The Broker/Dealer business model was created to distribute products to investors but has now incorporated the delivery of investment advice. When viewed as an investment advice business the inherent conflicts of interest has alarmed regulators and consumer advocates and driven the regulatory changes we see today. Michael Kitces offers some thoughts on how this incompatibility can be resolved, but “something’s gotta give!”

Mr. Kitces’ position is supported by DALBAR products such as the 408(g) Model Certification that separates the personality driven business of relationship management from the scientific probabilities of asset allocation and investment selection. The 408(g) Fee Leveling eliminates the conflicts of interest with an audit that complies with DoL and IRS regulations..