Skip to main content

Associations


It can be helpful to understand the professional organizations with which we are affiliated. These organizations provide education, accreditation, and support ongoing standards within the investment profession. Below are several of the most widely recognized, based on their size and impact on the investment consulting industry.

Fiduciary Standards & Practice

CEFEX®

CEFEX® is an independent, global assessment and certification organization that works with investment fiduciaries and industry experts to provide comprehensive evaluation programs. These programs are designed to strengthen risk management practices for both institutional and individual investors. CEFEX certification helps determine the trustworthiness of investment fiduciaries.

CEFEX certification provides independent recognition that a firm adheres to a defined Standard of Practice. It demonstrates conformity with industry best practices and signals a commitment to earning and maintaining client trust. For investors, this certification offers added assurance that their investments are being managed in accordance with established fiduciary standards. To learn more, visit www.cefex.org.

Fi360®

Fi360® is a training and research organization focused exclusively on investment fiduciaries—professionals who manage assets and operate under a standard of trust and legal responsibility. Fi360 provides education, tools, and resources to help fiduciaries effectively fulfill their roles.

Fi360 also offers professional designations, including the Accredited Investment Fiduciary (AIF®) and Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst (AIFA®) credentials. See www.fi360.com for more details.

This video explains the AIF® designation and fiduciary best practices.

LEARN MORE

  • 2020 Prudent Practices for Investment Stewards
  • 2019 Practices for Investment Advisors
  • 2013 Prudent Practices for Investment Managers
  • 2017 Periodic Table of Global Fiduciary Practices for Investment Stewards
  • 2021 Self-Assessment of Fiduciary Excellence

“CEFEX is one way that individuals and organizations can help find qualified firms on the fiduciary end of the spectrum.”

ꟷꟷ Eric Hutchens, Chief Executive Officer

Professional Designations

CFA®

The CFA Institute confers the CFA® (Chartered Financial Analyst®) designation and promotes high standards of ethics, education, and professionalism across the investment industry. Through its education and credentialing programs, it supports market integrity and the development of professional standards.

Earning the CFA® designation is a rigorous process, requiring extensive study, at least four years of relevant professional experience, and successful completion of the CFA Program exams. Fewer than one in five candidates ultimately becomes a CFA charterholder.

CFA® charterholders must also annually attest to compliance with the CFA Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. Today, the CFA® designation is widely recognized across more than 31,000 investment firms worldwide. To learn more, visit www.cfainstitute.org

CFP®

The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (CFP Board) grants the CFP® certification and upholds it as a recognized standard of excellence in personal financial planning. Several of our advisors hold this designation.

The CFP Board’s mission is to serve the public by establishing and enforcing professional standards for CFP® professionals. To learn more, visit www.cfp.net for more details. 

Professional Memberships

NAPFA

The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) is a professional organization of fee-only financial advisors committed to acting in their clients’ best interests. NAPFA is known for its rigorous education, training, and client-focused standards. Learn more at www.napfa.org.

Choosing a financial advisor can be challenging, especially with the wide range of options available. NAPFA registration is one way to help distinguish advisors who meet established standards.

NAPFA-registered advisors are required to provide independent, objective, fee-only advice. They must complete ongoing continuing education, adhere to strict ethical standards, and cannot receive commissions or other compensation tied to client recommendations. For investors, NAPFA membership signals a commitment to fiduciary care and objective financial guidance.

FPA

Financial Planning Association (FPA®) is the membership and advocacy organization for the financial planning community. FPA® aims to foster the value of financial planning and advance the financial planning profession. Visit www.fpanet.org for more details.

Sustainable Investing

US SIF

The Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment is a U.S. membership organization representing professionals, firms, and institutions engaged in sustainable investing.

US SIF members promote investment practices that incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors to support long-term financial returns and positive societal impact.

To learn more, visit www.ussif.org.

Institute for the Fiduciary Standard

Founded in 2011, the Institute for the Fiduciary Standard is an independent research and education organization dedicated to advancing the fiduciary standard in investment and financial advice. Its vision is a “fiduciary society,” where all advice is delivered in the best interests of investors.

The Institute conducts research, education, and advocacy to promote fiduciary principles and support investors, policymakers, and the industry. At its core are six key fiduciary duties:

  • Serve the client’s best interest
  • Act in good faith
  • Act prudently with professional care
  • Avoid conflicts of interest
  • Disclose material facts
  • Control investment expenses

The long-term objective of the Institute is to see the fiduciary standard embedded in both law and industry culture. To learn more, visit www.fiduciaryinstitute.org.

Let’s Meet

We invite investors with portfolios over $1 million to a
complimentary “Get Acquainted” meeting with one of our
financial advisors.

Contact Us

Contact Us