A true financial advisor should hold the appropriate professional licenses required to provide investment advice. An insurance license alone is not sufficient to offer comprehensive financial guidance. Most qualified advisors hold one or more securities licenses issued through the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Common licenses include the Series 6, Series 7, Series 63, Series 65, or Series 66. For example, an advisor who only holds a Series 6 license is generally limited to offering specific investment products such as mutual funds and annuities. While these investments can be appropriate in certain situations, a broader licensing structure allows an advisor to access a wider range of strategies and investment solutions designed to meet diverse client needs. Additionally, if an advisor manages assets and charges an advisory fee for ongoing investment management, they must typically hold the Series 65 license, or the Series 66 combined with the Series 63, depending on the regulatory structure under which they operate. At Proverbi Capital Advisors, Andrea holds the Series 65 licenses and operates as a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA). This structure allows us to provide investment advice and portfolio management under a transparent advisory fee model rather than relying solely on commissions tied to financial products.
Transparency and Advisor Background Checks All licenses for securities professionals are issued through FINRA, and investors have access to a powerful and free tool known as FINRA BrokerCheck. This public database allows you to review important information about any licensed advisor. BrokerCheck provides detailed information including:
Reviewing an advisor’s background is an important step in the due diligence process and helps investors make informed decisions about who they trust with their financial future.
Fiduciary Standard vs. Suitability Standard Another important factor when selecting an advisor is understanding the standard of care they are held to when making investment recommendations. Under the suitability standard, an advisor must recommend investments that are considered suitable based on a client's financial situation and objectives. However, multiple investments may meet the suitability threshold, and compensation structures could influence which product is recommended. Under the fiduciary standard, an advisor is legally required to act in the best interests of the client at all times. This standard places the client's interests ahead of the advisor’s compensation or other considerations. As a Registered Investment Advisor, Proverbi Capital Advisors operates under the fiduciary standard, meaning we are both ethically and legally obligated to prioritize the best interests of our clients when making recommendations.
Ask Questions — and Expect Clear Answers Selecting a financial advisor is one of the most important decisions you will make regarding your financial future. You should feel comfortable asking detailed questions and receiving clear, transparent answers. Consider asking:
There is no such thing as an unimportant question when it comes to your financial well-being. A trustworthy advisor should welcome thoughtful questions and provide clear, honest answers so that you can make decisions with confidence.
