CFP Board

The share of test takers who pass the CFP Board's exam has risen significantly in recent years, but experts are divided on what's behind the change.

In an ever-expanding and constantly shifting profession marked by messy but important debates, can one of the field's most important organizations keep up with the times?

The findings suggest that "crises, behavioral biases and interpersonal conflicts are not fringe topics but core aspects of modern advising," the authors of a study say.

The fact that many financial advisors say they do not provide tax planning belies how much value they may add through that service, according to an expert.

The many technical planning questions may be moot until spouses can find common ground on money and wealth in general, CFP Board conference panelists said.

In a field with very high rates of attrition, financial planners are finding pillars of support in study groups as they work to reach more young customers.

The CFP Board promised to enhance its review processes after an investigation found major shortcomings. A new analysis of CFP data found that the problem has only gotten worse.

Terri Kallsen will precede him next year as chair of the Board of Directors; Seay will take over that role in 2027.

In February, the organization released its "Generative AI Ethics Guide," which may be updated based on the group's findings.

The new rules, set to take effect May 23, will allow CFP applicants to forgo a more intensive review process in certain circumstances.

SmartAsset analyzed the significance of the state-by-state figures on certificants, although some experts say geographic strategies are missing the bigger picture.

Kevin Keller prides himself on the growing public awareness of the CFP mark while warning that his successor is likely to face increased competition from other groups.

Atop the standard-setting organization since 2007, Kevin Keller has seen its ranks of certification holders nearly double and has overseen work to bring more diversity to the profession.

Chief Operating Officer Dennis Moore is taking on the role of interim chief as the profession mourned the loss of a dedicated leader.

The standard-setting group is mulling increasing continuing education requirements and requiring that CFP aspirants have certain types of financial planning-related experiences, among other changes.

The criticism from the largest brokerages, investment banks and asset managers runs the other way from that of planners who argue the guidelines are insufficient.

The revamped digital campaign, "Quite Possibly the Perfect Job," features new versions of static ads that appear on social media.

The CFP Board of Standards' new "Quite Possibly the Perfect Job" digital campaign targets college and college-bound high school students. Many professionals felt the ads, which depict young people doing anything but working, "missed the mark."

Essential free services play a critical role for clients, financial advisors' careers and industry recruiting. But only if practitioners avoid some pitfalls, experts say.

Terri Kallsen of Rise Growth Partners is currently a member of the CFP Board's board of directors and chair of the finance and investment committee.