CFP 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 proposed revisions to the sanction guidelines and refinements to how disciplinary actions are determined — a topic with real implications for both practicing and aspiring CFP® professionals.

Why It Matters

While the Board’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct hasn’t dramatically changed since the 2019 overhaul, its enforcement — particularly how sanctions are applied — is critical to maintaining the trust of both consumers and professionals.

The updates under review include:

  • Clarifying language in sanction guidelines to ensure consistent application
  • Better alignment with case precedents and evolving industry expectations
  • Modifications to the aggravating and mitigating factors that influence disciplinary outcomes
  • Simplification and reorganization of categories for clarity and ease of use

For practitioners, this matters not just in cases of disciplinary action — but in fostering a culture of ethical clarity and professional accountability that elevates the value of the designation itself.

What CFP® Professionals Should Do

Even if you’re not involved in Board governance or disciplinary issues, engaging with this process is an opportunity to:

  • Contribute to the credibility of the profession by offering your voice and real‑world insights
  • Understand how professional standards evolve, particularly as they relate to reputational risk and client expectations
  • Share the process with peers or students, reinforcing the CFP Board’s unique structure of practitioner involvement

The Deadline and How to Participate

The comment period runs through February 29, 2026, and written submissions can be made directly through the CFP Board’s public comment portal.

You can read the full proposal and submit feedback here: https://www.cfp.net/news/2025/12/cfp-board-requests-comment-on-sanction-guideline-changes

Whether you agree with the proposed changes or want to recommend alternatives, your feedback helps shape how standards are applied in practice — and how the CFP® mark is viewed in the marketplace.

Sources

    1. CFP Board. “Request for Comment: Proposed Revisions to Sanction Guidelines.” https://www.cfp.net/news/2025/12/cfp-board-requests-comment-on-sanction-guideline-changes
    2. CFP Board. “Standards of Professional Conduct Overview.” https://www.cfp.net/ethics/compliance-resources/standards-of-professional-conduct
    3. ThinkAdvisor. “CFP Board Seeks Input on Enforcement Sanctions.” https://www.thinkadvisor.com/2025/12/10/cfp-board-invites-feedback-on-sanction-updates/
    4. InvestmentNews. “Public Input Open on CFP Board’s New Guidelines.” https://www.investmentnews.com/cfp-board-seeks-comment-on-enforcement-standards-247801
Posted in CFP Board Updates

About Shawn Janes