Designation Disclosures
AIF
The Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designation represents a thorough knowledge of and ability to apply the fiduciary practices. Through fi360′s AIF® Training programs, AIF® designees learn the Practices and the legal and best practice framework they are built upon. AIF® designees have a reputation in the industry for the ability to implement a prudent process into their own investment practices as well as being able to assist others in implementing proper policies and procedures.
C(k)P
The C(k)P® Designation or Certified 401(k) Professional Designation is administered by The Retirement Advisor University in collaboration with UCLA Anderson School of Management Executive Education. The C(k)P® Designation identifies individuals who have been authorized to use the C(k)P® Designation certification marks in the USA by identifying financial professionals who have the knowledge and experience to favorably affect the outcome of corporate retirement plans. C(k)P® Designation holders have: demonstrated competency and experience in the retirement field, completed a rigorous and unique education course work experience, and agreed to adhere to a code of conduct and ethics. The education course work includes classroom, online, and live online instructor led courses, as well as periodic assessments, an exam and a case study. The conduct and ethics codes embrace the core values of integrity, diligence, fairness, and objectivity. The C(k)P® Standards & Certification Committee sets the standards for the Certified 401(k) Professional Designation. Designation candidates are expected to develop a high degree of knowledge and ability in the following study areas: technical competence, optimizing plan outcomes, management & business, and sales & marketing. The prerequisite to use the C(k)P® Designation on marketing materials consists of personally having: (1) 10 plans under management/advisory, (2) $30 million of assets under management/advisory, and (3) three years of experience in the defined contribution industry.
CFA
The Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®) is a professional designation given by the CFA Institute that measures the competence and integrity of financial analysts. The CFA Program is a graduate-level self-study program that combines a broad-based curriculum of investment principles with professional conduct requirements. Candidates are required to pass three levels of examinations covering areas such as accounting, economics, ethics, money management and security analysis. Before a candidate is eligible to become a CFA charter holder, he/she must meet minimum experience requirements in the area of investment/financial practice. To enroll in the program, a candidate must hold a bachelor’s degree.
CFP
The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®) designation is granted by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (the “Board”). To attain the CFP® designation, the candidate must complete the required educational, examination and experience requirements set forth by the Board. Certain other designations, such as the CPA, CFA® and others may satisfy the education component, and allow a candidate to sit for the CFP® Certification Examination. The Examination tests the candidate’s ability to apply financial planning knowledge to client situations. The 10-hour exam is divided into three separate sessions over a 2-day period. At least 3 years of qualifying full-time work experience are required for certification. Qualifying experience includes work in the area of the delivery of the personal financial planning process to clients, the direct support or supervision of others in the personal financial planning process.
CIMA
The Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) certification signifies that an individual has met initial and ongoing experience, ethical, education, and examination requirements for investment management consulting, including advanced investment management theory and application. To earn CIMA® certification, candidates must: submit an application, pass a background check and have an acceptable regulatory history; pass an online Qualification Examination; complete an in-person or online executive education program at an AACSB accredited university business school; pass an online Certification Examination; and have an acceptable regulatory history as evidenced by FINRA Form U-4 or other regulatory requirements and have three years of financial services experience at the time of certification. CIMA® certificants must adhere to the Investments & Wealth Institute’s Code of Professional Responsibility, Standards of Practice, and Rules and Guidelines for Use of the Marks. CIMA® designees must report 40 hours of continuing education credits, including two ethics hours, every two years to maintain the certification. The designation is administered through Investments & Wealth Institute.
ChFC
The Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) is a financial planning designation for the insurance industry awarded by the American College of Bryn Mawr. ChFC®s must meet experience requirements and pass exams covering finance and investing. They must have at least three years of experience in the financial industry, and have studied and passed an examination on the fundamentals of financial planning, including income tax, insurance, investment and estate planning.
CLU
The Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU®) is a professional designation for individuals who wish to specialize in life insurance and estate planning. Individuals must complete five core courses and three elective courses, and successfully pass eight two-hour, 100-question examinations in order to receive the designation.
CPWA
The Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®) designation signifies that an individual has met initial and on-going experience, ethical, education, and examination requirements for the professional designation, which is centered on private wealth management topics and strategies for high-net-worth clients. Prerequisites for the CPWA® designation are: a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university or one of the following designations or licenses: CIMA®, CIMC®, CFA®, CFP®, ChFC®, or CPA license; have an acceptable regulatory history as evidenced by FINRA Form U-4 or other regulatory requirements and five years of experience in financial services or delivering services to high-net-worth clients. CPWA® designees have completed a rigorous educational process that includes self-study requirements, an in-class education component, and successful completion of a comprehensive examination. CPWA® designees are required to adhere to IMCA’s Code of Professional Responsibility and Rules and Guidelines for Use of the Marks. CPWA® designees must report 40 hours of continuing education credits, including two ethics hours, every two years to maintain the certification. The designation is administered through Investments & Wealth Institute.