THE STANDARD OF EXCELLENCE

For more than 30 years, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification has been the standard of excellence for financial planners. CFP® professionals have met extensive training and experience requirements, and commit to CFP Board's ethical standards that require them to put their clients' interests first. That's why partnering with a CFP® professional gives consumers confidence today and a more secure tomorrow.

THE FIDUCIARY DUTY

As part of their certification, a CFP® professional commits to CFP Board’s Fiduciary Duty. A CFP® professional commits to CFP Board that they will act as a fiduciary, and therefore, act in their client’s best interests, at all times when providing financial advice to a client. That means your CFP® professional has made a commitment to CFP Board to:

1. Place your interests above their own interests, or the interests of their firm.

2. Disclose conflicts of interest to you, obtaining your informed consent and properly managing the conflict.

3. Continue to put your interests first, even when acting under a conflict of interest.

4. Comply with the terms of the client engagement and follow your directions, so long as they are reasonable and lawful.

5. Act with care, skill, prudence and diligence based on your goals, risk tolerance, objective, financial status and personal circumstances. You want a financial advisor who has made a commitment to you to act as a fiduciary. Therefore, whomever you choose as your financial professional, including a CFP® professional, you should be sure to ask for—and get—a written engagement that requires them to have a fiduciary obligation to you.

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© 2022, Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduced with permission.

1. Source: “Ethical Duties of CFP® Professionals.” © 2022, Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.
2. Source: “Why CFP® Certification—The Standard of Excellence.” © 2022, Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission.