Assumption Quote by John C. Bogle
“So the misplaced assumption is that we have this whole new institutional element where these [financial] institutions are looking after their own financial interests before the financial interests of the principals, princi-pals whose interests they are really bound to observe first.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Common Stocks and Uncommon Profits, 1958
Financial institutions often prioritize their own gains over those they serve, creating a conflict of interest.
In simple terms: Banks may put their profit before clients’ needs.
Demand transparency and alignment of interests.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- investment decisions
- corporate governance
- client advisory
- policy making
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can investors protect themselves?
- What reforms could align interests better?
Regulatory capture can limit effectiveness of reforms.