About Us
The traditional financial industry often relies on a sales-driven approach, where advisors are compensated based on the products they recommend rather than the quality of their advice. This structure can create conflicts of interest, shifting the focus away from what’s truly best for the client.
​
As a fee-only fiduciary, we provide independent financial guidance and investment management with no hidden incentives. We don’t earn commissions or sell financial products, ensuring our advice is always in your best interest. Our commitment is to transparency, objective strategies, and your long-term financial success.
Fee-Only vs Fee-Based Advisors
The financial industry consists of several types of advisors, each with different compensation models and incentives. Understanding these differences is essential when determining which type of advisor truly serves a client’s best interest.
1. Commission-Based Advisors
These advisors earn their income by selling financial products such as mutual funds, annuities, and insurance policies. They are typically associated with brokerage firms, insurance companies, or banks and operate under the suitability standard, meaning they are only required to recommend products that are “suitable” for a client’s situation, not necessarily in their best interest.
2. Hybrid Advisors
Hybrid advisors operate under a dual compensation structure, meaning they can charge fees (e.g., a percentage of assets under management) while also earning commissions from financial product sales. This creates conflicts of interest because advisors may be incentivized to recommend commission-generating products instead of purely client-first solutions.
3. Bank Financial Advisors
Banks often employ financial advisors who focus on investment management, insurance, and lending products. These advisors are typically compensated through a combination of salary, incentives, and product commissions, meaning they may be incentivized to recommend proprietary bank investment products rather than the most advantageous solution for the client.
4. Fee-Based Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs)
"Fee-Based" RIAs charge advisory fees but may also earn commissions from financial product sales. While they provide fiduciary advice, the dual compensation model can create conflicts of interest, as they might prioritize commission-generating products over purely client-focused solutions.
5. Fee-Only Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs)
"Fee-Only" RIAs, like Murray Strategic Investments, operate exclusively on a client-paid fee basis, eliminating commissions and product-based incentives. These advisors are bound by the fiduciary standard, meaning they are legally required to act in the best interests of their clients at all times. Learn more on our Insights page about why Fee-Only RIAs are the gold standard in transparency and client-first advice.
Ryan Murray, CFP®
Founder & Principal Advisor
Meet the Advisor
Ryan founded Murray Strategic Investment to provide truly independent, fiduciary-focused financial advice. With a foundation in transparency and client advocacy, his goal is to deliver strategic, personalized solutions free from conflicts of interest.
​
As a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional, Ryan upholds the highest standards of ethics, education, and client care. His expertise spans from Finance, IT, and Real Estate, allowing him to simplify complex wealth management decisions with clarity and confidence.
​
Before launching Murray Strategic Investments, Ryan worked in the Investment Risk & Analytical Services division at Northern Trust, specializing in portfolio analytics, performance evaluation, and risk assessment for institutional and high-net-worth clients. He then applied these skills to the mortgage industry, ultimately leading to the creation of Murray Mortgage Solutions, an independent Mortgage Broker company. Motivated by a dedication to helping clients reach their financial goals, he established Murray Strategic Investments to provide strategic guidance for building and protecting wealth.
Ryan earned his BS in Finance from DePaul University, where he played for the Men’s Ice Hockey Team. Now based in Michigan, he splits his time between Detroit and Petoskey based on the needs of his clients.
.jpg)
