THE FIDUCIARY STANDARD

A clear standard for advice

For those managing wealth on behalf of others, the standard applied to investment advice matters.

The fiduciary standard sets that expectation. It requires advice to be given in the client’s best interests, with independence, transparency, and clear accountability.

At Stewart Group, this is not an aspiration. It is how the firm is structured and how every client relationship is delivered.

A structured set of resources

The documents below set out our approach in full.

Together, they provide three levels of engagement, from overview to technical detail to practical application.

  • A clear articulation of what a fiduciary approach looks like in practice, and how governance-minded clients should assess an adviser.

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  • A detailed paper exploring the legal and governance framework, including delegation, safe harbour provisions, and the distinction between governance and management.

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  • A practical tool that can be used with any adviser to formally assess whether they meet the required standard.

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Why this matters

The fiduciary standard is not theoretical. It has direct implications for how investment decisions are made, who is accountable for them, and how risk, including legal risk, is managed.

For governance-minded clients, the question is not simply who manages the assets.

It is whether the structure, the advice, and the relationships in place meet the standard that responsibility demands.

 

Begin the conversation

If you are a trustee, director, or governance professional, we invite you to explore these resources and consider how your current arrangements compare.