Our Designations Working for You

The Benefits of Working With an AIF^® Designee

Not all financial planners are the same, including when it comes to providing fiduciary services. There are advisors who can consistently operate in a fiduciary capacity, others who only act as a fiduciary when providing certain services, and some who are not allowed to take on fiduciary obligations at all. When you work with an Accredited Investment Fiduciary^® (AIF^®) designee, however, you can be certain that you are working with an advisor who has the necessary training to follow the standard fiduciary process.

AIF^® designees have been certified specifically to follow a fiduciary process with their clients’ best interests at heart. Designees must provide documented industry and educational experience to qualify for the designation, as well as complete AIF^® training covering Prudent Practices^® for managing fiduciary assets for wealth, nonprofit and retirement clients. After passing the necessary examination, designees showcase their professionalism by committing to follow the AIF^®; Code of Ethics and Conduct Standards and completing the continuing education requirements to maintain their designation.

How an AIF^® Designee Can Help You

An AIF^®; designee can provide you an array of specialized services. For instance, they can:

• Create and maintain a comprehensive investment plan, strategy or policy statement documenting the processes and procedures used to manage your plan and portfolio.
• Analyze and optimize asset allocation strategies and investment menus.
• Apply objective standards for evaluating and recommending appropriate investment options and products.
• Evaluate your current fiduciary practices and recommend actions to help mitigate compliance and mitigate risks.

To find out more about the AIF^® requirements, visit https://www.finra.org/investors/professional-designations/aif.

What is the CEPA designation?

The Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) program was specifically designed for business advisors who work closely with owners of privately held companies to have value-added conversations around growth and exit. The program helps to effectively address all of the personal, business, financial, legal and tax issues involved in selling a business. The organizing principle of the program is Master Planning™, which is executed through the implementation of the Value Acceleration Methodology™ process. Whether you are looking to sell or transition out of the business when retirement rolls around, a CEPA can help you plan for a successful transition.

Why is a CEPA important?

CEPAs are an experienced group of advisors who have received this designation and are part of the Exit Planning Institute’s international community. The CEPA program is the most widely accepted and endorsed professional exit planning program in the world. Having an advisor on your team that possesses the CEPA designation will help you build a more valuable company, align your financial goals and create a solid personal financial plan that can help you confidently transition into the next phase of your life.

To find out more about the CEPA requirements, visit https://www.finra.org/investors/professional-designations/cepa.

AAMS™ – Accredited Asset Management Specialist™

Individuals who hold the AAMS^® designation have completed a course of study encompassing investments, insurance, tax, retirement and estate planning issues. Additionally, individuals must pass an end-of-course examination that tests their ability to synthesize complex concepts and apply theoretical concepts to real-life situations.

All designees have agreed to adhere to Standards of Professional Conduct and are subject to a disciplinary process.

Designees renew their designation every two years by completing 16 hours of continuing education, reaffirming adherence to the Standards of Professional Conduct and complying with self-disclosure requirements.