Ethics
Enforcement
CFP Board takes steps to enforce the Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct — including the release of disciplinary information to the public — when CFP® professionals are alleged to have fallen short of their obligations. This enforcement process helps protect the public and benefits the financial planning profession and CFP® professionals by setting CFP® certification apart from other credentials and designations in the profession.
CFP Board has a defined process for handling allegations of misconduct and is committed to maintaining an enforcement process that is credible to the public and fair to those whose conduct is being evaluated.
enforcement process
CFP Board enforces its Code and Standards through a peer-review process that is credible to the public and fair to those whose conduct is being evaluated. Review the details of the enforcement process.
You can also watch this short video for an overview of the enforcement process.
Procedural Rules
CFP Board's Procedural Rules outline a peer-review, enforcement process that is credible to the public and fair to those whose conduct is being evaluated.
(CFP Board has adopted revised Procedural Rules that will be effective July 1, 2024.)
If you believe a CFP® professional has violated the Code and Standards you can report the alleged misconduct by filing a complaint.
STRENGTHENINg CFP Board’s Enforcement Processes
Over the past several years, CFP Board has invested significant resources to strengthen enforcement of the Code and Standards. As our work in this area has continued, CFP Board has shared frequent updates with CFP® professionals and other stakeholders.
Fitness Standards
CFP Board applies the Fitness Standards for Candidates and Professionals Seeking Reinstatement to determine whether an individual's prior conduct would reflect adversely upon the profession or the CFP® certification marks. The Fitness Standards identifies conduct that is unacceptable and will bar an individual from becoming certified, conduct presumed to be unacceptable, and other conduct that may reflect adversely upon the individual’s integrity or fitness, the profession, or the CFP® certification marks.
(CFP Board has adopted revised Fitness Standards that will be effective July 1, 2024.)
Additional Enforcement Resources
Sanction Guidelines
These guidelines identify specific conduct in violation of CFP Board’s Code and Standards and the types of sanctions deemed appropriate for that conduct.
Case Histories
See summaries of actual cases that have been reviewed by CFP Board’s Disciplinary and Ethics Commission.
Public Disciplinary Actions by State
View a list of the individuals who have been disciplined by CFP Board.
Volunteer on a Disciplinary Hearing Panel
CFP Board is looking for experienced CFP® professionals interested in assisting the Disciplinary and Ethics Commission as Hearing Panelists. Hearing Panelists make a one-time commitment to participate in hearings held over the course of 2.5 days. Service as a Hearing Panel Volunteer is a prerequisite to service as a member of the Disciplinary and Ethics Commission.