Certifications and licensing

Three-in-four clients say their advisor’s professional certifications are important to them. But that doesn’t mean they have any idea what they are.

A young advisor put her faith in letters and numbers until a client set her straight.

The certification could stop being the gold standard and become the requirement, if only the regulatory path were clearer.

The issuing organization is working to expand the number of firms allowing the certified kingdom advisor title to be used in marketing materials.

Missouri legislators inadvertently passed a law that would outlaw the Certified Financial Planner credential.

Changes to how the group educates advisors is just one of the many transformations in the offing.

Such a nominal bump may seem like the cost of doing business — but it raises hard questions about the board’s intentions and practices.

The 11,000-member organization will operate as the Investments & Wealth Institute.

Board executives say the value of the CFP designation has grown. They also nod to more potential changes in the conduct standards.

Expanding the fiduciary role of CFPs is a good thing — but the fine print is worth sweating.