Registered Investment Advisors (RIA) FAQs Who is a Registered Investment Advisor? Registered Investment Advisors (RIA) provide investment advice regarding the purchase and sale of securities. The distinguishing characteristic of RIAs from brokers and other advisors is that they are bound by fiduciary duty. How can you evaluate RIAs? You can evaluate RIAs by reading through disclosures in their ADV form and checking whether they are fee-only or commission-only. Must all Investment Advisors register with the SEC? Investment advisors with more than $110 million under management must register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) while those with less than $100 million under management must register with their appropriate state agencies. What does Fiduciary Duty mean? This duty enjoins them to act in a client’s best interests and suggest investments that are appropriate to his or her situation and circumstances in life. What does an RIA do? The job of a registered investment advisor is to advise clients on security investments for their financial well being. They suggest investment products and assets based on a client’s financial goals. About the Author True Tamplin, BSc, CEPF® Facebook Linkedin Instagram Twitter Youtube True Tamplin is a published author, public speaker, CEO of UpDigital, and founder of Finance Strategists. True is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance (CEPF®), author of The Handy Financial Ratios Guide, a member of the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing, contributes to his financial education site, Finance Strategists, and has spoken to various financial communities such as the CFA Institute, as well as university students like his Alma mater, Biola University, where he received a bachelor of science in business and data analytics. To learn more about True, visit his personal website or view his author profiles on Amazon, Nasdaq and Forbes.