Investor and Industry Perspectives on Investment Advisers and Broker-Dealers

In theory, financial professionals are relatively distinct: A broker-dealer conducts transactions in securities on behalf of itself and others; and an investment adviser provides advice to others regarding securities. Different laws regulate each type of professional, but boundaries have blurred. This report examines current business practices and investor understanding of each type.This report examines current practices and investor understanding of broker-dealers, and investment advisers - two distinct types of financial professionals whose boundaries have blurred in recent decades.