Accredited Investment Fiduciary®
Many of our advisors have achieved the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designation from the Center for Fiduciary Studies®. Since 1999, the Center for Fiduciary Studies has served as the standards-setting body of Fi360, the investment industry’s leading source of insights, education, and advocacy on all aspects of fiduciary responsibility. The Center’s team of experts includes experienced investment professionals, attorneys, technologists, and educators, all of whom share a commitment to promoting the widespread adoption of fiduciary standards and helping investment professionals deliver the highest level of service to their clients.
The Center has leveraged its extensive knowledge of state and federal fiduciary regulations—and its research into the processes employed by successful investment professionals—to create the Prudent Practices for Investment Fiduciaries. Published in separate handbooks for investment advisors, investment managers, and investment stewards, the Practices provide guidance on all aspects of investment management, including asset allocation, fund evaluation and selection, performance monitoring, reporting, governance, and compliance.
The AIF designation signifies specialized knowledge of fiduciary responsibility and the ability to implement policies and procedures that meet a defined standard of care. The designation is the culmination of a rigorous training program, which includes a comprehensive, closed-book final examination under the supervision of a proctor, and agreement to abide by the Code of Ethics and Conduct Standards. On an ongoing basis, completion of continuing education and adherence to the Code of Ethics and Conduct Standards are required to maintain the AIF designation.
Savage and Associates congratulates our advisors who have earned this important designation.
What makes an AIF Designee different from other advisors?
Only those who have earned the AIF Designation are formally recognized by the Center for demonstrating a full understanding of how to implement those processes to help individuals and families achieve their investment goals in a responsible and accountable manner. AIF designees are committed to using the knowledge and resources they have gained through their training to:
- Employ uniform, industry-recognized processes for developing a personalized investment strategy based solely on your specific investment needs
- Apply objective, comprehensive standards for evaluating and recommending investment options for your portfolio
- Monitor and report performance of your portfolio and its underlying investments on an ongoing basis, and recommending changes when necessary
- Conduct ongoing reviews of his or her business practices to ensure fiduciary principles are being properly applied
Designees are also trained to evaluate the fiduciary practices of investment stewards such as 401(k) and defined benefit plan sponsors, and those responsible for managing endowment and foundation assets. To maintain the designation, AIF designees must complete continuing education training to keep current with changes in the industry and the ongoing evolution of legal requirements under fiduciary standards. They also must recognize and formally affirm the principles and obligations stated in the Designee Code of Ethics, which governs their professional and ethical conduct.
