The Roy Morgan 'Image of Professions' survey asks respondents to rate various occupations for honesty and ethical standards. Accountants do relatively well, with 49% believing they are ethical and honest.
But financial planner ratings have fallen, despite initiatives like FoFA and attempts to improve professionalism. As shown below, only 25% of responses were favourable for planners. Stock brokers fare even worse, rating at only 15%, below talk-back radio announcers, and insurance brokers are at 13%. Oh dear. Not a good look for the wealth management advisers who deal with the public.
Ethics ratings
Source of graphic: Sydney Morning Herald, 2 May 2013.