As a knowledgeable finance professor, it is important to understand the highest standard of responsibility held by investment advisors. This duty, known as fiduciary duty, requires advisors to always act in the best interests of their clients, regardless of their own compensation. This sets them apart from brokers who are held to a suitability standard, which places a lower standard of care on their actions. It is crucial to understand the distinction between these standards in order to make informed decisions when seeking financial advice.