Securities Attorneys for
CFP Board Matters

The securities attorneys at Eccleston Law have valuable experience in representing financial advisors in investigations, complaints, and other disciplinary actions initiated by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (“CFP Board”). Financial advisors with CFP designation must follow the CFP Board's Standards of Professional Conduct.

CFP may conduct investigations for financial advisors who potentially violate CFP Rules, which can be triggered by a number of events, such as: customer arbitrations, criminal matters, regulatory actions by the SEC, CFTC, FINRA and state regulators, bankruptcies, employment terminations, reports from other financial advisors with CFP designation and even anonymous tips.

Sanctions for violations of CFP rules may result in a private censure, a public letter of admonition, suspension of the right to use the marks for up to five years or even permanent revocation of CFP designation.

 

CFP Notice of Investigation

The investigation process begins with a CFP Notice of Investigation sent to the CFP Certificant. This step requires a keen understanding of the allegations and potential sanctions that can result. The time allowed for filing written responses and Answers is extremely limited!

In addition to the opportunity to file a written response to the allegations, after reviewing the response, the board may decide to issue a CFP Complaint against the financial advisor, who must then file an Answer or suffer from an Administrative Order of Revocation.

 

Renewing Your CFP Certification

Each time you renew your CFP certification, you must disclose whether you have ever been involved in any criminal, civil, self-regulatory organization or governmental agency inquiry, investigation or proceeding. Events that are otherwise not reportable to your Broker-Dealer, Employer or Regulatory Agency, may, in fact, be reportable to the board. If you have questions or concerns regarding your reporting obligations or compliance with CFP Rules, contact the securities attorneys at Eccleston Law for a free consultation to discuss your CFP Board matter.

ATTORNEYS CONTACT US

Experienced Securities Attorneys for CFP Board Matters

If you have received a CFP notice of investigation, a CFP complaint, or a notice of presumptive bar as a CFP candidate, our experienced securities attorneys can provide unparalleled guidance to you in all aspects of CFP disciplinary proceedings and help maximize your chances of retaining the right to use the hard-earned and valuable CFP marks by:

Evaluate
Evaluating and developing your factual defenses
Analyze
Analyzing CFP Board rules and prior CFP case histories to develop legal defenses
Draft
Drafting written responses to CFP investigation requests and answers to CPF complaints
Settlement
Proposing offers of settlement to avoid costly Disciplinary CFP Hearing fees
Consultation
Consulting regarding Reinstatement of CFP certication
Petition
Drafting petitions for consideration for candidates eligible for reinstatement
Appearance
Appearing at the CFP hearing on your behalf

As skilled and experienced securities attorneys, we can also provide valuable guidance on the underlying matter that triggered the CFP investigation, whether it's a customer complaint, an investor arbitration or lawsuit, an employment termination, etc.



 

 

 

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Thank You from the bottom of our hearts for all you have done for us. When we realized this was a very bad investment - we did not know where to turn for help. Then we received your name. When we called you - you were so kind to us and then agreed to help us. For this we are so very grateful. The world would be a much nicer place if there were more people like the two of you in it. We will always remember all the help and kindness you have shown us. Thank you so very very much for everything.

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TESTIMONIALS

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I am grateful to have found an outstanding law firm that specializes in securities matters. My lawyers were extremely knowledgeable, diligent, and are skilled litigators. No stone was left upturned. As a result of their experience and tenacity, the arbitration proceeding was dismissed in my favor.

Michael E.

LATEST NEWS AND ARTICLES

January 30, 2026
FINRA Arbitration Panel Orders J.P. Morgan to Amend Form U-5, Flags Potential Pattern of Conduct

A Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) arbitration panel recently issued an unusually detailed decision in a dispute between J.P. Morgan Securities and former advisor Joshua David Sappi Biering, shedding rare light on how a firm may deploy - and sometimes abuse - the Form U-5 during advisor departures.

January 29, 2026
OFAC Targets Individual Trustee, Sending a Clear Warning to Fiduciaries and Family Offices

In a rare move, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) penalized a former U.S. government official, underscoring that professional gatekeepers can face personal liability for sanctions violations tied to trust administration.

January 28, 2026
FINRA Advances Overhaul of Outside Business Activity Rules to the SEC

FINRA formally has advanced its proposed overhaul of outside business activity (OBA) regulations to the Securities and Exchange Commission.