Posts by Shawn Janes
CFP Board Opens Public Comment Period on New Code and Standards Proposals
CFP® Board Updates On January 29, 2026, the CFP Board announced a 60-day public comment period for proposed updates to its Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct, as well as related procedural rules. These proposed changes reflect the Board’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the profession’s ethical framework and respond to the evolving landscape of…
Read MoreCFP Board Announces Updates to the Competency Standards
CFP® Board Updates The CFP Board has finalized its updates to the Competency Standards — and while this may sound procedural, the implications for the profession are far-reaching. These changes reflect a fundamental evolution in how the CFP Board defines competence: moving from task-based checklists to judgment-based decision-making. The updates were approved following an open…
Read MoreCybersecurity Best Practices for CFP® Professionals
Good to Know In an increasingly digital advisory environment, cybersecurity is no longer an IT issue — it’s a core component of fiduciary duty. CFP® professionals are entrusted with clients’ most sensitive personal and financial data, and a breach of that trust can carry not only financial consequences, but reputational damage and potential regulatory scrutiny.…
Read MoreThe Financial Implications of AI in Financial Planning
Good to Know As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, its impact on the financial planning profession is becoming impossible to ignore. From generative models that support document creation to machine learning algorithms that enhance risk analysis and portfolio construction, AI is not just a trend — it’s becoming a strategic advantage for firms and advisors…
Read MoreCFP Board’s Public Comment Period: Help Shape the Future of Professional Standards
CFP® Board Updates The CFP Board is again inviting professionals, educators, and the public to weigh in on proposed updates to the Standards of Professional Conduct. This public comment process is a cornerstone of the Board’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the long‑term strength of the CFP® certification. The current round of feedback centers on…
Read MoreThe Financial Implications of AI in Financial Planning: What CFP® Professionals Should Watch
Good to Know As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to mature and find its way into financial services, CFP® professionals face a pressing question: What does this mean for me and my clients? From predictive analytics to automated workflows, AI is rapidly transforming the landscape of planning, client service, and compliance. But beyond the buzzwords, there…
Read MoreCFP Board’s 2026 Principal Knowledge Topic Updates — What’s Changed for Candidates
CFP® Board Updates The CFP Board has released its updated Principal Knowledge Topics for the 2026 exam cycle — and while the changes are subtle, they reflect evolving industry expectations, regulatory realities, and practitioner demands. Whether you’re preparing to sit for the CFP® exam or helping someone on that journey, understanding what’s been updated can…
Read MoreNavigating Uncertainty: Strategies for CFP® Professionals in a Volatile Rate Environment
Good to Know As interest rates fluctuate and economic signals remain mixed, CFP® professionals face a planning environment that is neither rising nor falling — but uncertain. In this climate, the ability to adapt and guide clients with clarity becomes more important than ever. The Current Landscape The Federal Reserve has paused rate hikes but…
Read MoreCFP Board Releases 2025 Public Awareness Campaign Report: Key Results and What They Mean
CFP® Board Updates The CFP Board’s 2025 Public Awareness Campaign report offers fresh insight into how public perception of the CFP® certification is evolving — and where there’s still work to be done. Released this month, the report summarizes campaign performance, media reach, and year-over-year changes in trust, awareness, and relevance of the CFP® mark…
Read MoreBridging the Gap: CFP® Certification and the Financial Advisor Talent Pipeline
Good to Know A growing number of firms are reporting a shortage of qualified financial advisors — especially those prepared to work with increasingly diverse and complex client needs. The CFP® certification remains one of the most trusted signals of readiness and competence in the profession. But what role does it play in solving the…
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