Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) vs. Broker

Although many brokers offer investment advice and financial planning services (and often portray themselves as "advisors" in their marketing materials), there are fundamental differences between a broker and an independent Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) like JNBA.

 

Broker - Primarily in the business of buying and selling securities.

JNBA - In the business of providing advice.

 

Broker - Registered representatives are typically contractors or employees of the firm.

JNBA - Independent, not owned by another company.

 

Broker - Typically compensated by commissions on transactions; not required to disclose compensation.

JNBA - Compensated by fees; all of which are fully disclosed with no commissions on investment products.

 

Broker - Regulated primarily by The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

JNBA - Regulated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and applicable state laws.

 

Broker - Held to "suitability standards" - must have reasonable grounds to believe a transaction they recommend is suitable for the investor.

JNBA - Held to fiduciary standards - required to act in our clients' best interests at all times.

 

Tom Bradley, President of TD Ameritrade Institutional, discusses RIA's on CNBC