What action by a financial planner is considered unethical when driven by motives of commission?

In the context of financial planning, ethical behavior revolves around putting the client's best interests first. When a financial planner's primary motive is to earn a large commission, it can lead to recommendations that may not align with the client's needs or financial goals. This can result in a conflict of interest, where the planner is incentivized to prioritize their own financial gain over the well-being of their clients.

This unethical practice undermines the trust that is fundamental to the client-advisor relationship. A financial planner should base their recommendations on the client's financial situation, risk tolerance, and objectives rather than on the potential commission they stand to earn from certain products or investments. Therefore, focusing on earning a large commission clearly represents a breach of ethical standards expected in the profession.

The other options refer to scenarios that involve clients' choices or planners' responsibilities that do not inherently involve unethical motives related to commission. For instance, high-risk investments may align with a client's goals, verifying investment terms is a standard practice in ensuring transparency, and a client wishing to avoid tax obligations may simply be seeking informed advice rather than leading to unethical behavior from the planner.