July 9, 2019
First, let us consider some definitions. Different pools of assets have differing governing regulations, such as ERISA, the Uniform Prudent Management of Institutional Funds Act, Pennsylvania Fiduciary Statutes, and others, but they all have a commonality: duty of loyalty. That allegiance requires those in a position of trust to put beneficiary needs above their own self-interest. Open architecture, although used loosely in the investment industry, means a fiduciary can engage any qualified firm, without restriction, to serve a client. A fiduciary adhering to a truly open architecture investment solution lays a foundation for trust by avoiding three pitfalls common to our industry:
These three issues are at the heart of the “Principal-Agent Dilemma,” which is one of my favorite game theory problems. In short, it is your money, but you need to hire someone to manage it since you do not have the specialized skill required. The hired person/firm has the specialized skill but does not own the assets, and therefore their goals may not always be aligned with yours. There may be outside factors influencing his or her decision-making.
So, what to do? If you cannot move to a true open architecture platform, the game theory solution is to change the precepts of the relationship in one of two ways. The first is to hire another professional whose only compensation comes directly from you. That third party can monitor the activities of a bundled solution provider on your behalf. The second method is to contractually require your advisor to fully disclose compensation from third parties. Neither solution is particularly efficient, nor do they address the heart of the problem.
We are firm believers in open architecture as the superior strategy to mute the Principal-Agent dilemma. Unfortunately, fiduciary law has not codified it as such; the rules allow companies to serve multiple roles in investment programs. The conflicts inherent in these solutions melt away when each provider independently serves only you. Any excess fees or malfeasance by one party will negatively impact the others, ensuring alignment of interests between you and those who serve you.
For those who wish to go it alone, the Securities and Exchange Commission does require registered investment advisors to disclose conflicts in their Form ADVs; however, despite recent attempts at creating user-friendly disclosures, the industry lingo found therein can be difficult to decipher to most laypeople.
Bundling your home and auto insurance may yield economies of scale, but that may not be the case with your investment solution. Partnering with an independent, open architecture co-fiduciary lays the foundation for peace of mind knowing that your advisor is working solely on your behalf.
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