Registered Investment Advisor vs Broker?

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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 Whiston Asset Management Group, Inc. (WAMG)

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

RIA-WAMG - In the business of providing advice and managing money for a fee.  RIA compensation is based upon performance and bonus'.  

Broker - Representatives are typically contractors or employees of a larger broker dealer.

RIA-WAMG- Independent, and not owned by another company.

Broker - Typically compensated by commissions and mark ups on transactions; NOT required to disclose compensation.

RIA-WAMG- Compensated by fees and bonus'; all of which are fully disclosed and with no commissions on investment portfolio's .

Broker - Regulated primarily by The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

RIA-WAMG - 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.

RIA-WAMG - Held to FIDUCIARY standards - required to act in our clients' best interests at all times.