The new CFP Board Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct went into effect on October 1, 2019.
These modified standards are the result of a rigorous 2-year review process, which included public forums held across the country and two opportunities for feedback. Changes reflect CFP® professionals’ commitment to high ethics and competency standards, and are intended to maintain the value, integrity, and relevance of the CFP® certification.
The most noteworthy change made to the Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct[1] expands a CFP® professional’s obligation to act as a fiduciary at all times when providing financial advice. Professionals must act in the best interest of the client and consistently fulfill the Duty of Loyalty, Duty of Care, and Duty to Follow Client Instructions.
To implement these policies, the Center of Financial Planning has established the Standards Resource Commission to offer guidance and create materials to clarify the new code. The Commission also hosted a series of informative public forums across the country through December 2019.
Read more about the Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct, including highlights of all the changes. The new Code will be introduced and discussed throughout the BU Online Financial Planning Program to prepare students for the CFP® Certification Exam. Enroll today!
[1] “Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct,” Center for Financial Planning, March, 2018, https://www.cfp.net/docs/default-source/for-cfp-pros—professional-standards-enforcement/CFP-Board-Code-and-Standards.