Those who know me for some time is aware that I am a skeptic by nature. I believe majority of the financial advisory firms are technically not ‘independent’ financial advisory firms. When I see firms chasing after awards, gifts, vouchers, incentive trips by pushing specific products, how can they be considered independent? Exactly, how many firms do not do that? I rest my case! But today, I shall blog about a new trend. The trend has been going on for some time but lately I noticed it is becoming too common. The new trend is the emergence of a new type of ‘IFA” firm which in reality is not an IFA firm. The story (not specifically pointing to anyone but merely a generic illustration) usually starts with a representative of insurance company. The person did well in the agency. But as the time goes by, he realized that sometime was ......