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To help certified financial planners better understand the code of ethics and standards of conduct, and comply with new rules that take effect Oct. 1, the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards has released a Roadmap for quick reference. The Roadmap provides charts and graphics that include guidelines of fiduciary duty — what applies at all times when providing advice and when providing financial planning — as well as steps outlining the complete ethics and standards requirements.
"This Roadmap boils down the essential information that CFP professionals need to know," Leo Rydzewski, the CFP Board's general counsel, said in a statement. "At the same time, it provides resources that give clear, detailed information about when the code and standards apply."
The Roadmap also includes:
- A reference guide to providing information to a client in all financial advice meetings, as well as for financial planning engagements.
- A compliance guide for all financial advice and for planning engagements
- A reference guide to the practice standards for the financial planning process.
For example, Under "Duty to Provide Information to Client," Step 1 covers understanding the client's personal and financial circumstances. Flow charts appear under headings of financial advice and financial planning, breaking down the information that needs to be provided in each situation, written or orally.
