January 14, 2005
To whom it may concern at the SEC:
I think it is a terrible, and potentially very damaging idea, to allow stock brokers to call themselves financial advisors. That label connotes a certain training, and it implies that the financial advisor has the clients best interest in mind, having a fiduciary duty to the client. I believe that a stockbroker usually sells whatever it is he or she wants to sell, is pressured to sell, etc. and has absolutley no sense of obligation toward his or her clients.
Please look into this matter, and come up with a solution. We need to have a clear distinction, to inform the general public that there is a VERY big difference between the term stock broker and financial advisor.
Sincerely,
Melissa Dombrowski