Enforcement
CFP Board takes steps to monitor compliance and enforce the Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct — including the release of disciplinary information to the public — when CFP® professionals are alleged to have fallen short of their obligations.
These enforcement and adjudication processes help protect the public, and they benefit the financial planning profession and CFP® professionals by setting CFP® certification apart from other credentials and designations in the profession.
Enforcement & Adjudication
CFP Board enforces its Code and Standards through a peer-review process that is credible to the public and fair to those whose conduct is being evaluated. Review the details of the enforcement and adjudication processes.
You can also watch this short video for an overview of the disciplinary processes.
Procedural Rules
CFP Board's Procedural Rules outline a peer-review, enforcement process that is credible to the public and fair to those whose conduct is being evaluated.
If you believe a CFP® professional has violated the Code and Standards you can report the alleged misconduct by filing a complaint.
Strengthening CFP Board’s Enforcement Processes
Over the past several years, CFP Board has invested significant resources to strengthen enforcement of the Code and Standards. As our work in this area has continued, CFP Board has shared frequent updates with CFP® professionals and other stakeholders.
Fitness Standards
The Fitness Standards provides the standards against which CFP Board will evaluate the ethical fitness of a candidate for CFP® certification and a former CFP® professional seeking reinstatement whose certification CFP Board has not suspended or temporarily barred. An applicant is ethically fit for CFP® certification if the applicant has not engaged in conduct that (a) presents a permanent absolute bar to certification, (b) renders the applicant currently ineligible for certification, or (c) the Disciplinary and Ethics Commission determines presents a bar to certification.
Additional Enforcement Resources
Public Disciplinary Actions by State
View a list of the individuals who have been disciplined by CFP Board.
Case Histories
See summaries of actual cases that have been reviewed by CFP Board’s Disciplinary and Ethics Commission.
Sanction Guidelines
These guidelines identify specific conduct in violation of CFP Board’s Code and Standards and the types of sanctions deemed appropriate for that conduct.
Volunteer on a Disciplinary Hearing Panel
CFP Board is looking for experienced CFP® professionals interested in assisting the Disciplinary and Ethics Commission as Hearing Panelists. Hearing Panelists make a one-time commitment to participate in hearings held over the course of 2.5 days. Service as a Hearing Panel Volunteer is a prerequisite to service as a member of the Disciplinary and Ethics Commission.