We recognize the CFP designation as the pre-eminent designation for financial planners in Canada. We are holders of the CFP designation in good standing and generally our associates are also CFP members who also respect the competence and trust that are a sign of the high standards set by the Financial Planners Standards Council (FPSC).

Below is an excerpt from the Certified Financial Planner's brochure entitled "A measure of Trust". This brochure has been published by the FPSC and we proudly adhere to all of their guidelines.

Q: What to the letters "CFP" mean?
A: The letters "CFP" stand for Certified Financial Planner. The CFP mark identifies individuals who are dedicated to a high level of professionalism in providing financial planning advice. The CFP credential assures the public that those financial planners who are CFP licensees have agreed to adhere to the highest internationally-recognized standards of competence and ethical practice as set out by Financial Planners Standards Council (FPSC).

Q: why is it important to deal with a CFP licensee?
A: Individuals who wish to attain the CFP designation must meet education, examination, experience and ethical requirements set by FPSC, including:

Education: Successful completion of an approved education program.
Fulfilment of annual continuing education requirements to keep abreast of planning strategies and financial trends.

Experience: A minimum of two years' work experience in a financial planning-related position.

Examination: Successful completion of a rigorous examination that covers the financial planning process, tax planning, employee benefits, retirement planning, estate planning, investment management, insurance planning and ethics.

Ethics: Adherence to a professional code of ethics which requires all CFP licensees to act in an ethical and professionally responsible manner in all professional services and activities.

Q: Are CFP licensees found only in Canada?
A: There are more than 10,000 CFP licensees in Canada. The CFP is an internationally recognized designation held by over 50,000 people in 12 counties around the world.

Q: How do I know if my financial advisor is a CFP licensee?
A: Look for the distinctive CFP certification marks, our logo, the initials CFP or the words Certified Financial Planner. Only FPSC can authorize an individual to use these three marks. You can also ask to see the planner's current CFP license or call FPSC at 416.593.8587 to verify a planner's status as a CFP licensee.

Q: What can I expect from the financial planning process?
A: Financial planning involves determining how individuals can meet their life goals through proper management of their financial resources. This broad-based approach to providing financial advice distinguishes financial planning practitioners from other professional advisors who typically focus on only one area of a person's financial life.

Q: What is Financial Planners Standards Council (FPSC?)
A: FPSC is a non-profit organization incorporated in 1995 to benefit the public and the financial planning profession by establishing and enforcing uniform standards of education, experience, examination and ethics for financial planning professionals.

FPSC grants the use of the CFP certification marks to individuals who meet its standards.
The following organizations support FPSC: The Canadian Association of Financial Planners, Canadian Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, The Canadian Institute of Financial Planning, Certified General Accountants Association of Canada, Credit Union Institute of Canada, and The Society of Management Accountants of Canada.

Q: What standards guide the professional conduct of a CFP licensee?
A: CFP licensees must follow a professional code of ethics. The CFP Code of Ethics is designed to better serve you, the consumer, by requiring disclosure of pertinent information about a CFP licensee and describing the behavior you should expect from your planner. A CFP licensee is obliged to disclose relevant information and might affect the financial planning relationship, such as sources of compensation including fees or commissions and any potential conflicts of interest that might compromise the planner's objectivity. You can view the CFP Code of Ethics in full at www.cfp-ca.org.

Q: Does FPSC accept complaints against CFP licensees?
A: FPSC will respond to alleged violations of the Code of Ethics brought to its attention in writing. If a CFP licensee fails to meet the high standards of the Code of Ethics, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken by FPSC. The most severe of these actions is the revocation of the CFP license.

Financial planners deal with one of the most personal and sensitive aspects of people's lives: personal financial security. As a result, trust is at the heart of the financial planning relationship-trust in the planner's competence, integrity and objectivity, and trust that the planner will act first and foremost in your best interests.

The following answers some of the more frequently asked questions about financial planers and financial planning. It is meant to help you make a decision about using a financial planner and describes the high standards of conduct you can expect from a certified financial planner licensee.