What should a fiduciary do if a client seeks advice outside of their expertise?

When a fiduciary encounters a situation where a client seeks advice that falls outside their expertise, the appropriate and responsible action is to refer the client to an expert. This choice reflects the key ethical obligation fiduciaries have to act in their clients' best interests. By referring the client to someone with specialized knowledge or skills relevant to the inquiry, the fiduciary ensures that the client receives accurate, credible, and relevant information.

This protects the client from potentially misleading or incorrect advice and maintains the fiduciary's professional integrity and trustworthiness. Providing a best guess, offering personal opinions without a solid foundation, or consulting with other agents who may also lack expertise does not fulfill the fiduciary's obligation to deliver proper guidance or ensure the client has access to the best possible resources. Thus, referring the client to an expert is the best course of action, showcasing a commitment to professionalism and a focus on the client's needs.