noun

fiduciary

fih-DOO-shee-air-ee

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Fiduciary (noun) means 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. Example: “As a fiduciary, the trustee cannot invest the fund in her own business.”

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.

"As a fiduciary, the trustee cannot invest the fund in her own business."

"Ask whether your adviser is a fiduciary before you hand over anything."

adjective

Relating to the legal duty of trust and loyalty owed by someone who acts on another person's behalf.

"The board was found to have breached its fiduciary duty to shareholders."

"He held the shares in a fiduciary capacity."

How to use fiduciary

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who is legally bound to put your interests ahead of their own.

When to use it

Formal and legal, but widely used in personal finance writing aimed at ordinary readers.

Memory tip

Fiduciary duty is the standard phrase and the one worth memorising; it is the highest duty of care recognised by law in most systems.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

trustee → custodian → broker →

Common pairings

fiduciary duty fiduciary responsibility breach of fiduciary duty fiduciary standard

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “fiduciary” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

As a _____, the trustee cannot invest the fund in her own business.

Etymology

From Latin fiduciarius 'held in trust', from fiducia 'trust, confidence', which comes from fidere 'to trust'. The same root gives fidelity and confide.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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trust-based custodial fiducial

Related words

custodian custodial tutelar tutelary

Rhymes for fiduciary

vary Mary nary wary diary ovary weary apiary canary salary binary January

See all rhymes for 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.

What is the meaning of fiduciary?

"fiduciary" (noun) means 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.

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custodian custodial tutelar tutelary