Choosing the right financial adviser is a critical step toward achieving your long-term financial goals. Here are five key points to consider:

—

1. Remuneration: Who Pays the Adviser?

Never underestimate the influence of financial incentives. Always ask your adviser a fundamental question:

*Who is paying the fees—*you, the client, or the financial institutions whose products are being recommended?

There’s no such thing as a free lunch. If the fee structure isn’t transparent, your interests are likely compromised.

To ensure unbiased advice, engage with “fee-only” financial advisers.

If someone claims to offer free advice, it’s a red flag—they are likely earning high commissions or brokerages from the products they recommend, at your expense.

—

2. Registration with the Regulator

In India, not everyone giving financial advice is authorized to do so.

Ask: Is your adviser registered with SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India)?

SEBI Registered Investment Advisers (RIAs) are licensed to provide financial planning advice.

Advisers registered with AMFI, IRDA, etc. are primarily product distributors and may not offer holistic advice.

Engage only with SEBI-Registered Investment Advisers for professional and unbiased financial planning.

—

3. Custody of Funds and Securities

A trustworthy adviser should never have access to your funds or hold them in their own account.

As per SEBI’s Investment Adviser regulations:

Advisers can only receive fees directly from clients.

They must not hold a Power of Attorney or move client funds into their own account.

If your adviser operates otherwise, it’s a serious red flag.

—

4. Financial Planner vs. Product Seller

A true financial planner:

Takes time to understand your personal and family financial situation through risk profiling.

Focuses on strategy, not just products.

They will talk about: Asset allocation, diversification, liquidity, simplicity, safety, risk, cost-efficiency, tax planning, and long-term growth.

If the conversation revolves only around returns, it’s likely a product pitch—not financial planning.

—

5. Experience and Credentials Matter

Look for qualifications like Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and years of practical experience.

The longer the experience and the stronger the credentials, the better the quality of advice you are likely to receive.