizations, patients exercised great control over physician selection, had quicker access to specialists and encountered fewer restrictions on care. The reverse was true with financial services. But, because of advancing technology, aging demographics, intense R&D, global manufacturing, and escalating domestic HR costs – competitive market forces against traditional and structured staff model managed care companies – many industry analysts [like us] predicted growth would decline [Yes, greed was also involved as healthcare was presumed a recession-proof sector; and didn’t we all own behemoth big-pharma and HMO stocks in our 401-K, and 403-B plans]? But now, many former stock-brokers and FAs are going rogue; er – independent!
“Although inefficiencies in any business often open up in the short term, and can be greatly exploited by creative and visionary entrepreneurs – as in most business structures – market forces will prevail in the long run”.
Leo F. Mullin, MBA
[Former CEO – Delta Airlines]
Next-Gen with “Fly”
Fortunately, a new generation of enlightened physician and FA entrepreneurs is coming “out-of-the-shadows” as new-wave web 2.0 corporations and RIAs are becoming more flexible, competitive and market responsive. Simultaneously, monolithic and collectivist political ideas keep trying to regulate the medical and financial services workplace with rules, regulations and contracts to control entire populations. Yet, in the new healthcare economy, this new generation of doctors and FAs with “fly,” is headed toward more competition; not less – with more collaboration with patients and clients – regaining self autonomy.
Physician and FA Advocates
Meanwhile, as medical professionals, FAs and patient advocates, we must all choose between staying flexible to ride out tough times – or – adopting a hard, brittle line that will crack under the pressure of competition. We know where we stand at the ME-P, do you?
Flexibility and Virtual Reality
In recent years, many large corporations and top-down business models were not market responsive and change was not inherent in their DNA. These traditional organizations represented a rigid or “used-to-be” mentality, not a flexible or “wanna-be”mindset; according to business columnist Alan Webber. Somefinancial advisory corporations, and today’s emerging health 2.0 initiatives, may possess the market nimbleness that cannot be recreated in a controlled or collectivist [nationalistic] environment. And so, going forward, it is not difficult to imagine the following new rules for the new financial and virtual medical ecosystem.
[A] Rule No. 1
Forget about “SEC suitability and FINRA rules”, large office suites, surgery centers, fancy equipment, larger hospitals and the bricks and mortar that comprised traditional medical practices or financial product delivery systems. One doctor or niche focused FA with a great idea, good bedside manners or competitive advantage, can outfox a slew of public servants, the AMA, SEC, ADA or FINRA “faux copy-cat examiners”, while still serving the public – and patients – and making money. It’s now a unit-of-one economy where “Me Inc.”, is the standard. Physicians and FAs must maneuver for advantages that boost their standing and credibility among patients, peers, payers, customers and clients. Examples include patient satisfaction surveys; outcomes research analysis, evidence-based-medicine, physician economics credentialing and true integrated fiduciary-focused financial planning.
However, we should also realize the power of networking, vertical integration and the establishment of virtual RIAs or medical practices, which come together to treat a patient, or help a client, and then disband when a successful outcome is achieved. Job security is earned with more successful outcomes; not necessarily a degree, automatic AUMs, certifications or onsite presence. In fact, some competition experts, like Shirley Svorny PhD, a professor of economics and chair of the Department of Economics at California State University, wonder if a medical degree is a barrier – rather than enabler – of affordable healthcare.
Others even presume the establishment of virtual medical schools and hospitals, where students and doctors learn and practice their art on cyber-entities that look and feel like real patients, but are generated electronically through the wonders of virtual reality units. The same can be said for the financial services industry, although much farther down-line given its current slow rate of real education and quasi-professional acceptance.
[B] Rule No. 2
Challenge conventional wisdom, think outside the traditional box, recapture your dreams and ambitions, disregard conventional gurus and work harder than you have ever worked before. Remember the old saying, “if everyone is thinking alike, then nobody is thinking”. Do collective-nistas and nationalized healthcare advocates react rationally; or irrationally? [THINK: Wall Street, medical unions]
[C] Rule No 3
Differentiateyourself among your healthcare and financial advisory peers. Do or learn something new and unknown by your competitors. Market your accomplishments and let the world know. Be a non-conformist. Conformity is an operational standardand a straitjacket on creativity. Doctors and FAs should create and innovate, not blindly follow organization or political “union” leaders [shop stewards, BDs, etc] into oblivion.
[D] Rule No 4
Realize that the present situation is not necessarily the future. Attempt to see the future and discern your place in it. Master the art of the quick change with fast but informed decision making. Do what you love, disregard what you don’t, and let the fates have their way with you. Then, decide for yourself if you are of this ilk – and adhere to any of the above rules? Or, just become an employed [government, BD] doctor or FA shill. Just remember that the political party, or monopoly that can give you a job, can also take it away [THINK: LB, ML, Wachovia, national healthcare, etc].
Memorial Day Considerations
Finally, on this Memorial Day weekend, consider that life and career is a journey, and that in this country we have the choice to ponder or pursue any, and all of the above options, and more. We have the ability to think, cogitate and ruminate, as we have done here today. So – please – thank those who have helped turn this idealistic philosophy, into pragmatic daily reality.
For us personally, we thank Bonze Star Medal Winner Captain Cecelia T. Perez, RN. Now – ponder and consider – who do you thank? If no one has impacted you up-close on this Memorial Day weekend and national holiday, please visit our military channel to reflect, comment and opine.
And so, your thoughts and comments on this Medical Executive-Post are appreciated. Feel free to review our top-left column, and top-right sidebar materials, links, URLs and related websites, too. Then, be sure to subscribe to the ME-P. It is fast, free and secure.
Speaker: If you need a moderator or speaker for an upcoming event, Dr. David E. Marcinko; MBA – Publisher-in-Chief of the Executive-Post – is available for seminar or speaking engagements. Contact: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.com or Bio: www.stpub.com/pubs/authors/MARCINKO.htm
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Posted on April 10, 2010 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
A [False] Hobson’s Choice*
By Staff Reporters
In political Washington DC, according to Ian Salisbury, almost anything will fly if you can make an argument it will benefit the middle class. It worked in the fight against requiring advisors to act in clients’ best interests … Say what?
Yep, its true! At least, this strategy worked for the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors [NAIFA], which fought a recent proposal that would have made all financial advisors act in clients’ best interests … you know – the “F” word.
Assessment
It seems that there are few protections for the public from unscrupulous FAs, stockbrokers, and insurance agents. And, few wish to become fiduciaries.
As former certified financial planner, insurance agent, stockbroker, surgeon and this ME-P publisher Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA, CMP™ has always opined to physician colleagues: it is “buyer-beware” out there!
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Posted on March 29, 2010 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
What it is – How it works
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko; MBA, CMP™
[Publisher-in-Chief]
Covestor, with offices in New York and London, is a web platform started by entrepreneurs Perry Blancher, Richard Tachta and Simon Veingard http://www.covestor.com. Their belief was that salaried mutual fund managers have no monopoly on investment talent and shouldn’t have a lock on the rewards that come with investment success. As financial services, and online netizens, they also believed in democratizing the investment management industry and helping proven self-investors compete with the large institutions. This is known as the power of “crowd-sourcing.” All core philosophies seem to be shared by this ME-P.
What it is
According to their website, Covestor is both a portfolio sharing service for proven self-investors and for those wishing to track them; where data is private, secure and anonymous. With Covestor, one can coat-tail successful investors and follow their real trade activity. Or, have their moves auto-traded for you by Covestor Investment Management. Members can also keep track of their investments andBuild a free track record comparable to professional mutual funds. Members earn fees for their hard work, and Manage a model that their clients can mirror thru shared management fees.
Profit Sharing Investors
Covestor investors sharing portfolios include professionals, full time amateurs and industry specialists. They are a serious bunch with an average reported portfolio size of over $200,000 (excluding cash). Positions are typically held in over 5,000 different equities; are based in 50 countries and span the full range of ages, backgrounds and styles.
Issues
As a doctor-investor, health economist and former certified financial planner, there are at least three issues needed to be raised about this firm.
The first is SEC/NASD/FINRA rules and applicable SRO and state regulations for brokers, RIAs, FAs and related others? The status of suitability versus fiduciary accountability for ERISA regulated plans is also questioned. The third [and least important] is the potential negative impact on traditional financial services “professionals.”
In other words, is this another example of how technology will flatten the “intermediary curve” and reduce the profit of middle sales-men and sales-women? Oh! What about medical specificity for our target audience?
I am sure there are other issues as well. Your thoughts and comments on this ME-Pare appreciated; especially from financial services “professionals”, lawyers and FAs, etc, Give em’ a click and tell us what you think http://www.covestor.com?
Conclusion
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Speaker: If you need a moderator or speaker for an upcoming event, Dr. David E. Marcinko; MBA – Publisher-in-Chief of the Medical Executive-Post – is available for seminar or speaking engagements. Contact: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.com
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Posted on March 12, 2010 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
So Says New Coalition
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko; MBA, CMP™
[Publisher-in-Chief]
The Financial Planning Coalition [FPC] is pushing for a law that would require anyone calling themselves a financial planner to meet certain ethical and educational standards and to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission [SEC].
About the FPC
According to its’ website, the Financial Planning Coalition is a collaboration of Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board), the Financial Planning Association® (FPA), and the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) to advise legislators and regulators on how to best protect consumers by ensuring financial planning services are delivered with fiduciary accountability and transparency. Americans have grown leery of those who work in financial services.
Currently, financial planning (the process of advising individuals and families across a range of personal finance topics in addition to investment advice) is unregulated as a profession, resulting in major gaps in current laws. So, is it really a “profession” many ask – void of any significant barrier to entry?
The Financial Planning Coalition intends to work with Congress to produce legislation that puts the interests of clients first and enables consumers to identify a trusted financial adviser.
To learn more about the Financial Planning Coalition’s purpose and mission, click here to read, or download the Statement of Understanding [PDF].
SEC Wrong Oversight Agency?
According to this report in Financial Advisor magazine, an advertiser-driven trade journal:
the standards would be set by a public oversight board that would be funded by small registration fees paid by the financial planners, said Robert Glovsky, chair of the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards during a conference call today. The CFP Board, as well as the Financial Planning Association and the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors makes up the coalition.
Exemptions
However, brokers and insurance agents would not be forced to register as financial planners, but those who held themselves out as financial planners would have to meet the required minimum competency and ethics standards or stop using the financial planner title.
Assessment
And so, as we have noted, written, preached and warned for more than a decade – anyone can call themselves a financial planner, or financial advisor; so beware medical colleagues.
NOTE: The fiduciary definitional standard conundrum was not even addressed in the article or by the committee, as far as I know. Moreover, note that SEC oversight was in place before, during and now after the Bernie Madoff scandal – so enough said about competency! www.HealthDictionarySeries.com
Conclusion
Your thoughts and comments on this ME-Pare appreciated. What do you think FAs, and CFPs®? Should all become an RIA or ERISA styled fiduciary? Or, will this be another CFP® lite fiasco?
Feel free to review our top-left column, and top-right sidebar materials, links, URLs and related websites, too. Then, be sure to subscribe to the ME-P. It is fast, free and secure.
Disclaimer: I am a former certified financial planner and CEO of the online www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.com program for fiduciary advisors working in the healthcare space.
Speaker: If you need a moderator or speaker for an upcoming event, Dr. David E. Marcinko; MBA – Publisher-in-Chief of the Medical Executive-Post – is available for seminar or speaking engagements. Contact: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.com
Subscribe Now: Did you like this Medical Executive-Post, or find it helpful, interesting and informative? Want to get the latest ME-Ps delivered to your email box each morning? Just subscribe using the link below. You can unsubscribe at any time. Security is assured.
Posted on February 19, 2010 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
How It Works – and – What to Watch Out For
By Dr. Gary L. Bode; CPA, MSA, CMP™ Hon]
This ME-P reviews the basics of buying on margin, along with some of the pitfalls inherent in margin buying – whether this financial tool is for you and how you can best use it.
The Term Itself
“Buying on margin” is borrowing money from your broker to buy a stock and using your investment as collateral. Investors generally use margin to increase their purchasing power so that they can own more stock without fully paying for it. But, margin exposes physician investors to the potential for higher losses.
How Margin Works
Let’s say you buy a stock for $50 and the price of the stock rises to $75. If you bought the stock in a cash account and paid for it in full, you’ll earn a 50 percent return on your investment. But if you bought the stock on margin – paying $25 in cash and borrowing $25 from your broker – you’ll earn a 100 percent return on the money you invested. Of course, you’ll still owe your brokerage $25 plus interest.
The downside to using margin is that if the stock price decreases, substantial losses can mount quickly. For example, let’s say the stock you bought for $50 falls to $25. If you fully paid for the stock, you’ll lose 50% of your money. But if you bought on margin, you’ll lose 100%, and you still must come up with the interest you owe on the loan.
Caution: In volatile markets, as in 2008-2010, physician-investors who put up an initial margin payment for a stock may, from time to time, be required to provide additional cash if the price of the stock falls. Investors have been shocked to learn that a broker has the right to sell the securities that were bought on margin – without any notification, and at a potentially substantial loss to the investor.
Moreover, if your broker sells your stock after the price has plummeted, then you’ve lost out on the chance to recoup your losses if the market bounces back.
The Risks
Margin accounts can be very risky and they are not for everyone. Before opening a margin account, be aware that:
You can lose more money than you have invested;
You may have to deposit additional cash or securities in your account on short notice to cover market losses;
You may be forced to sell some or all of your securities when falling stock prices reduce the value of your securities; and
Your brokerage firm may sell some or all of your securities without consulting you to pay off the loan it made to you.
You can protect yourself by knowing how a margin account works and what happens if the price of the stock purchased on margin declines.
Tip: Your broker charges you interest for borrowing money; take into account how that will affect the total return on your investments. Be sure to ask your broker whether it makes sense for you to trade on margin in light of your financial resources, investment objectives, and tolerance for risk.
Read the Margin Agreement
To open a margin account, you must sign a margin agreement. The agreement may either be part of your account agreement or separate. The margin agreement states that you must abide by the rules of the Federal Reserve Board, the New York Stock Exchange, the National Association of Securities Dealers [now FINRA], Inc., and the firm where you have set up your margin account.
Caution: Carefully review the agreement before signing.
As with most loans, the margin agreement explains the terms and conditions of the margin account. The agreement describes how the interest on the loan is calculated, how you are responsible for repaying the loan, and how the securities you purchase serve as collateral for the loan. Carefully review the agreement to determine what notice, if any, your firm must give you before selling your securities to collect the money you have borrowed.
Know the Margin Rules
The Federal Reserve Board and many self-regulatory organizations (SROs), such as the NYSE and [FINRA] NASD, have rules that govern margin trading. Brokerage firms can establish their own requirements as long as they are at least as restrictive as the Federal Reserve Board and SRO rules. Here are some of the key rules you should know:
Before You Trade – Minimum Margin
Before trading on margin, the NYSE and (FINRA) NASD, for example, require you to deposit with your brokerage firm a minimum of $2,000 or 100 percent of the purchase price, whichever is less. This is known as the “minimum margin.” Some firms may require you to deposit more than $2,000.
Amount You Can Borrow – Initial Margin
According to “Regulation T” of the Federal Reserve Board, you may borrow up to 50 percent of the purchase price of securities that can be purchased on margin. This is known as the “initial margin.” Some firms require you to deposit more than 50 percent of the purchase price. Not all securities can be purchased on margin.
Amount You Need After You Trade – Maintenance Margin
After you buy stock on margin, the NYSE and (FINRA) NASD require you to keep a minimum amount of equity in your margin account. The equity in your account is the value of your securities less how much you owe to your brokerage firm. The rules require you to have at least 25 percent of the total market value of the securities in your margin account at all times. The 25 percent is called the “maintenance requirement.” In fact, many brokerage firms have higher maintenance requirements, typically between 30 to 40 percent and sometimes higher, depending on the type of stock purchased.
Example: You purchase $16,000 worth of securities by borrowing $8,000 from your firm and paying $8,000 in cash or securities. If the market value of the securities drops to $12,000, the equity in your account will fall to $4,000 ($12,000 – $8,000 = $4,000). If your firm has a 25 percent maintenance requirement, you must have $3,000 in equity in your account (25 percent of $12,000 = $3,000). In this case, you do have enough equity because the $4,000 in equity in your account is greater than the $3,000 maintenance requirement.
But, if your firm has a maintenance requirement of 40%, you would not have enough equity. The firm would require you to have $4,800 in equity (40% of $12,000 = $4,800). Your $4,000 in equity is less than the firm’s $4,800 maintenance requirement. As a result, the firm may issue you a “margin call,” since the equity in your account has fallen $800 below the firm’s maintenance requirement.
Margin Calls
If your account falls below the firm’s maintenance requirement, your broker generally will make a margin call to ask you to deposit more cash or securities into your account. If you are unable to meet the margin call, your firm will sell your securities to increase the equity in your account up to or above the firm’s maintenance requirement.
Tip: Your broker may not be required to make a margin call or otherwise tell you that your account has fallen below the firm’s maintenance requirement. Your broker may be able to sell your securities at any time without consulting you first. Under most margin agreements, even if your firm offers to give you time to increase the equity in your account, it can sell your securities without waiting for you to meet the margin call.
Margin accounts involve a great deal more risk than cash accounts, where you fully pay for the securities you purchase. You may lose more than your initial investment when buying on margin. If you cannot afford to do so, then margin buying is not for you.
Read the margin agreement, and ask your broker questions about how a margin account works and whether it’s appropriate for you to trade on margin. Your broker should explain the terms and conditions of the margin agreement.
Know how much you will be charged on money you borrow from your broker, and know how these costs affect your overall return.
Remember that your brokerage firm can sell your securities without notice to you when you don’t have sufficient equity in your margin account.
Assessment
Have you ever traded on margin and how did it work out for you?
Channel Surfing the ME-P
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Conclusion
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Speaker: If you need a moderator or speaker for an upcoming event, Dr. David E. Marcinko; MBA – Publisher-in-Chief of the Medical Executive-Post – is available for seminar or speaking engagements. Contact: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.com
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Posted on February 17, 2010 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
He Writes for the Medical Executive-Post
By Ann Miller; RN, MHA
[Executive-Director]
Dr. Somnath Basu is no stranger to the ME-P, or the financial planning community. He is a Professor of Finance at California Lutheran University and the Director of its California Institute of Finance.
Academic Background
Dr Basu earned his BA in Economics, University of Delhi, MBA (Finance), Marquette University and a PhD (Finance), University of Arizona. He is well published and is an award winning teacher. He has significant consulting experience with US Fortune 100 companies, advising institutional money managers and in developing proprietary finance and planning software. He serves on various Boards and committees including the CFP (chaired the Model Curriculum Revision Committee) Board of Standards and the Financial Planning Association.
Basu’s New Book
His new book, co-authored with Professors’ Block and Hirt, Investment Planning for Financial Professionals is available now, published by McGraw Hill, in May 2006.
He also writers a column for the Journal of Financial Services Professionals. He can be reached at:
Contact Dr. Somnath Basu Director – California Institute of Finance
Cell: 805 405 4448
Work: 805 493 3980 http://www.clunet.edu/cif
Conclusion
Your thoughts and comments on this ME-P are appreciated. Feel free to review our top-left column, and top-right sidebar materials, links, URLs and related websites, too. Then, subscribe to the ME-P. It is fast, free and secure.
Speaker: If you need a moderator or speaker for an upcoming event, Dr. David E. Marcinko; MBA – Publisher-in-Chief of the Medical Executive-Post – is available for seminar or speaking engagements. Contact: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.com
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Posted on October 14, 2009 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
Certification Falling from Grace – Deserved or Not?
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko; MBA, CMP™
[Publisher-in-Chief]
The Premise
In the summer [2008], we sent a random email blast to the first 200 Certified Financial Planners® on our list-serve. These were folks who had previously contacted us, and/or purchased our textbooks, handbooks, tools and/or dictionaries that assist accountants, financial advisors, attorneys, medical management consultants and all those working to assist physicians and medical professionals on business and economics matters.
The “Straw-Poll” Query
Our email blast asked the simple question:
“Did you ever voluntarily resign your license to use the CFP® mark?”
First Round Results
We received four positive responses [2%]. We then followed up to learn that 2 of the 4 were CPAs, one was a CFA and another was an MBA. Now, what do these results signify – probably nothing – or maybe an emerging trend?
Repeat
So, last summer [2009], after the continuing Wall Street collapse, and the Somnath Basu PhD article on “CFP Trust” in Financial Advisor magazine and this blog, we sent out a follow-up email to the exact same 200 Certified Financial Planners® as before; but carved-out and replaced the 4 CFPs who had resigned the mark, with 4 others.
“Have you recently considered allowing your CFP mark to lapse; or resigning it?”
Second Round Results
This time we received exactly eight positive replies [4%] or double the number from the first round. One CFP® said:
“I am rethinking my entire business and marketing philosophy. This includes separation from any taint left over from recent industry scandals – and yes – even including my CFP® mark”
This little experiment was not statistically significant by any means. And, again it probably is indicative of nothing. Yet, these types of questions must be boldly asked today; even if they were not even timidly asked yesterday.
Nevertheless, cited plausible reasons for the increased negative CFP® mark response may be:
CFP BoS lacks modernity and membership alliance.
SEC mismanagement.
NASD/FINRA impotence.
Wall Street greed.
Lack of true fiduciary accountability.
Client anger and public distrust.
Advisor frustration at lost income.
College for Financial Planning and American College credibility.
ME-P operations in the medical niche advisory space.
CFP® mark and related industry certification taint.
Alternative degrees and available designations.
Rise of RIAs and the fiduciary CMP™ mark for healthcare specificity.
Resigning [doing] and considering [thinking] are not equivalent;
etc, etc.
It is interesting to note that no CFP® resigned their mark who did not hold either another graduate degree [MBA, MSFS, MA, MS, PhD], or more rigorous industry [CFA and CPA] certification.
Assessment
So, is CFP mark allegiance just a union-like mentality of “united we stand – divided we fall”, by those with little to no gravitation pull of their own – or something else; ie., industry group think? You decide; and do tell us what you think.
Note: I am the founder of the CMP™ online education and certification program for financial advisors and consultants interested in the health economics, finance and medical practice management space, and a former [resigned] certified financial planner www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.org
Your thoughts and comments on this ME-P are appreciated. Feel free to review our top-left column, and top-right sidebar materials, links, URLs and related websites, too. Then, subscribe to the ME-P. It is fast, free and secure.
Speaker: If you need a moderator or speaker for an upcoming event, Dr. David E. Marcinko; MBA – Publisher-in-Chief of the Medical Executive-Post – is available for seminar or speaking engagements. Contact: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.com
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Posted on October 9, 2009 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
Industry Groups Differ On Fiduciary Standard
By Staff Reporters
The House Financial Services Committee recently heard two takes on the fiduciary standard – investment advisors who want it applied to broker dealers – and broker-dealers who want to apply a universal standard of care to all advisors, including investment advisors.
Assessment
And so, we encourage all ME-P subscribers to read industry trade magazines [aka ”trade rags”] to learn how some financial advisors fleece physicians and other investors by not being fiduciaries; with sincere apologies to all honest and hard working fiduciary advisors.IOW: Follow the money.
Have you visited our other topic channels? Established to facilitate idea exchange and link our community together, the value of these topics is dependent upon your input. Please take a minute to visit. And, to prevent that annoying spam, we ask that you register.
Subscribe Now: Did you like this Medical Executive-Post, or find it helpful, interesting and informative? Want to get the latest ME-Ps delivered to your email box each morning? Just subscribe using the link below. You can unsubscribe at any time. Security is assured.
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Posted on April 6, 2009 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
More Complex than Realized by Some Doctors
[By Dr. David Edward Marcinko; FACFAS, MBA, CMP™]
[By Professor Hope Rachel Hetico; RN, MHA, CMP™]
Physician-investors may find themselves paying advisory fees, brokerage commissions, and other sales charges and expenses. All of these layers of expense can reduce or eliminate the advantage of professional management, if not monitored carefully. Also, fees can have a major impact on investment results. As a percentage of the portfolio, they normally range from low of 15–30 basis points (or .15% to .30%, a basis point is one one-hundredth of one percent) to a high of 300–400 basis points or even higher.
Charges are Universal
All portfolio managers, mutual funds, and investment advisors charge fees in one form or another. Ultimately, they must justify their fees by creating value added, or they would not be in business. Value added includes tangibles, such as greater investment return, as well as intangibles, such as assurance that the investment plan is successfully implemented and monitored, investor convenience, and professional service.
Comparisons Required
Always compare investment performance of funds or managed accounts after fees are deducted; only then can adequate comparisons be made. Also, compare fees within asset classes. Management fees and expenses of investing in bonds or bond funds are much different than the fees of investing in, for example, small companies or emerging market stocks. Whereas 100–200 basis points of fees may be appropriate for an equity portfolio or fund, similar charges may offset the advantages of a managed bond portfolio. With managed bond portfolios, real bond returns have limited long-term potential, because returns are ultimately based on interest rates. For example, if a 3% real (i.e., after inflation) return is expected, 200 basis points in fees may produce a negative after-tax result: 3% real return minus 2% fees minus 10% taxes equals a negative 9% total return.
Sales Charges
Mutual funds (and some private portfolio managers) charge sales charges to sell or “distribute” the product. Investors who buy funds through the advice of brokers or “commission based” financial planners will pay a sales load. The many combinations of sales charges fall into three basic categories: front-end, deferred (or back-end), and continuous.
Front-End Fees
Front-end fees are a direct assessment against the initial investment and are limited to a maximum of 8.5%. They usually are stated either as a percentage of the investment or as a percentage of the investment, net of sales charges. For example, a 6% charge on a $10,000 investment is really a $600 charge to invest $9,400 or a real charge of 6.4%. Many low-load funds charge in the range of 1% to 3%. Rather than pay brokers or other purveyors, these fund companies or sponsors use the charges to offset selling or distribution costs. Although rare, some funds charge a load against reinvested dividends.
Deferred Charges
Deferred charges (or back-end loads, or redemption fees) come in many forms. Often, the longer the investor stays with the fund the smaller the charge is upon fund redemption. A typical sliding scale used for deferred charges may be 5-4-3-2-1, where redemption in year 1 is charged 5%, and redemption in year 5 is charged 1%; after year 5, there are no sales charges. Sometimes deferred charges are combined with front-end charges.
Redemption Fees
Certain quoted redemption fees may not apply after a period, such as one year. Funds often use such fees to discourage the trading of funds. Frequently, these charges are paid to the fund itself rather than to the fund management company; or broker. Long-term physician investors actually benefit from this fee structure; short-term shareholders who redeem shares bear the additional liquidation costs to satisfy redemption requests.
Continuous Charges
Continuous sales charges, known as 12b-1 fees for the SEC rule governing such charges, represent ongoing charges to pay distribution costs, including those of brokers who sell and maintain accounts, in which case they are known as “trail commissions.” The fund company may be reimbursed for distribution costs as well. In the prospectus, funds quote 12b-1 charges in the form of a maximum charge. This does not mean that the full charge is incurred, however. For example, a fund with a .75% 12b-1 approved plan may actually incur much lower expenses than .75%. Compared to front-end charges, a .75% per year sales charge of this type could be more costly to investment performance, given enough time.
Sales Loads
Portfolio managers can charge sales loads as well, usually in the form of a traditional WRAP fee arrangement (the investor pays a broker an all-inclusive fee that covers portfolio manager fees and transactions costs). No-load funds can be purchased through brokers or discount brokerage firms. The broker charges a commission for such purchases or sales.
Management Advisory Fees
Private account managers and mutual funds charge a fee for managing the portfolio. These fees typically range between 25 and 150 basis points. Bond funds tend to charge in the range of 25 to 100 basis points, and equity funds charge 75 to 150 basis points. Fees charged by private account managers usually are higher because of the direct attention given to a single doctor client. These managers do not pass along additional administrative costs, however, because they pay them out of the management fee. These management fees come in many forms. Tiered fees can charge smaller accounts a higher fee than larger accounts. Mutual funds often charge “group fees”: a fund family may tier its fee structure to encompass all funds offered by the fund family or by a group of similar funds (such as all international equity funds). Performance fees, although subject to SEC regulations, may be charged as well. A performance fee may be charged if the manager exceeds a certain return or outperforms a particular index or benchmark portfolio.
Administrative Expenses and Expense Ratios
Most private managers are compensated with higher management fees, as mentioned above. Therefore, many private accounts usually do not incur separate administrative expenses. Some management firms charge custodial fees or similar account maintenance fees. Mutual funds incur a number of administrative expenses, including shareholder servicing, prospectuses, reporting, legal and auditing costs, and registration and custodial costs. Mutual funds report these expenses and management fees as an expense ratio—the ratio of expenses to the average net assets of the fund. Expense ratios also include distribution costs or 12b-1 charges.
Brokerage Commissions
Almost all buyers and sellers of securities incur brokerage commissions. Private “wealth managers” usually provide commission schedules to prospective physician-investors or current clients. Some private managers charge higher management fees and a discounted commission schedule, while others charge lower fees and higher commissions. These combinations of management and commission fees make comparison of prospective managers’ cost structures a difficult task. Most portfolio managers obtain research from brokerage firms, which can affect the commission relationship between broker and manager. Reduced commission schedules exchanged for information are known as “soft dollar costs.” Mutual funds may negotiate similar reduced commission schedules. In this regard, more-competitive brokerage firms can charge lower fees to investors. Commissions are not part of the expense ratio, because they are a part of the security cost basis. Firms with higher portfolio turnover are more likely to have higher commission costs than those with low turnover. Asset class impacts such costs as well. For example, small-cap stocks may be more expensive than large-cap stocks, or foreign bonds may be more expensive than domestic bonds.
Total Cost Approach
To arrive at a relevant comparison of fees among funds and managers, and to see what the total effect of fees on investment performance is, analyze the various charges on a net present value basis. Begin with a given investment amount (e.g., $10,000) and factor in fees over time to arrive at the present value of those fees. Present the comparisons in an easy-to-use table.
Sources of Fee Information
Consult the mutual fund prospectus for fee information. The prospectus has a fund expenses section that summarizes sales charges, expense ratios, and management fees; it does not cover commissions, however. Expense ratios usually are reported for the past 10 years. Commission or brokerage fees are more difficult to find. The statement of additional information and often the annual report disclose the annual amounts paid for commissions. When the total commission paid is divided by average asset values a sense of commission costs can be determined. Private wealth managers disclose fee structures in the ADV I filed with the SEC. Managers must disclose these fees to potential and current clients by providing either ADV Part II or equivalent form to the investor.
Reporting Services
Reporting services, such as Morningstar and Lipper, provide similar information from their own research of mutual funds. These services can be extremely beneficial, because fee information is summarized and often accounted for in the reports’ investment return calculations. This helps the investor and planner make good comparisons of funds. Information services that cover private managers provide information, primarily about management fees.
Assessment
To the extent that online trading, deep discount brokerages, lack of SEC and FINRA oversight, and the recent financial, insurance and banking meltdown has affected the above, it is left up to your discretion and personal situation. Generally, all fess are, and should be, negotiable.
Disclaimer: Both contributors are former licensed insurance agents and financial advisors.
Conclusion
Your thoughts and comments on this ME-P are appreciated. Feel free to review our top-left column, and top-right sidebar materials, links, URLs and related websites, too. Then, subscribe to the ME-P. It is fast, free and secure.
Speaker: If you need a moderator or speaker for an upcoming event, Dr. David E. Marcinko; MBA – Publisher-in-Chief of the Medical Executive-Post – is available for seminar or speaking engagements. Contact: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.com
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Posted on March 30, 2009 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
Many Methods Possible and Often Confusing
[By Dr. David Edward Marcinko; FACFAS, MBA, CMP™]
What is of the utmost importance to a physician-investor is: (1) to have a plan, (2) a means of implementation and monitoring investments, and (3) a process to review goals and objectives in the future. Some or all of these steps may require the supervision of a financial planner or fiduciary investment advisor. “Professional” advisors who assist doctors and investors with the development of an investment plan also may become involved with implementation, monitoring, and performance reporting. Other “advisors” work only with plan development, referring implementation and supervision to others.
Basic Methods
There are three basic methods of payment for professional investment management: by commission, fee only, or a combination of the two. The method of payment used depends on the type of service provided and on who provides it.
1. Commissions
Some advisors who assist investors with investment planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting do not charge a direct fee. They provide planning services for no charge if investors buy and sell the investments that they recommend. Investment brokers who are licensed to buy and sell securities may use the resources of a brokerage firm to assist investors with planning.
Commission-based advisors generally will recommend load mutual funds, thereby receiving either front-end or trail commissions. Trail commissions are paid over time or as a fee based on a percentage of the account value, similar to a 12b-1 fee. Brokers may provide or recommend professional money managers affiliated through their brokerage firm. The broker is paid directly or indirectly by some form of referral fee, or through a trading commission arrangement with the money management firm.
2. Only Fees
Fee-only professionals provide planning and supervisory services for a fee. The fee may be a flat periodic fee, an hourly fee, or a percentage-of-assets fee. Investment planning often is paid for by a flat or hourly fee. Supervisory services (encompassing implementation), monitoring, and reporting, often are paid by the hour or as a percentage-of-asset fee. Percentage-of-asset fees usually are tiered based on the size of the account.
3. Combination Fees and Commissions
Many investment professionals use a combination of commission and fee planning. They may charge a nominal fee for planning and discounted commissions for other services. Another combination is the fee offset, in which a flat or similar fee is charged and then is reduced by commissions, referral fees, and similar charges earned by the planner or advisor.
Registration
Investment advisors registered with the SEC may provide fee-only services. Registration does not guarantee the investor is using a competent investment advisor or money manager as it is required for those advisors giving investment advice.
Certifications and Designations
Many professionals become certified by a peer or professional group to provide fee-only services. They must pass exams and otherwise demonstrate some level of competence to obtain and maintain certification marks. Certified Financial Planners (CFPs®), ChFCs Chartered Financial Consultants [insurance industry], personal financial specialists (PFSs, who also must be CPAs), and more than 100 others can advise investors. Within these designations, there are so called “specialists” in areas of investment planning (on a more sophisticated level), implementation, and supervisory services. Except for CPAs and Certified Medical Planners™; none of these “advisors” are truly fiduciaries.
Supervisory services can be basic or sophisticated. In the simplest form, an advisor monitors the implementation process and periodically reviews the investment plan to assure that it is being followed. These advisors delegate or let the investor delegate the selection and supervision of actual investments to other brokers, investment managers, etc. Other advisors take a more direct role in the selection and supervision of brokers, investment managers, and mutual funds. At a more sophisticated level, an advisor prepares periodic reports, uses software to monitor and review portfolio structures, and implements strategies and tactical asset allocation decisions.
Assessment
To the extent that online trading, deep discount brokerages, lack of SEC and FINRA oversight, and the recent financial, insurance and banking meltdown has affected the above, investing – with or without an advisor – is left up to the physician. Generally, all fess are, and should be, negotiable. When it comes to the financial services product sales industry; always remember that most of these folks are salesmen; so always remember “caveat emptor” or “buyer beware.”
Disclaimer: The author is a former licensed insurance agent, Certified Financial Planner® and founding principal of the Certified Medical Planner™ online educational program, in health economics and medical management, for financial advisors and healthcare consultants.
Conclusion
Your thoughts and comments on this ME-P are appreciated. Feel free to review our top-left column, and top-right sidebar materials, links, URLs and related websites, too. Then, subscribe to the ME-P. It is fast, free and secure.
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Posted on March 21, 2009 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
Advertisers – Give Me a Break!
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko; MBA, CMP™
Did you know that financial advisor Judith Zabalaoui, age 71, considered a pioneer of the fee-only business-model of financial services sales, pleaded guilty to using a Ponzi scheme to embezzle more than $3 million from her New Orleans area clients between 1993 and 2007? Yep, it’s true, but this is not really noteworthy to many pundits considering the current financial meltdown on Wall Street. But, do you know … the rest of the story?
Resource Management Inc.
Most of Zabalaoui’s clients came from Resource Management Inc. in Metairie, La., which she founded in 1974, according to the Times Picayune. Apparently, she became a Certified Financial Planner® in 1979, but the certification expired in 1999.
So, here’s the rub. According to reports, Resource Management Inc. was the only firm in the country where each of the principals were allegedly “selected” by Worth [1996 to present], Money [1987] and/or both magazines as one of the top financial consultants in the country. The company also made Bloomberg Wealth Manager’s list of top wealth managers in 2004.
Industry Indignation Index: 55
Now, with all due respect and humility, I have been asked several times by Worth and Bloomberg to “promote yourself” in their “advertiser-driven” publications as a top financial consultant; but never Money magazine. I have always refused their selection charges for same of $12-18,000.
Full disclosure: I am the Founder of www.CertifiedMedicalPlanner.com and a reformed insurance agent, registered investment advisor and Certified Financial Planner™.
Conclusion
And so, your thoughts and comments on this Medical Executive-Post are appreciated. Was Judith Zabalaouia fiduciary and what about these magazine “best-of” awards? Are they worthwhile monikers or worthless sales advertisements? What about all the so-called financial certifications, designations and charters; meaningful or meaningless? What is your opinion?
Speaker:If you need a moderator or speaker for an upcoming event, Dr. David E. Marcinko; MBA – Publisher-in-Chief of the Executive-Post – is available for seminar or speaking engagements. Contact: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.comor Bio: www.stpub.com/pubs/authors/MARCINKO.htm
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Posted on February 24, 2009 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
Education for Financial Fiduciaries
Staff Reporters
According to the firm and website, www.Fi360.com offers a full circle approach to investment fiduciary education, practice management and support that has established it as the go-to source for investment fiduciary insights.
The Term “Fiduciary” Defined?
And, Fi360 defines an investment “Fiduciary” as:
“Someone who is managing the assets of another person and stands in a special relationship of trust, confidence, and/or legal responsibility”
With substantiated best-practices as a foundation, the firm offers training, tools and resources that are essential for fiduciaries and those who provide services to fiduciaries to effectively and successfully manage their roles and responsibilities. Fi360 say it is committed to assisting those who rely on their education programs, Web-based analytical software and resources to achieve success.
Training
Fi360 offers both AIF® and AIFA® training curriculums. The AIF® curriculum instructs investment fiduciaries on how to fulfill their duties to a defined standard of care. The AIFA® curriculum instructs participants on how to assess the conformance of investment fiduciaries to a Global Fiduciary Standard of Excellence [GFSE] using an ISO-like assessment process. These training curriculums are available in both classroom and Web-based settings; customized program are also available. Participants who successfully complete the programs, submit dues, agree to a code of ethics and meet other prerequisites may earn the AIF® or AIFA® designations, respectively.
Goals and Objectives
The goal of Fi360 is to help investment fiduciaries manage their responsibilities. But, according to Bennet Aiken AIF®, Fi360 Communications Coordinator, it is important to realize that AIF® / AIFA® designees are not required to be fiduciaries. While these designations are symbolic of training, knowledge and ongoing fiduciary development, they do not mean certification holders will always be acting as a fiduciary.
Assessment
Publications, blogs, articles, national conferences, assessments and more material for the collective and ongoing support of the fiduciary community are available; many for free and/or for the general public.
Conclusion
And so, your thoughts and comments on this Medical Executive-Post are appreciated. But, why would a healthcare institution, medical practice, clinic or individual physician-investor hire anyone who will not act as a fiduciary and put their interests first; especially an AIF®/AIFA certification holder?
Note: Beginning today, and for the entire month of March 2009, we will be posting an exclusive interview with Bennett Aikin AIF®, the Communications Coordinator for fi360.com. Our topic will be on the rules, regulations and very definition of the modern financial fiduciary. Perhaps he can explain it all? Don’t miss it!
Speaker:If you need a moderator or speaker for an upcoming event, Dr. David E. Marcinko; MBA – Publisher-in-Chief of the Executive-Post – is available for seminar or speaking engagements. Contact: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.comor Bio: www.stpub.com/pubs/authors/MARCINKO.htm
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Posted on February 16, 2009 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
Techniques-of-Art for Financial Advisors
By Robert Ayrer and ME-P Staff Writers
Before any piece of work that requires communication can be understood, the context must be established. Without context, words have very little reality; and without reality, there can be no communication. Communication is the “transfer of meaning.”
Introduction
The lack of a definitive role of the marketing function (and the sales function, and the difference between the two) for financial advisors [FAs], has contributed to the lack of clarity required for the achievement of sales targets. The fuzzy line between “targets” and “goals” has left most financial product salesmen, OSJs [Office of Supervisory Jurisdiction] and sales managers without the “tools to manage.” In this context, we will define the financial sales person’s role as the “person responsible for the execution of the corporate, or personal, sales plan, which includes the short term marketing of the company.”
Marketing versus Sales
Long term strategic marketing is a very sophisticated process, requiring highly trained people that are not involved with the mundane, day-to-day activities of the enterprise. Unfortunately, this type of “marketing” is done by too few businesses, RIAs, BDs, and FAs.
The “marketing plan”, as defined by Malcolm H. B. McDonald, Director of the Cranfield Marketing Planning Centre, of the Cranfield School of Management, is a comprehensive business plan, incorporating and integrating all of the elements of business; the four “P’s” — Product, Price, Place and Promotion. More often than not, financial sales organizations and RIAs are run by people with “Director of Sales & Marketing” titles. This use of the “marketing” title often confuses the difference between marketing and sales. For our purposes, we will include the very short term marketing function in the sales department’s role.
Dirty Ear Marketing
This “very short term marketing” required of the FA or sales person is what is called “The dirty ear” marketing. The “dirty ear” comes from “keeping an ear to the ground” to detect changes in the market that would affect the assumptions that support the marketing plan and the company sales plan.
It has been said that the American plains Indians could drive a stick into the ground, put the end of the stick to their ear and tell if the buffalo herd was within twenty miles — and, by bending the stick, tell in which direction. The more sophisticated tracker could tell whether the herd was approaching or going away.
It is this short term, close in, change in direction of the market (herd) upon which the assumptions of the marketing and sales plan are based, that should be the concern of the sales department or financial advisor and business owners.
Of Bull and Bear Markets
For example, during times of economic expansion, and bull markets, the purchasing authority for many items is transferred down the reporting chain to the lowest possible responsible level of management. At this level a sales person or FA may only require one or two calls to complete the selling process with a buying authority. This authority level would dictate the activity of sales people in achieving their personal sales plan and achieving their targets and goals.
During a recession however, as is occurring now, authority to buy may be withdrawn from the customary buying level, designating someone at a higher level as the “buyer.” The financial sales person still must go through the traditional contact at the lower level. These contacts can now only say “no”. They cannot say “yes.” By adding another level of decision making to the buying process, additional activity will be required to make the average sale. You cannot double the activity required to make a sale and make the same number of sales! Don’t make the mistake of thinking that working harder is the answer, as there is only a finite amount of time available to get to your prospects. Your options are; change the plan; adjust the sales budget; add more sales representatives.
The Sales Cycle
Continuing a sales plan based upon the assumption of a two-call sales cycle when the market requires a three or four call cycle will take your sales plan out of reality. The key to both a good marketing plan and a good sales plan is “reality.” It is the FA or sales manager’s prime function to see that the sales organization is working in “reality” by constantly testing the basic assumptions of the sales plan.
The challenge to every financial services business owner, sales manager and every FA sales person is to stay focused on the prime objective of a sales person – processing the sale. To maintain focus on the sales objective, the activities of a sales person should be looked at in two categories; “tasks” and “selling objectives.” The tasks are those activities that all sales people are required to do to service clients – handle back-charges, warranty claims, stocking services, point of sale maintenance, etc. The selling objectives are defined by the sales progression used in the sales strategy.
Processing the Sale
To give better understanding to this concept, consider the following. If you find a local bank that offers a certificate of deposit that is paying a good return, and you put $10,000 on deposit, you have made an “investment.” It is an “investment” because you expect your money back with a profit. To find this investment opportunity you must be focused externally (not within your own business). And, investments are a source of new capital.
If, on the other hand you take the $10,000 and purchase a car for your business, your focus is internal to your business, solving a problem of transportation, and you will only realize gain by reducing an existing or potential expense. You will not realize any new capital from this expenditure. This use of the $10,000 is an “expense.”
Internal and External Focus
To generalize, if your focus is external and you are seeking to generate new capital by exploiting new opportunities, this is an investment. If your focus is internal, and you are solving problems (the activities that come after the sale), the time and money spent is an expense.
Tasks and Objectives
Sales people sometimes lose sight of the difference between the “tasks” (internally focused after sales activities that are expenses to the company) and the sales “objectives” (opportunity seeking activity that will result in generating new capital through sales). Although we must service the task items, we can avoid “buying” the customer’s problem (forgetting that the customer’s problem is our opportunity). The way we make sure we maintain focus on the opportunity rather than the problem – is to link every task with a sales objective.
Management Reporting
Historically, we have asked sales people and FAs to report to management through an activity report that usually records the “task” items but ignores the opportunity items. To use the reporting system as a training and management tool, stop requiring the typical activity and expense reports.
Instead, ask your sales people fill out an “Opportunity” report and an “Investment” report. It is true; “What gets measured gets improved!” If you want your sales people to be externally focused and seek opportunities, investing in accounts rather than “solving problems” and spending money (“expense” items), measure and report on the opportunities and investments. It is more positive to run an investment department for your business rather than a cost center.
Managing For Results
Peter Drucker observes that “… there are no profit centers in a business; there are only cost centers.” The profits centers are external. Again, quoting Drucker; “Results are obtained by exploiting opportunities, not by solving problems!”
Assessment
The above offering is intended to help financial advisors and sales people “manage” themselves, and for the sales people who have assumed the mantle of OSJ or “manager”, etc
Conclusion
And so, your thoughts and comments on this Medical Executive-Post are appreciated.
Speaker:If you need a moderator or speaker for an upcoming event, Dr. David E. Marcinko; MBA – Publisher-in-Chief of the MedicalExecutive-Post – is available for seminar or speaking engagements. Contact: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.com
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Posted on January 26, 2009 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
What is Old is New Again -or- Lessons Learned
By Dr. David Edward Marcinko; MBA, CMP™
According to the article Great Expectations-Disappointing Realities that recently appeared in Registered Representative, a trade magazine for the financial services industry, by John Churchill, the booming stock market of the last five years saw many Registered Investment Advisory [RIA] firms sell a portion of their future cash flows in return for cash and stock in an acquiring consolidating firm. This is known as a roll-up, or consolidator, business model. I am quite familiar with it, as both a doctor and financial advisor. I believe my dual perspective of both camps is somewhat unique, as well.
The NYSE Collapse
As the stock market collapsed in 2008-09, many RIAs who previously sold stakes to these “roll-up” consolidator firms began scrambling to pay quarterly preferred disbursements. What gives, many implored? As a reformed Certified Financial Planner™, RIA representative, financial advisor and insurance agent, I can draw many parallels from these present day RIA consolidators to the similar Physician Practice Management Corporation roll-up fiasco of 1999-2000? Indeed, I can, and will [www.HealthcareFinancials.com]
My Experience with Medical Practice Consolidators
As a clinician and surgeon, I was the past president of a privately held regional Physician Practice Management Corporation [PPMC] in the Midwest. I assumed this route about a decade ago, by happenstance and background, when I helped consolidate 95 solo medical practices with about $50 million in revenues. But, our small company’s IPO roll-up attempt was aborted due to adverse market conditions, in 1999. Fortunately, a conservative business model based on debt, not the equity which was all the rage at the time, saved us right before the crash of 2000. So, we harvested fiscally conservative physicians who lost only a few operational start-up bucks; but no significant dollars.
On the other hand, those PPMCs roll-ups based on equity lost much more. In fact, according to the Cain Brothers index of public PPMCs, more than 95% of all equity value was lost by doctor-investors hoping to cash in on Wall Street’s riches they did not rightly deserve; not by practicing medicine but by betting on rising stock prices. So, projecting a repeat disaster from medicine, to the contemporary RIA consolidator business model, was not a great leap for me. And unfortunately, this was one of the few times I was all too correct in my prognostications.
PPMC’s Today
The type of medical consolidator or roll-up, formally called the Physician Practice Management Corporation [PPMC], was left for dead by the year 1999. Even survivors like Pediatrix Medical Group saw its stock drop precipitously. And, more than a few private medical practices had to be bought back by the same physicians that sold out to the PPMCs originally.
RIA Example
I sure hope this does not occur with FAs, as well. But, if an entity is being bought back and accounts receivables are being purchased, FAs should be careful not to pick this item up as income twice. The costs can be immense to the RIA practice, as later clients of mine learned the hard way.
Buy-Backs
For example, let’s say a family practice [or RIA?] purchased itself back from a PPMC, or RIA consolidator. Part of the mandatory purchase price, approximately $200,000 (the approximate net realizable value of the accounts receivable), was paid to the PPMC to buy back accounts receivable [ARs] generated by the physicians buying back their practice. Now, if an office administrator unknowingly begins recording the cash receipts specifically attributable to the purchased accounts receivable as patient fee income; trouble begins to brew. If left uncorrected, this error can incorrectly added $200,000 in income to this practice and cost it (a C Corporation) approximately $70,000 in additional income tax ($200,000 in fees x 35% tax rate). The error in the above example is that the PPMC [or RIA consolidator] must record the portion of the purchase price it received for the accounts receivable as patient [advisory] fee income. The buyer practice has merely traded one asset – cash – for another asset, the accounts receivable [ARs]. When the practice collects these particular receivables, the credit is applied against the purchased accounts receivable (an asset), rather than to patient [RIA] fees.
RIA Revolution Follows PPMC Evolution
Today, surviving medical PPMCs are evolving from first generation multi-specialty national concerns, to second generation regional single specialty groups [my type], to third generation regional concerns, and finally to fourth generation Internet enabled service companies providing both business to business [B2B] solutions to affiliated medical practices, as well as business like consumer health solutions to plan members [healthcare 2.0]. I trust this sort of positive morphing will occur, over time, with the RIA consolidators. Perhaps yes, or no [www.HealthDictionarySeries.com]
RIA Consolidators
Among the most distressed RIA roll-up entities today may be the publically traded National Financial Partners and its more than 180 acquired firms, with more than 320 members in 41 states and Puerto Rico. NFP specializes in life insurance and wealth transfers, corporate and executive benefits, and financial planning and investment advisory services. Jessica M. Bibliowicz has been NFP’s President and CEO since inception in 1999. She is the daughter of Sandy Weill, and a member of the Board of Overseers for the Weill Medical College and Graduate School of Medical Sciences of Cornell University. NFP’s stock has declined from a high of $56 more than a year ago, to a current trading range of $3-4.
And the Question Is?
And so, the question that MDs and RIAs should have asked when contemplating this business model was simply this: would I but the stock of an acquiring roll-up company if I were not part of the deal?
Valuable Consideration
Why? When MDs and RIAs sell to a consolidator, part of their “valuable consideration” is stock equity, so confidence and a conscientious work ethic is important. But, these “‘sell-out” entities are not retirement vehicles according to former financial advisor Hope Rachel Hetico; RN, MHA, CMP™ – a nurse executive and managing partner for www.MedicalBusinessAdvisors.com.Hope is also managing editor of this blog forum.
Assessment
More pointedly, according to one seller mentioned in the Churchill article,
“the whole [consolidator] pyramid is built on cash flows based on incremental growth and hugely optimistic projections of that growth”.
Conclusion
Rest assured, the consolidator business model can be very successful; just think H. Wayne Huizenga’s Blockbuster Video and Waste Management, Inc. And so, your thoughts and comments on this Medical Executive-Post are appreciated? Why didn’t consolidation work in medicine, or with the RIAs? Or, reframed, why did consolidation work in the garbage collections industry and video store space? Can the fiercely independent RIA space learn something from the fiercely independent medical space?
Speaker:If you need a moderator or speaker for an upcoming event, Dr. David E. Marcinko; MBA – Publisher-in-Chief of the Executive-Post – is available for seminar or speaking engagements. Contact: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.com or Bio: www.stpub.com/pubs/authors/MARCINKO.htm
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Posted on January 26, 2009 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
Want, Need or Risk Reduction Mechanism? Staff Reporters
As readers and subscribers to the Medical Executive Post, and our related print periodicals, dictionaries and books are aware, choosing the right financial consulting firm, or consultant, is always a challenging task www.HealthCareFinancials.com Today, this is true more than ever, given the financial meltdown and the all too obvious shenanigans of Wall Street www.HealthDictionarySeries.com Lay and physician investors alike are affected; along with related financial advisors of all stripes, degrees and designations [spurious or more credible] www.MedicalBusinessAdvisors.com
National Compliance Services
According to the National Compliance Services, Inc. [NCS] website, an experienced team of customer-oriented professionals is in place that strives to meet personal and corporate compliance needs so that clients can focus on areas of expertise www.NCSonline.com
A Protean Focus
NCS operates in the financial compliance and regulatory services industry. Its strength may be in providing efficient, and reasonably priced products and services for many different sub-arenas, such as: investment and financial advisors, hedge and mutual funds, stock-brokers and broker-dealers. Their customized services are designed to structure a compliance program that is appropriate for any individual, or firm’s unique regulatory needs. NCS works to ensure compliance with applicable federal and/or state rules and regulations.
Range of Products and Services
NCS has offered its personalized services to more than 6,000 clients, both domestically and internationally. Their consultants include former regulatory examiners, accountants, attorneys, and other individuals with extensive hands-on industry experience.
Verification Services
NCS also offers a standard or customized line of verification services to Mutual Funds, Hedge Funds, Custodians, Broker-Dealers, Investment Advisers, and Third-Party Vendors. Verification services can be customized to include any or all of the following:
Firm Registration/Notice Filing with the Proper Jurisdiction(s)
Adviser Representative Registration(s)
Adviser Representative Degree(s) or Professional Designation(s)
Firm Reported Disciplinary History
Adviser Representative Reported Disciplinary History
Proper Registration of Solicitors
Proper Registration of Wholesalers and Third-Party Vendors
Bank Background and Activity Reports, and
OFAC Checks, etc.
Assessment
Moreover, claims of verification for over 15,000 Registered Investment Advisers, and Investment Adviser Representatives, seem plausible. For example, NCS recently contacted www.CertifiMedicalPlanner.com to verify the good-standing of a member and charter-holder.
Contact Info:
For further information, please contact:
Alex Aghyarian National Compliance Services, Inc Verification Technician Phone: 561.330.7645 ext 302 and Fax: 561.330.7044 aaghyarian@ncsonline.com
Conclusion
And so, your thoughts and comments on this Medical Executive-Post are appreciated. Verification in most any space is worthwhile of course; but is membership in a vague or nebulous organization helpful or harmful to the uninitiated?
Speaker:If you need a moderator or speaker for an upcoming event, Dr. David E. Marcinko; MBA – Publisher-in-Chief of the Executive-Post – is available for seminar or speaking engagements. Contact: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.comor Bio: www.stpub.com/pubs/authors/MARCINKO.htm
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Posted on January 24, 2009 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
A Book Report for “Dummies”
Staff Reporters
According to one review, this aptly-titled book Protecting Your Pension for Dummies [Wiley-July 2007, 978-0-470-10213] has proven to be prophetic in its early warnings against money-hungry financial advisors [FAs].
Watch the “Advisors”
The text, written by pension litigators Robert D. Gary and Jori Bloom Naegele, cautioned about hidden fees for financial advisors, lack of benchmarks for financial performance, inappropriate and risky investments, and heavily weighted distribution of plan investments in shaky company stock; etc. In other words, the traditional industry “bar of suitability”, is both ethically and legally low.
Assessment
For example, did you know that the financial services [read “sales”] industry has no definition for the term “financial advisor?”According to one source, it can be a “butcher, baker or candle-stick maker.” Of course, there are many fine financial services salesmen and consultants “out-there”. But, finding one may be difficult. And, does it not seem that an increasingly number of pundits, like the authors of this book, and others, suggest their numbers are fewer and farther between than the industry itself suggests?
And so, your thoughts and comments on this Medical Executive-Post are appreciated. Are medical professionals, and the lay public, finally realizing that far too many of these FAs [read stock-brokers] are not fiduciaries working on your behalf; do not have to disclose conflicts of interest, and do not put client interests first?
Speaker:If you need a moderator or speaker for an upcoming event, Dr. David E. Marcinko; MBA – Publisher-in-Chief of the Executive-Post – is available for seminar or speaking engagements. Contact: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.comor Bio: www.stpub.com/pubs/authors/MARCINKO.htm
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Posted on December 31, 2008 by Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP™
Understanding Financial Sales “Titles”
Dr. David Edward Marcinko; MBA, CMP™
Registered Representative
A retail or discount stock broker, regardless of compensation schedule, is also known as a registered representative [RR]. Other names include financial advisor, financial consultant, financial planner, Vice President, Wealth Manager, etc. Typically, the less than rigorous national test known as a Series #7 (General Securities License) test, and state specific Series #63 license is needed, along with Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) registration through the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) to become a stockbroker [now Financial Industry Regulatory Authority – FINRA]. Since a commission may be involved, and performance based incentives are allowed, be aware of costs.
Registered Investment Advisor
This securities license, obtained after passing the Series # 65 examination, allows the designee to charge for giving “unbiased” securities advice on retirement plans and portfolio management, although not necessarily sell securities or insurance products. An RIA is also usually a fiduciary, while a RR, financial consultant or stockbroker is not.
About FINRA BrokerCheck
FINRA BrokerCheck is a free online tool to help investors check the professional background of current and former FINRA-registered securities firms and brokers. It should be the first-line resource when a physician or other investor is choosing whether to do business with a particular broker or brokerage firm www.FINRA.org
Features of FINRA BrokerCheck include:
Search capabilities for both a broker and brokerage firm
Online delivery of a report on a broker or brokerage firm
Explanatory information to help investors better understand the content, context and source of the information provided
Do you seek “professional” assistance with your investing endeavors, or are you a DIY physician-investor?
Conclusion
And so, as a former holder of all the above titles, your thoughts and comments on this Medical Executive-Post are appreciated.
Speaker:If you need a moderator or speaker for an upcoming event, Dr. David E. Marcinko; MBA – Publisher-in-Chief of the Executive-Post – is available for seminar or speaking engagements. Contact: MarcinkoAdvisors@msn.comor Bio: www.stpub.com/pubs/authors/MARCINKO.htm
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By Dr. David Edward Marcinko MBA MEd CMP®
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