Disciplinary Process

The disciplinary process & procedures of IFFSA as enforced through the IFFSA Ethics Committee, ensure a fair process for CCFP/CPFP to address allegations of Code of Ethics' or other standards violations.

It is the intent of IFFSA to protect the public by providing a free resource to both verify & find active Certified Corporate Financial Planner/Certified Personal Financial Planners; therefore, the public is urged to verify anyone presenting themselves as a CCFP/CPFP, by searching within the CCFP/CPFP Verification Registry located at: www.IFFSA-GLOBAL.org

All CCFP/CPFP are subject to the IFFSA Disciplinary Process & Procedures.

Request for Investigation: Upon receipt of a written complaint, the Ethics Chair reviews the allegations to determine if further investigation is warranted.

  • Investigation: If the Ethics Chair determines to proceed with an investigation a CCFP/CPFP is given written notice of the investigation, which contains the general nature of the allegations. The CCFP/CPFP is given 30 days within which to file a written response. If no response is received within the allotted 30 days a formal complaint is issued and the case is presented to a hearing panel.
  • Probable Cause Determination: IFFSA Ethics Committee determines if there is probable cause to believe grounds for discipline exist, and if they so find the Committee will issue a formal complaint, and a notice of hearing, against the CCFP/CPFP. The complaint contains the specific allegations of misconduct and the potential Code of Ethics and/or other Member requirements violations, whereupon the CCFP/CPFP has 20 days from the date of receipt of the complaint to file a written answer. If no answer is received, the allegations in the complaint are deemed admitted and the CCFP/CPFP Members right to be listed in the verification & location CCFP/CPFP Verification Registry is administratively revoked, and Membership is terminated within forty-eight hours.
  • Hearing Panel: When a formal complaint is filed a hearing takes place before a panel of a minimum of three individuals. All hearing panel members are Ethics Committee Members, and each must be active CCFP/CPFP Verification Registry listed. The respondent is entitled to appear in person or telephonically, to be represented by counsel at the hearing, to cross-examine witnesses and to present evidence on his or her behalf.
  • Determination: The Ethics Committee submits its findings for review to the full Board of Directors & Ethics Chair which, after considering all the facts and recommendations, renders a final decision.
  • All CCFP/CPFP are further subject to the CCFP/CPFP Designation Usage Requirements & Advertising Guidelines. All Member are also subject to these requirements plus the added standards of IFFSA Membership.
  • Appeals: If a CCFP/CPFP is aggrieved by the decision he/she has the right to petition the IFFSA Chairperson directly. The IFFSA Chairperson, and the full IFFSA Board of Directors, will make any final determination by majority vote.

Forms of Discipline:

If grounds for discipline have been established, the Ethics Committee may impose any of the forms of discipline below. All disciplinary actions, except private written censure, may be publicly disseminated.

  • a private written censure.
  • a public letter of admonition.
  • suspension of Membership & CCFP/CPFP Verification Registry listing for a specified period of time, of not less than five years.
  • permanent baring from Membership & CCFP/CPFP Verification Registry listing.

Grounds for Discipline:

Misconduct by a CCFP/CPFP including the following acts or omissions, constitutes grounds for discipline, whether or not the misconduct occurred in the course of a client relationship:

  • any act or omission which violates the provisions of the IFFSA Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct (Code of Ethics / Ethics Code).
  • any act or omission which violates the criminal laws of any country.
  • any act which is the proper basis for suspension of a professional license.
  • any act or omission which violates IFFSA terms of Membership and/or these disciplinary procedures.
  • failure to respond to a request by the Ethics Chair or Board Chairperson without good cause.
  • obstruction of the Ethics Committee, Chair, Board of Directors or Chairpersons performance of its/their duties.
  • any false or misleading statement made to IFFSA Board or its direct representatives.

This list is not exclusive, and there may be other acts or omissions amounting to unprofessional conduct, which may also constitute grounds for discipline.