fiduciary
What is the opposite of fiduciary? Here is what we hold, with its meaning and related words.
Noun — A person or organisation legally required to manage money or property in someone else's best interests rather than their own, such as a trustee, executor or certain financial advisers.
How to use fiduciary
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
fiduciary duty
fiduciary responsibility
breach of fiduciary duty
fiduciary standard
Formal and legal, but widely used in personal finance writing aimed at ordinary readers.
Etymology
From Latin fiduciarius 'held in trust', from fiducia 'trust, confidence', which comes from fidere 'to trust'. The same root gives fidelity and confide.
Full origin of fiduciary →Frequently asked questions
What is a fiduciary duty?
It is a legal obligation to act loyally and in good faith for another party's benefit, avoiding conflicts of interest and self-dealing. Company directors, trustees, executors and solicitors typically owe one, and breaching it can bring personal liability.
What is the difference between a fiduciary and a financial adviser?
Any adviser may call themselves a financial adviser, but only a fiduciary is legally bound to put your interests first. Advisers who are not fiduciaries may only have to recommend products that are suitable, which can include ones paying them more.
Is every trustee a fiduciary?
Yes. A trustee holds property for beneficiaries and is one of the clearest examples of a fiduciary. The category is broader than trustees, though, and can extend to partners, agents, guardians and company directors.
