The Securities and Exchange Commission’s Division of Investment Management (“SEC”) recently published information and guidance for investors and the financial services industry on the use of automated advisors, or robo-advisors, which are registered investment advisors (“RIA”) that use computer algorithms to provide advisory services with limited human interaction.
Robo-advisors are subject to the same fiduciary obligations under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940 (“Advisers Act”) as any other registered investment advisor. Since they rely on algorithms and limited interaction with clients, the model raises certain considerations when seeking compliance with the Advisers Act.
The guidance focuses on the following three issues: (1) the substance and presentation of disclosing to clients the services the RIA offers; (2) the obligation to obtain information from clients to provide suitable advice; and (3) the adoption and implementation of effective compliance programs specifically designed for robo-advisors.
Disclosures – In order for clients to better understand how a robo-advisor provides its investment advice, the robo-advisor should; (1) explain its business model, including a description of the algorithm used to make recommendations; (2) clearly disclose the scope of its services; and (3) ensure clients understand and read the initial disclosure material and that the questionnaires used elicit a sufficient amount of information.
Suitability – Similar to all RIAs, a robo-advisor must act in the best interests of its clients and provide only suitable investment advice based on the client’s financial situation and investment objectives. However, the questionnaires used by many robo-advisors may not request a sufficient amount of information. The SEC recommends robo-advisors ensure questionnaires supplied to clients require enough information to make a suitable recommendation.
Compliance Programs – Robo-advisors may have more risks than traditional RIAs. These risks need to be addressed in their written policies and procedures in order to comply with Rule 206(4)-7 of the Advisers Act. Robo-advisors should consider whether to adopt and implement written policies addressing the following areas: (1) the development and testing of the algorithm; (2) the initial investment objective questionnaire; (3) disclosing changes in the algorithmic code that may affect their portfolios; (4) oversight of any third party who develops, owns or manages the algorithmic code; (5) the use of social media in connection with marketing services; (6) the prevention and detection of cyber threats; and (7) the protection of client accounts and key advisory systems.
Robo-advisors represent a fast growing area of the investment advisory industry. Click here to view the Guidance Update.
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