What’s the difference between S+HWM, a Registered Investment Adviser, and a broker firm?

Unlike brokerage firms, we are legally held to a fiduciary standard. In other words, our clients’ interests must always come before our own. We feel that this is the only way a financial advisory relationship should be structured. Brokerage firms must only ensure that their investments are ”suitable,” widely considered a lower standard.  We have virtually eliminated the sale of products so that we remain objective and avoid as many potential conflicts as possible.