All investment industry scandals have one thing in common: A fiduciary parlayed their position of trust for personal profits. The vast majority of fiduciaries receive little or no formal training and what little is provided is rarely comprehensive. Yet, fiduciaries must be able to demonstrate that portfolio assets are being prudently managed and that sound investment practices are being followed.

The professional designations awarded by the Center for Fiduciary Studies demonstrate the focus on all the components of a comprehensive investment process, related fiduciary standards of care, and commitment to excellence. Center designees must go through an initial training program, annual continuing education, and pledge to abide by the designation’s code of ethics.

The Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF ®) professional designation was introduced by the Center for Fiduciary Studies in October 2002. Holders of the AIF mark have successfully completed a specialized program on investment fiduciary standards of care and subsequently passed a comprehensive examination. The AIF designation is the mark of commitment to a standard of investment fiduciary excellence.

The Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst™ (AIFA ®) designation (the successor of the Accredited Investment Fiduciary Auditor designation introduced by the Center for Fiduciary Studies in October 2002) was introduced by the Center for Fiduciary Studies in May 2006. Holders of the AIFA mark have successfully completed a specialized program on investment fiduciary standards of care, subsequently passed a comprehensive examination, and met the designation’s education and professional experience prerequisites. The AIFA designation is the mark that signifies the knowledge necessary to understand and implement a prudent process for Investment Stewards, Investment Advisors, and Investment Managers and can perform fiduciary assessments to verify or certify an entity's conformity to a Global Fiduciary Standard of Excellence.