Certifications and licensing

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.

The American College of Financial Services and RISR are collaborating as a BNY Wealth report showcased the planning complexities of owner succession deals.

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.

Earning and maintaining certifications requires a significant time investment. So why do advisors go through the trouble?

A former marketing executive at the CFA Institute faces charges of embezzling nearly $5 million to fund extravagant expenses, including luxury travel and a $150,000 engagement ring, according to prosecutors.

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

Certified financial planners will pay an additional $120 a year for the CFP designation, starting in October. The CFP board said the fee hike will help fund expanded advertising efforts.

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.

The many technical skills and professional requirements get most of the attention. But experts say a transition also requires a great deal of time and other capabilities.

The "model rule" for state regulators is meant to help clients distinguish between advisors who earn management fees and brokers who collect transaction-based commissions.

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 regulators' organization is also seeking to let state regulators enforce the same Reg BI conduct standard that federal watchdogs now apply to broker-dealers.

While the process of preparing for the 170 multiple-choice-question test can be expensive, time-consuming and nerve-racking, there are ways to make it less unpleasant and more successful.

The giant universities that have their own investment arms are likely out of reach, but they represent only a small portion of the rapidly growing channel.

The program allows candidates to complete the certification program online, asynchronously and in half the time it takes to complete the standard program.

Jeffrey Levine and The American College of Financial Services hope to help more financial advisors branch into the related but historically separate field.

CFAs' knowledge of investments is on another level — which is why the designation is so hard to get. Here's why it can be worth it.

The St. Louis-based brokerage is also encouraging representatives to become Certified Financial Planners as it experiments with fee-based fiduciary business models.