New “Roadmap” for Code and Standards Provides Quick Reference Guide for CFP® Professionals, Firms

The new Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct (Code and Standards) now has an accompanying “Roadmap” to help CFP® professionals and firms better understand and comply with new rules that take effect October 1, 2019.

“Over 83,000 CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals look to CFP Board to provide the guidance essential to complying with the new Code and Standards,” said Kevin R. Keller, CAE, CFP Board’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the contribution of many volunteer leaders, we are fulfilling that commitment by providing this Roadmap as a key resource guide.”
New Roadmap for Code and Standards Provides  Quick Reference Guide for CFP Professionals, Firms
CFP Board’s Code and Standards serve as the foundation for CFP® certification’s ethics and practice standards. The new Roadmap document provides an overview of the structure and content of the new rules. In addition to an easy-to-follow format, the Roadmap also provides five resources that will help CFP® professionals and their firms implement the new Code and Standards:

• A Reference Guide to Providing Information to a Client for All Financial Advice Engagements;
• A Reference Guide to Providing Information to a Client for All Financial Planning Engagements;
• A Compliance Guide for All Financial Advice Engagements;
• A Compliance Guide for All Financial Planning Engagements; and
• A Reference Guide to the Practice Standards for the Financial Planning Process.

“This Roadmap boils down the essential information that CFP® professionals need to know,” said Leo Rydzewski, CFP Board’s General Counsel. “At the same time, it provides resources that give clear, detailed information about when the Code and Standards apply.”

Filled with graphics and images, the Roadmap serves as a handy-reference guide for CFP® professionals and their firms. It is not intended to replace the Code and Standards. Rather, it is meant to complement the full Code and Standards document.

“The Roadmap will help CFP® professionals and their firms navigate any compliance issues they may have,” Rydzewski said. “This comprehensive document provides the framework CFP® professionals will need for just about any situation they face when working with clients.”

The Roadmap is part of a full suite of resources that CFP® professionals and their firms can use to comply with the new Code and Standards. More materials, including videos and FAQs, can be found at www.CFP.net/code.