investor.com Trust Algorithm
28 million data points. 100% consumer advocacy. Helping Americans ask the right questions.
Our Research
With a focus on transparency via regulatory data, investor.com helps thousands of Americans each month answer the question, “Can I trust you?”
Industry Scope
In the United States alone, there are more than 17,000 registered investment firms and over 680,000 licensed individuals who can provide financial advice.
Trusted Badge
Reviewed financial advisor firms that meet our strict requirements earn the investor.com badge of Trust.
What Data is Used?
We collect data from sources which may include:
- FINRA Broker Check
- SEC IAPD
- State Regulator Databases
- Professional Designation Websites
Here’s a summary of the regulatory and proprietary data** we collect to review Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) firms:
| Background |
| Years Registered (SEC IAPD) |
| Conflicts of Interest |
| 12b-1 Fees (ADV Part 2) |
| Attorney Conflict (ADV Part 1 Items 6.A.13, 7.A.11) |
| Broker/Dealer Conflict (ADV Part 1 Items 6.A.1, 7.A.1) |
| Commissions Compensation Conflict (ADV Part 1 Item 5.E.5) |
| Insurance Affiliation Conflict (ADV Part 1 Item 6.A.6) |
| Insurance Agency Conflict (ADV Part 1 Item 7.A.12) |
| Performance-Based Fees (ADV Part 2 Item 6) |
| Private Investment Management (ADV Part 1 Item 8.B.2) |
| Proprietary Investments (ADV Part 1 Item 8.A.3) |
| Side-by-Side Management (ADV Part 2 Item 6) |
| Soft-Dollar Benefit Conflict (ADV Part 1 Item 8.G.1) |
| Trades Recommended Securities (ADV Part 1 Item 8.A.2) |
| Disciplinary History |
| Activity Restriction (ADV Part 1 Item 11.E.4)* |
| Attorney/Accountant Authorization Revocation (ADV Part 1 Item 11.F)* |
| Business License Revocation (ADV Part 1 Items 11.C.3, 11.D.3, 11.E.3)* |
| Court-Ordered Investment-Related Prohibition (ADV Part 1 Item 11.H.1.A) |
| False Statements or Omissions (ADV Part 1 Items 11.C.1 11.D.1, 11.E.1)* |
| Felony Convictions (ADV Part 1 Item 11.A.1) |
| Investment Related Misdemeanors (ADV Part 1 Item 11.B.1) |
| Investment Related Dismissal upon Settlement (ADV Part 1 Item 11.H.1.C) |
| Monetary Penalty (ADV Part 1 Item 11.C.5)* |
| Orders Entered (ADV Part 1 Items 11.C.4, 11.D.4)* |
| Registration/License Revocation (ADV Part 1 Items 11.D.5)* |
| Regulation Violations (ADV Part 1 Items 11.C.2, 11.D.2, 11.E.2, 11.H.1.B)* |
* Disciplinary Actions brought by the SEC, CFTC, a Self-Regulatory Organization, a commodities exchange, other Regulatory Agencies, or a domestic or foreign court.
** Proprietary data varies. For example, our system checks each firm’s website to ensure it is secured with an up to date SSL-certificate.
