Question 1

What is Fiduciary Check?

Accepted Answer

Fiduciary Check is an independent verification platform that confirms whether a financial advisor or Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) operates under a true fiduciary, fee-based standard. Firms that meet this standard earn the Orange Check, a visible mark of transparency and client-first integrity.

Question 2

What's the difference between a fiduciary and a financial advisor?

Accepted Answer

All fiduciaries are financial advisors, but not all financial advisors are fiduciaries. A fiduciary is legally and ethically bound to act in the best interests of their clients. They operate under a fee-based structure, meaning they are paid directly by clients for their advice and management, not through commissions or incentives from product sales. Traditional financial advisors or brokers may earn commissions when selling investment or insurance products, which can create conflicts of interest.

Question 3

How does Fiduciary Check verify firms?

Accepted Answer

Fiduciary Check conducts a multi-step verification process to confirm that each participating firm operates under a true fiduciary standard. This includes reviewing ADV filings and regulatory disclosures, compensation structures to ensure fee-based transparency, and firm policies and compliance documentation supporting fiduciary obligations. Once verified, firms receive the Orange Check Badge.

Question 4

What does the Orange Check mean?

Accepted Answer

The Orange Check is the symbol of verified fiduciary integrity. It means a financial advisor or RIA firm has been independently reviewed, confirmed to operate under a fee-based fiduciary standard, and is committed to putting clients' interests first. When you see the Orange Check, you can trust your advisor is working for you, not for commissions.

Question 5

Is there a cost to get verified?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a modest verification fee for Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firms seeking to earn the Orange Check. This fee covers the review and compliance process, ongoing monitoring, and renewal verification. The cost structure is designed to remain accessible while maintaining the integrity and independence of the verification process.

Question 6

How long does verification last?

Accepted Answer

Verification through Fiduciary Check is valid for 12 months from the date of approval. Firms must complete an annual renewal review to maintain their verified status and continue displaying the Orange Check Badge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fiduciary Check?

What's the difference between a fiduciary and a financial advisor?

How does Fiduciary Check verify firms?

What does the Orange Check Mean?

Is there a cost to get verified?

How long does verification last?

Still have questions?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Fiduciary Check?

What's the difference between a fiduciary and a financial advisor?

How does Fiduciary Check verify firms?

What does the Orange Check Mean?

Is there a cost to get verified?

How long does verification last?

Still have questions?