Understanding Fisher Investments Complaints and Resolution Options

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If you're considering investing with Fisher Investments, it's essential to be aware of potential complaints and resolution options. Fisher Investments has faced criticism for its investment strategies and customer service.

Some investors have complained about the firm's high fees, which can range from 0.98% to 1.82% of assets under management. This can be a significant expense for investors, especially those with smaller portfolios.

Fisher Investments has also been criticized for its investment strategy, which focuses on a specific asset class and can be inflexible. This may not be suitable for investors who prefer a more diversified portfolio.

Investors who are experiencing issues with Fisher Investments can try contacting the firm's customer service department directly. They can also file a complaint with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

Fisher Investments Complaints Overview

Leaving a complaint to Fisher Investments can be a straightforward process. You should specify when the activity that caused your concern or complaint occurred.

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To provide effective feedback, it's essential to provide true and accurate information about the event, including details that can be confirmed by Fisher Investments.

When leaving a complaint, it's helpful to include a way for Fisher Investments to contact you if they need more information. This ensures that your issue can be resolved efficiently.

To leave a complaint, you can follow these steps:

  • Specify when the activity that caused your concern or complaint occurred
  • Provide a way for Fisher Investments to contact you
  • Be honest and accurate in your description of the event

By following these guidelines, you can help Fisher Investments respond effectively to your complaint and improve their services in the future.

Client Experience and Communication

Fisher Investments has faced numerous complaints about its client experience and communication. Many clients have reported difficulty in getting in touch with their account managers.

The company's automated phone system has been criticized for being unhelpful and frustrating to navigate. Clients often get stuck in long hold times or are transferred to voicemail.

Fisher Investments has made efforts to improve its communication with clients, including implementing a new online portal for account access and updates.

Initial Client Conversation

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The initial client conversation is a crucial part of the client experience. It sets the tone for the entire relationship and can make or break a client's trust in a financial advisor.

A good initial conversation should be a two-way dialogue, not a one-way pitch. This is where the client and advisor should be able to ask questions and get a sense of each other's needs and goals.

Fisher client reps, like Josh, may try to move too quickly, pushing clients to sign up without giving them time to think or ask questions. This can feel like being hustled, as one client described it.

A red flag is when an advisor tells you to sign forms without explaining them, as happened with Josh and Miles. This is a sign that they're more interested in getting your business than in understanding your needs.

It's essential to take your time and don't feel pressured to make a decision on the spot. A good advisor will give you space to think and answer your questions.

If this caught your attention, see: Investor Relations Interview Questions

Recommendations for Effective Complaints

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When leaving a complaint, it's essential to provide specific details. You should state when the activity that caused your concern or complaint occurred.

To help Fisher Investments respond effectively, it's crucial to include the location where the activity took place. This information can be especially helpful in resolving the issue.

When submitting a complaint, it's also important to mention whom you were working with at Fisher Investments. This will allow them to address the issue with the relevant person.

To ensure your feedback is constructive, provide a clear explanation of how you'd like the issue to be resolved or how service can be improved in the future.

To make the complaint process smoother, Fisher Investments appreciates it when clients provide true and accurate information about the event. This helps them confirm the details and respond accordingly.

When leaving feedback or complaints, it's essential to include a way for Fisher Investments to contact you if they need more information. This will help resolve the issue efficiently.

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Fisher Investments kindly requests that complaints and feedback do not include profanity or derogatory remarks. This will enable them to clearly understand the nature of the issue and respond appropriately.

To ensure effective communication, consider the following key points:

  • State when the issue occurred
  • Include the location where the issue took place
  • Mention the person you were working with
  • Explain how the issue can be resolved or service improved

Fisher Investments has faced at least one lawsuit and one securities fraud arbitration claim over losses suffered by clients.

A lawsuit was filed in Houston to recover losses suffered by a living trust that the firm was managing.

The arbitration claim was filed by a retired doctor and his wife, who lost $1.2 million.

Both complaints contain similar allegations that Fisher Investments' financial advisors breached their fiduciary duty by failing to protect the conservative interests of investors.

Financial fraud lawyers expect dozens of similar arbitration claims to be filed against Fisher Investments in the coming months.

Take a look at this: Hedge Fund Financial Statements

A Bigger Problem

The financial services industry has a bigger problem to solve, one that's more complex than just a single incident. People in the industry need to hold each other accountable and create a safe and inclusive environment.

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Brian Ross, CEO of Flyer in New York, emphasizes the importance of speaking up when something seems off. Don't be idle in the face of sexism, racism, and harassment.

Standing up for what's right is a simple yet powerful action that can make a big difference. According to Ross, "Our industry will get even bigger and better if good people do more of this one simple thing — stand up for what's right."

Financial Advisor Firm Lawsuit and Arbitration Claim

Fisher Investments, one of the largest registered firms of investment advisors in the United States, has been hit with a lawsuit and an arbitration claim over losses suffered by its clients.

The firm has nearly 38,000 client accounts, and as financial advisors, they have a fiduciary duty to give impartial advice that places their clients’ interests first.

A lawsuit was filed in Houston to recover losses suffered by a living trust that the firm was managing, and an arbitration claim was filed by a retired doctor and his wife, who lost $1.2 million.

For another approach, see: How Do Robo Advisors Work

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The complaints both contain similar allegations that Fisher Investments’ financial advisors breached their fiduciary duty by failing to take steps to protect the conservative interests of the investors.

Despite signs of a pending stock market collapse, the clients were almost exclusively invested in stocks, which led to significant losses.

Financial fraud lawyers expect that dozens of similar arbitration claims are likely to be filed against Fisher Investments in the coming months by other investors who claim to have lost substantial sums of money due to the mis-management and poor advice allegedly provided by their financial advisors.

Curious to learn more? Check out: Preferred Stock Is Similar to a Bond Because

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the downsides of Fisher Investments?

Fisher Investments has several downsides, including no brokerage platform and high investment management fees. Additionally, it requires a $500,000 minimum portfolio and has a basic website with limited research tools.

Is Fisher really a fiduciary?

Yes, Fisher Investments is a fiduciary, meaning they prioritize your best interests when making financial decisions. As a fee-only adviser, they don't accept commissions, ensuring unbiased guidance.

Timothy Gutkowski-Stoltenberg

Senior Writer

Timothy Gutkowski-Stoltenberg is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he has established himself as a versatile and reliable voice in the industry. His writing portfolio showcases a breadth of expertise, with a particular focus on the freight market trends.

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