The Benefits of Working with an AIF® Designee
Not all financial planners are the same, including when it comes to providing fiduciary services. There are advisors who can consistently operate in a fiduciary capacity, others who only act as a fiduciary when providing certain services, and some who are not allowed to take on fiduciary obligations at all. When you work with an Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designee, however, you can be certain that you are working with an advisor who has the necessary training to follow the standard fiduciary process.
AIF® designees have been certified specifically to follow a fiduciary process with their clients’ best interests at heart. Designees must provide documented industry and educational experience to qualify for the designation, as well as complete AIF® training covering Prudent Practices® for managing fiduciary assets for wealth, nonprofit and retirement clients. After passing the necessary examination, designees showcase their professionalism by committing to follow the AIF® Code of Ethics and Conduct Standards and completing the continuing education requirements to maintain their designation.
How an AIF® designee can help you
An AIF® designee can provide you an array of specialized services. For instance, they can:
- Create and maintain a comprehensive investment plan, strategy or policy statement documenting the processes and procedures used to manage your plan and portfolio.
- Analyze and optimize asset allocation strategies and investment menus.
- Apply objective standards for evaluating and recommending appropriate investment options and products.
- Evaluate your current fiduciary practices and recommend actions to help mitigate compliance and mitigate risks.
Visit FINRA.org learn more about the AIF® requirements.