A fee-compensated advisor collects a pre-stated fee for their services. That can be a flat retainer or an
hourly rate for investment advice. If the advisor actively buys and sells investments for your account, the
fee is likely to be a percentage for assets under management (AUM).
It is important to note that the income earned by fee-based advisors is earned largely by fees paid by a
client. However, a small percentage of the revenue can be earned through commissions from selling
products of brokerage firms, mutual fund companies, or insurance companies.
In contrast, a commission-based advisor’s income is earned entirely on the products they sell or the
accounts that are opened. Products for commission-based advisors include financial instruments, such
as insurance packages and mutual funds. Many commission-based advisors are not fiduciaries.
In brief, fee-based advisors usually charge their clients a flat rate, while commission-based advisors are
not paid by clients but are compensated by commissions earned from financial transactions and
products.
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