What makes an Accredited Investment Fiduciary® designees different?
Garth has been accredited by the American National Standards Institute for the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) Designation, making him part of an elite group of accredited financial advisors. Only AIF® Designees have been certified specifically for their abilities to follow a fiduciary process with their clients' best interests at heart. When serving as a fiduciary, Garth is held to a standard of ethical principals that differentiates him from other advisors or financial professionals. Here are some of the attributes that make AIF® Designees different;
Experience. Designees are required to provide documented industry and educational experience to qualify for the designation.
Education. Designees must complete the AIF® Designation Training, which covers the Prudent Practices® for managing fiduciary assets for wealth, nonprofit and retirement clients.
Examination. Designees must pass an examination to prove comprehension of the Prudent Practices® and ability to act in the best interest of clients.
Ethics. Designees adhere to a Code of Ethics and Conduct Standards that show a commitment to a higher degree of industry professionalism.
Continuing Education. Designees commit to keeping their knowledge and skills sharp by completing annual continuing education requirements.
Here is the code of ethics that make an AIF® designee:
Garth recognizes that this code of ethics, and its principals and obligations, are in addition to those set forth by any other code that governs his professional and ethical conduct.
To our clients, we will:
- Employ and provide the client information on the prudent practices when serving as an investment fiduciary and/or advising other investment fiduciaries.
- Act with honesty and integrity and avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived.
- Ensure the timely and understandable disclosure of relevant information that is accurate, complete, and objective.
- Be responsible when determining the value of our services and our form of compensation; taking into consideration the time, skill, experience, and special circumstances involved in providing our services.
- Know the limits of our expertise, and refer our clients to colleagues and/or other professionals in connection with issues beyond our knowledge and skills.
- Respect the confidentiality of information acquired in the course of our work, and not disclose such information to others, expect when authorized or otherwise legally obligated to do so. We will not use confidential information acquired in the course of our work for any personal advantage.
- Not exploit any relationship or responsibility that has been entrusted to us.
To our community (whether defined by work, family, and/or friends), we will:
- Proactively promote and be a steward of ethical behavior as a responsible partner among our peers in the work environment and in our community.
- Ensure that the overall promotion of our practice is implemented in the best interests of our profession.
- Seek, accept, and offer honest criticism of technical work; acknowledge and correct errors; and properly credit the contributions of others.
- Use corporate assets and resources employed or entrusted to us in a responsible manner.
- Continue to improve our knowledge and skills, share ideas and information with colleagues, and assist them in their professional development.
