Fiduciary Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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fiduciary
[fษชหdjuหสiหษri ]
Definitions
legal responsibility
A fiduciary is a person or organization that acts on behalf of another person or group, putting their clients' interests ahead of their own, with a duty to preserve good faith and trust. Fiduciaries are bound by law to act in the best interest of the beneficiary, making financial decisions and handling assets responsibly.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The lawyer served as a fiduciary for the estate.
- Investors rely on fiduciaries to manage their investments.
- She acted as a fiduciary trustee for her late father's trust.
financial trust
Describing a relationship or duty that involves trust, particularly regarding financial affairs. A fiduciary duty requires individuals to act in the best interests of another party, maintaining a high standard of care.
Synonyms
obligatory, responsible, trust-based.
Examples of usage
- The bank has a fiduciary obligation to its clients.
- He was accused of breaching his fiduciary duties.
- The partnership was built on fiduciary principles.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Law
- In legal terms, fiduciaries have a duty of care, meaning they must act in the best interest of the person they are assisting.
- Breaching fiduciary duty can lead to legal consequences, highlighting the importance of trust in these relationships.
- Common fiduciaries include attorneys, trustees, and financial advisors who handle others' assets.
Finance
- In finance, a fiduciary relationship can influence investment strategies, ensuring that clientsโ needs come first.
- Fiduciary advisors are often compensated on a fee-only basis, as opposed to commissions, which can reduce conflicts of interest.
- The rise of fiduciary standards aims to protect consumers from advice that may benefit the advisor more than the client.
Psychology
- Trust is a key component in fiduciary relationships, affecting how people feel about sharing their financial information.
- The betrayal of fiduciary duty can lead to significant emotional distress for clients, often with long-term impacts.
- Clients' perceptions of risk and security are maximized when they know a fiduciary has their best interests at heart.
Modern Issues
- In recent years, discussions around fiduciary responsibilities have increased, especially in the context of retirement planning.
- There are debates about whether all financial advisors should adhere to fiduciary standards to protect consumers better.
- The rise of technology in finance has introduced new challenges for fiduciaries in maintaining transparency and accountability.
Origin of 'fiduciary'
Main points about word origin
- The term originates from the Latin word 'fiducia,' meaning 'trust' or 'confidence.'
- It has evolved in legal contexts since the 17th century, reflecting a formal relationship built on trust.
- The concept links back to ancient times when guardians managed property for those unable to do so themselves.
The term 'fiduciary' originates from the Latin word 'fiducia', which means trust or confidence. In Roman law, it referred to relationships of trust, particularly those involving the transfer of property. The concept has evolved over centuries to encompass various professional relationships where one party must act in the best interest of another, such as in financial and legal contexts. The use of fiduciary in English can be traced back to the late 19th century, reflecting the growing importance of such legal relationships in commerce and finance. Today, fiduciaries are recognized in fields such as finance, law, and healthcare, where specific duties and ethical responsibilities are mandated to protect the interests of others.
Word Frequency Rank
Position #9,050 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.
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- 9047 dislocation
- 9048 banquet
- 9049 delinquency
- 9050 fiduciary
- 9051 injure
- 9052 esteemed
- 9053 perfected
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