I'm wondering what the situation is here in terms of demand for, and regulation of, personal financial advisors? (I didn't have a great deal of luck finding detailed info w/search engines)
In the states, there are exams for registered reps and principals, is there a similar standard here?
I'm also curious as to whether or not there are cultural differences? For example, maybe culturally people are more/less likely to discuss their financial situation with a stranger? I'd supect this might be more, as it seems like half the discussions I have with people here have consisted of them asking me how much I paid for something, or telling me how much this or that cost them.