The Exceptional Advisor Model:
Born out of Research, Lived Out by You

The research shows that investors use designations as a way to vet potential advisors. Nearly 80 percent of respondents said professional designations would be somewhat or very important in helping make a decision if they were looking for a new advisor today.

The research highlights that HNW investors also value multiple designations, with nearly 70 percent indicating that this allows advisors to deliver a broader range of services and nearly 60 percent indicating this is a demonstration of greater technical expertise.

In addition to supporting credibility, clients believe that having advanced certifications sets their advisor apart in a competitive marketplace. Sixty-seven percent of respondents said they somewhat or completely agreed that the designations or credentials held by their advisor set him or her apart from other advisors.

Explore the Institute’s designations and find which one is right for you.

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Advisor characteristics such as trust, expertise, and ethics have always been core to the Exceptional Advisor. High ethical standards matter, according to 83 percent of clients in a recent Investor Study.

82% of clients said knowing their advisor would lose his/her credentials if he/she failed to meet ethics standards, knowing their advisor had met a rigorous set of standards, knowing their advisor had met ongoing standards was somewhat or very important.

The Institute sets the standards and practices for the investment and wealth management professions, and provides the credentials, education and tools required for advisors to best serve their clients. 

Institute Ethics Standards

• The Code of Professional Responsibility promotes and maintain the high standards of personal and professional conduct. All Institute members are subject to the Code.
• The Disciplinary Rules and Procedures of the Institute outlines the process, rules and procedures through which CIMA^®, CPWA^®, and RMA^® certificants are held to the Institute's standards and provide enforcement measures. 
• All CIMA^®, CPWA^®, and RMA^® professionals must agree to continued adherence to the Institute's Marks Usage Guide, which provides guidance on properly using the appropriate marks in different types of communications, as well as an antitrust statement.

Ethics Education Requirements

The Institute also requires all CIMA^®, CPWA^®, and RMA^® professionals to complete two hours of ethics education as part of their 40 hours of continuing education every two-years to maintain their credentials.
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