The terms “Financial Advisor” and “Financial Adviser” are often used interchangeably, but it’s important to note that both spellings have legitimate uses, depending on the context and jurisdiction.
Regulatory Context: The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) utilizes the spelling “Investment Adviser” with an ‘e,’ which aligns with the legal definition under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940. As a firm, we adhere to this regulatory nomenclature in our firm name and the titles of our professionals.
Common Usage: The spelling “Financial Advisor” with an ‘o’ is often used in everyday language and may appear in marketing materials or other non-legal contexts. However, it does not have a specific legal or regulatory definition.
Legitimacy of Both Terms: Both spellings are generally accepted, but the choice of ‘e’ or ‘o’ can indicate the context in which the term is being used. For instance, the ‘e’ spelling is often employed to highlight adherence to regulatory standards, while the ‘o’ spelling is used more colloquially.
Consistency in Our Practice: To maintain consistency with regulatory guidelines and to underscore our commitment to adhering to legal standards, we use the spelling “Adviser” with an ‘e’ in our firm name and the titles of our financial professionals.