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Key takeaways
- “Financial advisor” is a generic title — always look up the underlying credentials and registrations.
- RIAs are fiduciaries; broker-dealer reps are subject to Regulation Best Interest.
- Compensation models vary: fee-only, fee-based, commission, AUM, hourly, flat retainer.
- Verify any advisor at SEC IAPD (adviserinfo.sec.gov) and FINRA BrokerCheck (brokercheck.finra.org).
How Olomon thinks about this
Olomon makes the advisor relationship more efficient and more accountable. Advisors get permissioned access to a current household record; households get visibility into what the advisor is seeing and doing on their behalf. That symmetry is the foundation of a healthy long-term advisory relationship.
In-depth definition
Picking a financial advisor is one of the most consequential financial decisions a household makes. Credentials, fiduciary status, fee model, and specialization all matter — and the right answer for one family is wrong for another. A 35-year-old W-2 employee accumulating wealth has different needs than a 70-year-old retiree distributing it.
Frequently asked questions
Use SEC IAPD (adviserinfo.sec.gov) for investment advisers and FINRA BrokerCheck (brokercheck.finra.org) for brokers. Both show registration history, employment, and any disclosure events.
Sources
Primary, authoritative references.
- 1
U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission
Check Your Investment ProfessionalCited for: SEC verification resources
- 2
Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)
Brokers and Advisors — FINRACited for: Investor verification of brokers
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Cite this page
APAOlomon Editorial Team. (2026). Financial advisor. Olomon Financial Glossary. https://olomon.com/financial-glossary/financial-advisor