Credentials
Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA®)
The CFA® charter is a globally respected, graduate-level investment credential established in 1962 and awarded by CFA® Institute — the largest global association of investment professionals. To earn the CFA® charter, candidates must: 1) pass three sequential, six-hour examinations; 2) have at least four years of qualified professional investment experience; 3) join CFA® Institute as members; and 4) commit to abide by, and annually reaffirm, their adherence to the CFA® Institute Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct. The CFA® Program curriculum is updated every year by experts from around the world to ensure that candidates learn the most relevant and practical new tools, ideas, and investment and wealth management skills to reflect the dynamic and complex nature of the profession. To learn more about the CFA® charter, visit www.CFAinstitute.org.
CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ (CFP®)
The CFP® certification is obtained by completing an advanced college-level course of study addressing the financial planning subject areas that the CFP® Board’s studies have determined as necessary for the competent and professional delivery of financial planning services, a comprehensive certification exam and agreeing to be bound by the CFP® board’s Standard of Professional Conduct. As a prerequisite, the individual must have a Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited United States college or university (or foreign university equivalent) and have at least 3 years of full time financial planning experience (or equivalent measured at 2,000 hours per year). This designation requires 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years and renewing an agreement to be bound by the Standards of Professional Conduct.
Chartered Financial Consultant® (ChFC®)
The ChFC® designation is offered by The American College. Designation holders are required to serve clients with the highest level of professionalism. The authority to use the ChFC® mark is granted by the Certification Committee of the Board of Trustees of The American College, and that privilege is contingent on adherence to strict ethical guidelines. All ChFC® advisors are required to do the same for clients that they would do for themselves in similar circumstances, the standard of ethical behavior most beneficial for their clients. Each ChFC® has taken 9 or more college-level courses on all aspects of financial planning. The average study time for the program is over 400 hours, and advisors frequently spend years earning this coveted distinction. Each ChFC® must also complete a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education every two years and must meet extensive experience requirements to ensure that you get the professional financial advice you need.
Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®)
Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) Designation training empowers investment professionals with the fiduciary knowledge and tools they need to serve their clients’ best interests. Advisors who complete the training are eligible to earn the AIF® Designation and are able to demonstrate the added value they bring to prospective and existing clients. Fi360 is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for the AIF® Designation, making the designation part of an elite group of accredited designations recognized by FINRA.