August 2, 2010
I am a Registered Representative, and have been for 25 years. I ALWAYS put my clients best interests first, as do most representatives.
The fiduciary standard looks back and enforces breaches retroactively through SEC enforcement or private lawsuits. The suitability standard looks forward and tries to prevent harm to consumers through ongoing and frequent FINRA and broker-dealer audits and compliance processes.
Please police your existing rules-- which should have caught the Madoffs and others that have made the "news".
Quit punishing working people (clients) and the 99% of Registered Reps who are doing their jobs diligently with high values and character.
Remember, you cannot legislate character.