Are These Advisors Vetted by Us?
Short answer: Yes — and no.
We run a basic, preliminary check on every advisor listed in the NIL Financial Advisor Directory. That means we confirm public information, verify obvious credentials, and screen for major red flags before a profile goes live.
But the real power of this directory is the voice of student-athletes and families themselves. The best way to know whether an advisor is the right fit is to hear directly from the people who’ve worked with them — ratings and reviews from real clients.
Bottom line: We filter out the obvious bad actors; the community’s feedback (and your own research) helps you choose the best fit.
What We Do (Our Preliminary Vetting)
Before an advisor appears in the directory, we typically:
Confirm the advisor’s business name and contact information
Search public records and reputable online sources for licenses/registrations (where applicable)
Check for major public complaints, disciplinary actions, or legal issues
Ensure the profile meets our basic listing standards (no spam, clear contact details)
Important: This initial check is not a full background investigation, a guarantee of performance, or an endorsement. It’s simply a first pass to remove obvious scammers or misleading listings — not a substitute for first-hand experience.
Why User Reviews Matter
Every advisor’s profile includes ratings and written reviews from verified student-athletes and clients. If an advisor consistently delivers, you’ll see it. If they fall short, you’ll see that too. We believe transparent, real-world feedback is the most useful, up-to-date, and meaningful indicator of an advisor’s performance.
How to Do Your Own Background Check (BrokerCheck & IAPD)
Even with our screening and community reviews, you should always run your own background check. Two free, public tools make this easy:
1. FINRA BrokerCheck
If your financial advisor is a licensed broker, you can verify their credentials and check their history using FINRA BrokerCheck.
Go to the BrokerCheck site.
Enter the advisor’s name or firm.
Review their registration status, employment history, exams passed, and any disciplinary actions or disclosures.
This is a quick, reliable way to see if an advisor has red flags in their background.
2. SEC Investment Adviser Public Disclosure (IAPD)
If your advisor is an investment adviser (not a broker), use the SEC’s IAPD database.
Enter the advisor’s name or firm.
Review their registration, services, and disciplinary history.
These tools are free, public, and designed to protect people like you from working with advisors who may not have your best interests in mind.
Ten Things Student-Athletes Should Check — A Quick Checklist
When evaluating an NIL financial advisor, look for these essentials:
Clear communication and responsiveness — Do they reply promptly and keep you informed?
Transparent fees and contracts — Are commission rates, fees, and terms spelled out in writing?
A written contract that protects you — Scope of work, termination clause, and payment schedule.
NIL / NCAA compliance knowledge — Do they understand eligibility rules and your school’s policies?
Financial planning and strategy — Do they offer a roadmap for saving, investing, and taxes?
Negotiation and results — Can they show examples of strategies or contracts they’ve handled?
Relevant network and partner access — Legal, tax, or business resources you may need.
Athlete education and support — Do they help you understand taxes, contracts, and long-term planning?
No conflicts of interest — Do they disclose outside relationships that might affect your money?
References and consistent track record — Can current or former clients vouch for them? Do reviews align with their claims?
Red Flags to Watch For
Pressure to sign immediately without time to review
Vague or verbal-only promises about money or opportunities
Refusal to provide references or written terms
“Too good to be true” guarantees with no clear plan
No verifiable track record or public presence
If an Advisor Isn’t Meeting These Standards — What to Do
Talk to the advisor directly and ask for clarification, written examples, and references
Request a copy of any proposed contract and have a parent, guardian, compliance officer, or attorney review it
Run their name through BrokerCheck or IAPD to verify credentials
Check directory reviews to see what other athletes have experienced
Report the issue on the advisor’s profile so others are informed
Consider switching advisors if concerns aren’t addressed
How to Use This Directory Wisely
Read multiple reviews — one opinion rarely tells the full story
Focus on recent feedback — approaches and performance can change over time
Compare advisors using the checklist above, not just star ratings
Ask for references and examples specific to your goals (budgeting, investing, taxes, compliance, etc.)
Help Shape the Directory
Your experiences make this directory valuable. If you’ve worked with a financial advisor, please leave an honest rating and review on their profile — it helps other student-athletes make better decisions.
Questions, concerns, or want to submit a review another way? Email us at info@nilfinancialadvisordirectory.com.
By combining our initial screening with transparent, real-world feedback — and by teaching athletes to use tools like FINRA BrokerCheck and the SEC IAPD database — the NIL Financial Advisor Directory helps you make safer, smarter choices about who manages your money and your future.