The Options Industry Council (OIC) today released the results of the Financial Advisor Engagement Study, conducted by the Diamond Group Ltd., and finds advisors inclined to use options to be more knowledgeable about different investment products with more assets under management than those disinclined. The new study also showed interesting correlations to previous OIC research on options investors.
OIC undertook this research project in the fourth quarter of 2009 in order to refine the OIC Advisor program launched last year. While not the purpose of this study, OIC found differences between financial advisors who advocated options and those who avoided them. Research findings show financial advisors who use options to be more well-rounded and client focused than advisors who avoid options. Additionally, advisors willing to use options favor solutions over products when considering client portfolios.
Key correlations were found when looking at the financial advisor engagement study findings compared with the latest studies of options investors conducted by Harris Interactive Inc. in 1995, 2000, and 2005. OIC did not expect these studies to parallel, as they used different methodologies. However, according to both studies, advisors and investors inclined to use options are more knowledgeable, more affluent or have more assets under management and own a variety of investment instruments.
Findings from this research were designed to inform various OIC programs to help engage advisors. For more information about OIC's financial advisor program please visit OptionsEducation.org/advisor.