How to choose an investment advisor in 2025: credentials, conflicts, and fee models explained?
The choice isn’t “Who sounds smartest? ”; it’s “Who is licensed to advise, trained for the right job, paid the right way, and transparent about conflicts?” That filter trims half the noise around investment advisors in minutes and leaves a short list worth meeting for investment advisor services that serve . Credentials that matter (and why) SEBI RIA: In India, paid advice belongs with SEBI‑registered Investment Advisers, fiduciary duty, disclosure rules, audits, and fresh 2025 guidelines, including graded deposit requirements and AI‑use disclosures. CFP vs CFA: CFP signals holistic personal finance planning; CFA signals investment research and portfolio management depth. Use the right expert for the right brief, not the loudest title. Reality check: Verify active SEBI RIA status, team qualifications, and the specific person advising, not just a logo. Fee models, decoded without the sales gloss . Fee‑only: Paid only b...