CFP Board seeks time limit on reinstating suspended mark

CFP Board seeks time limit on reinstating suspended mark
The organization is continuing to update its enforcement procedures to align with the revised code of conduct that went into force in 2020.
NOV 14, 2022

The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards is seeking to limit the amount of time a mark holder has to reclaim the designation after being disciplined.

On Monday, the CFP Board released for public comment several changes to its procedural rules that the organization said are intended to reform its enforcement process for upholding the ethical standards related to the mark.

Under the proposed revisions, a CFP who is the subject of an interim suspension order would have to file a petition for reinstatement within two years or else the mark could be revoked. The petition for reinstatement would have to show “evidence of respondent’s rehabilitation and fitness for CFP certification,” according to the draft revision of the rules.

Another change would establish a process for admitting expert witness testimony when a CFP goes through an enforcement proceeding. The reforms are based on a set of recommendations developed by CFP Board staff after the investigation and adjudication functions of enforcement were separated.

The proposal, which is open for public comment until Jan. 23, is part of an ongoing effort by the CFP Board to reform its enforcement procedures to align with a revised code of ethics that went into force in June 2020. Under the code, all CFPs must act as fiduciaries to their clients while providing investment advice.

“We encourage and welcome candid feedback from CFP® professionals and other stakeholders on these proposed changes to CFP Board’s Procedural Rules,” CFP Board CEO Kevin Keller said in a statement. “CFP Board is continually evaluating our investigation and enforcement operations to ensure that our process benefits the public and is fair to the certificant.”

After reviewing the comments, CFP Board staff could revise the proposal. They would then present a final recommendation to the board, which could adopt the changes at an upcoming meeting.

Latest News

DOJ's fraud sweep bags over $1B in convictions, guilty pleas and indictments in a single week
DOJ's fraud sweep bags over $1B in convictions, guilty pleas and indictments in a single week

Medicare scam, pandemic benefit theft, offshore tax evasion — federal prosecutors are casting a wide net.

Retirement without guaranteed income streams may mean near-total asset wipeout
Retirement without guaranteed income streams may mean near-total asset wipeout

Report finds that pension income acts as a financial lifeline for retirees facing late-life shocks and raises urgent questions about the DC-only future.

Federal judge dismisses Eltek manipulation lawsuit against Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
Federal judge dismisses Eltek manipulation lawsuit against Morgan Stanley Smith Barney

Nine-month electronic trading freeze and share lending program at the center of dismissed claim.

RIA wrap: Dynamic strikes South Carolina deal to reach $7B AUM milestone
RIA wrap: Dynamic strikes South Carolina deal to reach $7B AUM milestone

Meanwhile, Rossby Financial's leadership buildout rolls on with a new COO appointment as Balefire Wealth welcomes a distinguished retirement specialist to its national network.

Rethinking diversification amid a concentrated S&P 500
Rethinking diversification amid a concentrated S&P 500

With a smaller group of companies driving stock market performance, advisors must work more intentionally to manage concentration risks within client portfolios.

SPONSORED Beyond wealth management: Why the future of advice is becoming more human

As technical expertise becomes increasingly commoditized, advisors who can integrate strategy, relationships, and specialized expertise into a cohesive client experience will define the next era of wealth management

SPONSORED Durability over scale: What actually defines a great advisory firm

Growth may get the headlines, but in my experience, longevity is earned through structure, culture, and discipline