The College for Financial Planning is helping more financial professionals raise their cache of credibility with clients with the launch of a new training program on its platform.
The Kaplan company has introduced Accredited Investment Fiduciary training aimed at financial professionals pursuing the AIF designation. The program, developed in collaboration with Fi360, a Broadridge company and owner of the AIF designation, helps candidates meet the educational requirements needed to sit for the AIF exam.
“The College continues to advance the field of financial planning by empowering our students to make a difference in their clients’ lives and thrive in their own careers,” Dirk Pantone, president of the College, said in a statement on Monday. “The College is incredibly excited to continue this commitment by helping financial professionals earn their AIF designation, which lets consumers know that their interests will take top priority.”
The AIF designation is designed for individuals responsible for managing or advising on client assets, ensuring they are equipped with a fundamental understanding of fiduciary principles. This includes knowledge of fiduciary duties, standards of conduct, and processes that allow them to make informed investment decisions while prioritizing their clients' best interests.
Expertise on fiduciary best practices and processes could prove very valuable for financial consumers and investors, especially in the retirement savings space. One survey in May by Employee Fiduciary suggests fiduciary-grade financial advisors were able to decrease their fees decreased as they captured a greater share of 401(k) plan assets among small business owners. More recently, a "mystery shopper" report by the Government Accountability Office underscored the need for clear communication around conflicts of interest disclosures, among other concerns.
Fi360 is accredited by the ANSI National Accreditation Board for the AIF designation, placing it among the top financial services credentials. The AIF has also gained distinction from the US News & World Report as one of the top certifications for financial professionals.
“We’re thrilled that the College is now an official education provider for AIF training,” said John Faustino, head of Fi360 at Broadridge. “Their longstanding commitment to helping financial professionals deliver better investor results and grow their careers aligns perfectly with the focus of AIF trainees.”
The College's AIF partnership with Fi360 expands its catalog of credentials and certification courses, including the Spanish-language edition of its Financial Paraplanner Qualified Professional designation program introduced in May and a sports and entertainment program it originally rolled out in 2022 in an exclusive collaboration with Wells Fargo.
Merrill's latest hires span Colorado to Louisiana, even as industry-wide recruiting data suggests the firm is losing almost as many advisors as it gains.
The $36 million buy allegedly hid inflated books and a $50 million diversion.
“An award citing emotional distress is very unusual,” an industry executive said.
New EBRI research found workers who participated in employer financial education reported higher confidence, literacy and financial satisfaction.
Beyond operational excellence, the winning advisors of the future are the ones who can reach across multiple disciplines without discarding specialist skills.
Northern Trust’s Ken Lassner shows advisors how to convert volatility into after-tax portfolio gains
Dan Biagini of American Equity says the steady decline of pensions, longer lifespans and a reset in interest rates are rewriting how advisors build retirement income
