How to Disclose Conflicts of Interest as a Financial Advisor

By Rebecca Lake, CEPF® February 19, 2026 SmartAsset

Conflicts of interest can naturally occur in financial practice, and CFP® professionals must follow CFP Board ethical standards that require them to avoid such conflicts or fully disclose and properly manage them when they arise. These standards mandate clear disclosure of any material conflict, informed client consent and business practices that ensure the conflict does not compromise acting in the client’s best interest.