Suitability Standard
194,000 brokers/dealers controlling $8.1 trillion*
The public can become very confused about their options in selecting an investment professional, and understandably so, the financial industry has tried to blur the lines between the different services that a financial advisor can provide.
Over 84% of the industry is only subject to a suitability requirement—meaning that an investment product which is sold to a customer, simply needs to be “suitable” for them, not necessarily in their “best” interests.
Fiduciary Standard
29,200 RIAs controlling $1.6 trillion*
Only 16% are Registered Investment Advisors subject to a fiduciary standard.
Accredited Investment Fiduciary
All Petersen Hastings wealth advisors have earned the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designation. The AIF designation represents a thorough knowledge of and ability to apply the fiduciary practices, and empowers investment professionals with the fiduciary knowledge and tools needed to serve your best interests.
CEFEX – Centre for Fiduciary Excellence
Petersen Hastings undergoes a rigorous examination of our investment processes by the Centre for Fiduciary Excellence (CEFEX) and is certified as a fiduciary steward and advisor, verifying that global fiduciary standards have been met or even exceeded.*
Disclosure
*Investment News & Dover Research (2012)
*CEFEX assessment process is based on the international standard, ISO 19011: Guideline for quality management system auditing. The assessment is evidence-based, and all work is reviewed by the CEFEX Registration Committee to ensure impartiality and consistency.
The assessment typically includes document review, client file sampling, on-site visits and interviews with senior representatives at the firm. The assessment is conducted by CEFEX Analysts who must hold the Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst® designation and a minimum of the ASPPA 401(k) Administrator (QKA) designation for ASPPA certifications. CEFEX Analysts maintain annual assessment training.
Where applicable, the assessment methodology includes questionnaires on regulatory matters, developed by expert attorneys.
The CEFEX certification standards are organized according to a four-step management process. The steps are analogous to the global ISO 9000 Quality Management System standard, which emphasizes continual improvement in a decision-making process.