A commitment to professionalism
We believe education is invaluable to making sound financial decisions – both for you, the investor, and for us as your advisor. As we keep up with the evolving regulations and nuances of the financial services industry, we have sought out opportunities to continually hone our expertise and learn new and better ways to serve your needs. When you work with us, you’ll receive the personalized service you’ve come to expect, backed by the knowledgeable guidance of renowned industry organizations.
CFP® - Certified Financial Planner™
In life, it’s important to find a financial planner you trust to provide sound, unbiased advice and professional services. Being CFP® certified means someone has voluntarily taken the extra steps needed to provide the highest possible standard of financial planning to those they serve. To become a Certified Financial Planner™ professional one must pass the comprehensive CFP® Certification Exam, have a minimum of three years’ professional experience in financial planning process and must be approved by the CFP Board, which involves an extensive background check – including an ethics, character and criminal check. To maintain certification, CFP® professionals must complete 30 hours of continuing education accepted by the CFP Board every two years.
How does working with a CFP® certified advisor benefit you? Certified Financial Planner™ professionals are held to the utmost standards of ethics and professional responsibility, which prepares them for a career-long commitment to provide truly personalized services to meet your needs; all while maintaining high levels of financial planning and professionalism. CFP® professionals maintain their professional edge through ongoing education and training in addition to the rigorous requirements to represent a high level of integrity, objectivity, competence, fairness, confidentiality, professionalism and diligence when working with you.
CPWA® - Certified Private Wealth Advisor®
A Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®) has the education designed to help them understand the challenges and responsibilities of those with significant wealth. The CPWA® program is an advanced credential created specifically for wealth managers who work with successful families to address their distinct needs and wants. Advisors with this designation have dedicated their time and acquired the education designed to be able to ensure that all of those needs and wants are met.
Certified wealth managers focus on your needs at every stage of your life, from your working years to your retirement ones, and we understand what you and your family need to preserve your assets in the years in between. CPWA® professionals understand your goals to preserve your wealth, minimize taxes and pass that wealth on to the next generation.
Raymond James does not provide tax or legal services. Please discuss these matters with the appropriate professional.
AIF® designees have been certified specifically to follow a fiduciary process with their clients’ best interests at heart. Designees must provide documented industry and educational experience to qualify for the designation, as well as complete AIF® training covering Prudent Practices® for managing fiduciary assets for wealth, nonprofit and retirement clients. After passing the necessary examination, designees showcase their professionalism by committing to follow the AIF® Code of Ethics and Conduct Standards and completing the continuing education requirements to maintain their designation.
How an AIF® designee can help you
An AIF® designee can provide you an array of specialized services. For instance, they can:
- Create and maintain a comprehensive investment plan, strategy or policy statement documenting the processes and procedures used to manage your plan and portfolio.
- Analyze and optimize asset allocation strategies and investment menus.
- Apply objective standards for evaluating and recommending appropriate investment options and products.
- Evaluate your current fiduciary practices and recommend actions to help mitigate compliance and mitigate risks.
To find out more about the AIF® requirements, visit https://www.finra.org/investors/professional-designations/aif.
Chartered Special Needs Consultant® (ChSNC®)
The Chartered Special Needs Consultant® (ChSNC®) is designed for experienced financial advisors who want to make a real difference in the lives of people with disabilities or special needs. Professionals with the Chartered Special Needs Consultant® (ChSNC®) credential from The American College of Financial Services are financial advisors specializing in the unique requirements of people with disabilities and those requiring special needs planning and estate planning. A ChSNC® has specialized knowledge of special needs trusts and help with things like special needs planning for an individual’s present and future security, including long term care, retirement planning, life insurance, Medicaid, Social Security, eligibility for government benefits like Medicaid and SSI, estate planning and beneficiary status including elder law, ABLE accounts, as well as elements of financial planning for caregivers or those with guardianship and power of attorney options.
Wealth Management SpecialistSM (WMSSM)
The Wealth Management SpecialistSM (WMSSM) program, is a designation program for financial professionals. This program provides advisors with a substantial overview of the most critical concepts in financial planning and wealth management.
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP®, Certified Financial Planner™, 
Investments & Wealth Institute™ (The Institute) is the owner of the certification marks “CPWA®,” and “Certified Private Wealth Advisor®.” Use of CPWA®, and/or Certified Private Wealth Advisor® signifies that the user has successfully completed The Institute’s initial and ongoing credentialing requirements for wealth advisors.
