Securities Attorneys for
CFP Board Matters

The securities attorneys at Eccleston Law have valuable experience in representing financial advisors in investigations, complaints, and other disciplinary actions initiated by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (“CFP Board”). Financial advisors with CFP designation must follow the CFP Board's Standards of Professional Conduct.

CFP may conduct investigations for financial advisors who potentially violate CFP Rules, which can be triggered by a number of events, such as: customer arbitrations, criminal matters, regulatory actions by the SEC, CFTC, FINRA and state regulators, bankruptcies, employment terminations, reports from other financial advisors with CFP designation and even anonymous tips.

Sanctions for violations of CFP rules may result in a private censure, a public letter of admonition, suspension of the right to use the marks for up to five years or even permanent revocation of CFP designation.

 

CFP Notice of Investigation

The investigation process begins with a CFP Notice of Investigation sent to the CFP Certificant. This step requires a keen understanding of the allegations and potential sanctions that can result. The time allowed for filing written responses and Answers is extremely limited!

In addition to the opportunity to file a written response to the allegations, after reviewing the response, the board may decide to issue a CFP Complaint against the financial advisor, who must then file an Answer or suffer from an Administrative Order of Revocation.

 

Renewing Your CFP Certification

Each time you renew your CFP certification, you must disclose whether you have ever been involved in any criminal, civil, self-regulatory organization or governmental agency inquiry, investigation or proceeding. Events that are otherwise not reportable to your Broker-Dealer, Employer or Regulatory Agency, may, in fact, be reportable to the board. If you have questions or concerns regarding your reporting obligations or compliance with CFP Rules, contact the securities attorneys at Eccleston Law for a free consultation to discuss your CFP Board matter.

ATTORNEYS CONTACT US

Experienced Securities Attorneys for CFP Board Matters

If you have received a CFP notice of investigation, a CFP complaint, or a notice of presumptive bar as a CFP candidate, our experienced securities attorneys can provide unparalleled guidance to you in all aspects of CFP disciplinary proceedings and help maximize your chances of retaining the right to use the hard-earned and valuable CFP marks by:

Evaluate
Evaluating and developing your factual defenses
Analyze
Analyzing CFP Board rules and prior CFP case histories to develop legal defenses
Draft
Drafting written responses to CFP investigation requests and answers to CPF complaints
Settlement
Proposing offers of settlement to avoid costly Disciplinary CFP Hearing fees
Consultation
Consulting regarding Reinstatement of CFP certication
Petition
Drafting petitions for consideration for candidates eligible for reinstatement
Appearance
Appearing at the CFP hearing on your behalf

As skilled and experienced securities attorneys, we can also provide valuable guidance on the underlying matter that triggered the CFP investigation, whether it's a customer complaint, an investor arbitration or lawsuit, an employment termination, etc.



 

 

 

TESTIMONIALS

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You were most helpful with my FINRA deposition. You are a good lawyer and a good person.

Dan B.

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The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has permanently barred former Raymond James financial advisor Meredith Archer Webber after she failed to comply with repeated requests for documents and testimony during an investigation into the possible misappropriation of funds from two elderly clients, according to ThinkAdvisor.

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TESTIMONIALS

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That is just fantastic! Thank you very much!

Julie N.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

August 29, 2025
FINRA's 2025 Industry Snapshot Highlights

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s (FINRA) has published its 2025 Industry Snapshot. The Snapshot provides a detailed view of its member firms, registered representatives, and trading activity, revealing both consolidation in the industry and shifts in business models.

August 28, 2025
Former Raymond James Advisor Barred by FINRA Over Misappropriation Probe

The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) has permanently barred former Raymond James financial advisor Meredith Archer Webber after she failed to comply with repeated requests for documents and testimony during an investigation into the possible misappropriation of funds from two elderly clients, according to ThinkAdvisor.

August 27, 2025
SEC Fines American Portfolios Advisors $1.75 Million for Overbilling and Undisclosed Conflicts

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has fined American Portfolios Advisors $1.75 million for a series of violations that occurred between August 2020 and March 2023, including overbilling advisory clients and failing to disclose conflicts of interest tied to compensation arrangements.