Association of Independent Investors - "The Voice of Investors" - Announces Their Opening

Charlotte, VT, February 09, 2012 --(PR.com)-- When it comes to navigating the tricky waters of the investment industry, investors often feel like the balance is tipped in favor of the industry. But a newly formed, not-for-profit organization, the Association of Independent Investors, sees that balance shifting.

Andrew Haigney, Executive Director of the Association of Independent Investors, said, “The investment industry has had the upper hand over independent investors largely because of their excessive influence in the legislative and rule making processes. We’re proud to announce that we are up and running, it’s about time that investors have a seat at the negotiating table.” Mr. Haigney added, “Independent investors are among the largest demographic groups in the country, yet until now they haven’t had an organization that is exclusively dedicated to advocating for them.”

Mr. Haigney brings over 25 years of hands on industry experience. His career began in the mid-eighties working on a trading desk for a mid-sized investment bank. In the early nineties, he ran his family’s self clearing brokerage firm before he went on to work for Merrill Lynch in their Institutional Sales department. Most recently, he operated a registered investment advisory firm. Mr. Haigney, an outspoken critic of the investment industry, writes frequently about regulatory issues, market structure and investment strategy.

According to Mr. Haigney, investors are more vulnerable today than in years past. “Just look at the demise of traditional pension plans and the rise of 401(k) type of retirement plans. Not only are investors making their own investment decisions, but they don’t have the regulatory protection that pensions plans enjoy and this makes them easy prey for the industry.” He continued, “We bring a credible voice to the process. With our industry knowledge and independence, we’re going to bring long overdue investor friendly changes to the investment industry.”

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About the Association of Independent Investors

The Association of Independent Investors Corporation (www.aiinvestors.org) is a Vermont based not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to promoting the interests of independent (non-professional) investors. Our mission is to provide effective, quality representation of independent investors with respect to the development, formulation, and enactment of legislation, rules, and regulations relating to the investment industry, and to promote investment literacy through education and awareness campaigns.