Honors Theses
Advisor
Qiyuan Ping
Department
Economics and Finance
Publication Date
4-22-2026
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Abstract
The growth of robo-advisors has transformed the financial services industry by introducing automated, algorithm-driven investment platforms that operate alongside traditional human financial advisors. This study examines whether the adoption of robo-advisory technology influences the incidence and severity of financial advisor misconduct in the United States. Using a large panel dataset of financial advisors, brokerage firms, and county-level economic conditions, the analysis compares misconduct outcomes between firms that adopt robo-advisors and those that do not. The study incorporates advisor characteristics, professional qualifications, and regional controls to isolate the relationship between robo-advisor adoption and misconduct behavior. Univariate tests and regression analyses are employed to evaluate whether technological adoption is associated with measurable changes in ethical conduct. The findings provide insight into how financial technology may shape compliance, transparency, and professional standards within the financial advisory industry, contributing to ongoing discussions among regulators, firms, and investors regarding the role of technology in promoting ethical financial practices.
Permission Statement
This item is protected by copyright law (Title 17, U.S. Code) and may only be used for noncommercial, educational, and scholarly purposes.
Keywords
Undergraduate research
eCommons Citation
Franklin, John, "The Impact of Robo-Advisory Adoption on Financial Advisor Misconduct" (2026). Honors Theses. 508.
https://ecommons.udayton.edu/uhp_theses/508
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