Titles and Credentials
Financial advisors often use a string of credentials to imply that they have superior training and experience.
These designations represent specific levels of education and expertise and standards of work. For example, an advisor who uses credentials such as CFA, PFP, CFP, RFP, Ch.F.C, CIM, or CLU, must adhere to higher standards than someone who does not claim a lower level of education and experience. Most of these designations carry with them a standard of conduct and a code of ethics. Most also specifically require the advisor to perform – and document – an investment plan that puts the client’s interests first.
Even without these specific credentials, financial advisors market themselves under many titles, including:
- investment representative
- investment advisor
- mutual fund advisor
- mutual fund representative
- insurance agent
- financial planner
- retirement planner
- financial consultant
- investment executive
- senior vice president
All titles and credentials imply a connection to licensing organizations and a duty on the part of the advisor using them to adhere to the standards those organizations impose on them. In working on our clients’ behalf, we frequently uncover failures of financial advisors to adhere to the standards associated with their titles and credentials. If these breaches lead to substandard work and the work results in financial loss, our clients have a good chance of recovering some or all of that loss.
Contact us to better understand how your financial advisor’s titles and credentials might affect your claim.