Complaint Procedures

Disciplinary Procedures

Common Questions

Submit a Complaint

Disciplinary Actions

Disciplinary Statistics

Code of Ethics

Practice Standards

CFP Board Disciplinary Statistics

CFP Board requires CFP® certificants to adhere to CFP Board's Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility and Financial Planning Practice Standards.

As part of CFP Board's efforts to monitor compliance with the ethical rules and practice standards, CFP® certificants and those seeking initial CFP® certification are required to disclose matters such as regulatory investigations, lawsuits or arbitrations related to their conduct. CFP Board also conducts routine background checks and utilizes other resources to obtain information that might indicate violations of CFP Board's ethical rules and practice standards. Consumers and professionals may file complaints directly with CFP Board. CFP Board's professional review department is responsible for reviewing all ethics-related matters brought to the attention of CFP Board.

Professional Review Cases Opened and Closed by Year

Most CFP Board investigations do not result in disciplinary proceedings. However, if CFP Board obtains evidence indicating that violations of CFP Board’s ethical rules or practice standards exist, the matter is referred to the Board of Professional Review (the Board), which will hold a hearing and, where significant violations are found, impose a public discipline.

Public disciplinary action by the Board can take one of three forms: a public Letter of Admonition, a temporary Suspension of the individual’s CFP® certification or a permanent Revocation of the individual's CFP® certification. Individuals may also propose that CFP Board accept the permanent relinquishment of their rights to use the CFP® marks. The type of discipline imposed will depend on the severity of the violations, any mitigating or aggravating circumstances, and the individual’s cooperation with the Board's investigation. Disciplines imposed by the Board may be appealed to CFP Board’s Board of Appeals, which may affirm or modify the Board’s findings and discipline or remand a case for another hearing before the Board.

CFP Board issues a press release announcing public disciplinary actions approximately three times a year.

Public Disciplines by Year Announced