Investment fiduciaries are constantly exposed to legal and practical scrutiny — it comes from multiple directions and for various reasons. It is likely that complaints and/or lawsuits alleging investment mismanagement will continue to increase. Although some of these allegations may be justified, many can be avoided by having clear knowledge of who constitutes a fiduciary and what is required of one.

The AIF training and designation help mitigate this liability by instructing in practices that cover pertinent legislation and best practices. The Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designation represents a thorough knowledge of and ability to apply the fiduciary Practices. Through fi360's AIF Training programs, AIF designees learn the Practices and the legal and best practice framework they are built upon. AIF designees have a reputation in the industry for the ability to implement a prudent process into their own investment practices as well as being able to assist others in implementing proper policies and procedures.

For this reason, the AIF was named one of the Ten Most Wanted" designations in the investment industry by Financial Planning magazine.

Benefits of the AIF® designation

In addition to the knowledge and business opportunities the AIF designation represents, all active designees are entitled to the following services and benefits (more details are provided in the Designee Portal:

• Ongoing support and dedication to service from the team at fi360
• Continuing advocacy for a culture of fiduciary responsibility from our executive staff and team members
• Continuing professional education opportunities
• Exclusive access to our CE-in-a-Box product, which contains materials to instruct one or two hour units of fiduciary training seminars
• Discounts on all of the services and products provided by fi360, including publications, Tools and the fi360 annual conference
• Listing on our online Designee Search database, accessible to prospective clients, potential employers, local media and referrals

AIF designees must:

• Sign and agree to abide by a code of ethics
• Complete six hours of continuing professional education, 4 of which are fi360 Training CE
• Maintaining current contact information in fi360's designee database
• Submit yearly renewal application with $325 in annual dues

Continuing Education Requirements:
AIF designees must obtain 6 combined hours of continuing professional education each renewal year. As a designee, AIF Training is your professional education for your first year holding the designation. The following year, you can pursue continuing education from the sources below (4 of the 6 hours must be from fi360 sources):

• The fi360 annual conference and audio archives of conference sessions
• Online Continuing Education Modules produced by fi360 Training
• Relevent events produced by sources outside of fi360 (Max of 2 hours per year allowed)

Designee Search
Find the professionals who have already earned the AIF and AIFA designations

Additional Notes:

The AIF and AIFA marks are held by the Center for Fiduciary Studies, which is housed under the umbrella company fi360.

If you serve a Nebraska audience, click here for information regarding the use of the AIF designation in that state.