Not all financial professionals play by the same rules.
Here’s what makes working with a Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) like Heritage Oak different from working with a traditional broker:
Who Puts You First?
Fiduciary vs. Suitability
At Heritage Oak,
we’re fiduciaries—which means we are legally required to act in your best interest, every time. We don’t answer to a broker-dealer or outside sales quotas.
Brokers, on the other hand,
only follow a “suitability” standard. That means they can recommend something that’s simply “good enough,” even if it isn’t the absolute best option for you.
What This Means For You:
You get advice chosen for your goals—not a broker’s sales incentives.
Advice, Not Transactions
Heritage Oak does not earn commissions on products. Instead, we charge a simple fee based on the assets we manage for you. Our focus is on long-term strategy, not selling investments.
Brokers, by contrast, are often paid by commission. The more products they sell, the more they earn—whether those products are right for you or not.
What This Means For You:
You get guidance designed to grow your wealth, not generate a salesperson’s commission.
No Hidden Fees
Transparency vs. Disclosure
With Heritage Oak,
you’ll always know what you’re paying. We clearly outline our fees, review them with you, and provide ongoing reports for full transparency.
Brokers however,
typically provide disclosure documents like a prospectus—dense paperwork that can be difficult to understand without financial expertise.
What This Means For You:
You get clarity, not fine print.
Extra Protection for Your Assets
Third-Party Custody vs. In-House Custody
We use a trusted third-party custodian to hold your assets. That means your money is safeguarded outside of our firm, and you can cross-check all records for accountability.
Some brokers keep client assets in-house, giving them direct control and creating added risk.
What This Means For You:
Your money is secure, with extra layers of protection and oversight.
Higher Standards
Ethics vs. Legality
At Heritage Oak,
we believe trust is earned through integrity, not shortcuts. Our decisions are guided by strong ethical values—above and beyond industry minimums.
While Brokers,
may only need to meet legal requirements, our commitment is to always act with honesty, transparency, and a fiduciary duty to our clients.
What This Means For You:
You can count on us to put your values and goals at the center of every decision.
The Bottom Line
Brokers sell. We advise.
If you’re ready for financial guidance that puts you first, let’s talk.