Code of Ethics

Scope of Practice & Client Primacy

An RFP® professional shall only provide financial planning services within their defined area of expertise and always place the client’s interests first.

Competency Maintenance

An RFP® professional must maintain professional competence through ongoing education, training, study, and skill development.

Ethical Communication

RFP® professionals are prohibited from making misleading, false, or unsubstantiated statements to clients or prospective clients.

Regulatory Accountability

An RFP® professional assumes personal responsibility for understanding the laws and regulations governing their compensated financial planning activities.

Competence in Assignment Acceptance

An RFP® professional shall not accept a financial planning assignment without demonstrated competence to complete it, unless:

  1. They collaborate with a qualified professional possessing the required expertise; or
  2. They disclose their lack of competence to the client prior to accepting the assignment.

Compensation Transparency

When working on a fee basis, an RFP® professional must disclose to the client the possibility of receiving compensation from sources other than the client, particularly when the client acts on their recommendations.

Fraudulent Representation Reporting

RFP® professionals are obligated to report individuals fraudulently claiming affiliation with the designation.

Non-Discrimination

An RFP® professional must not discriminate against prospective clients based on race, creed, or color.

Jurisdictional Compliance

RFP® professionals shall adhere to all state-specific ethics codes and legal requirements governing their profession.