Complaints & Enforcement

Canadians must be able to trust that their financial planners are working in the best interests of their clients at all times. If you’ve worked with a CFP^® professional, you’ve likely heard of the professional Code of Ethics that guides their conduct, regardless of where or for whom they work. If you are a CFP professional, you know it is adherence to this Code of Ethics that is the foundation upon which trust is built – trust in you and in your profession.

As the organization that sets and enforces all the CFP standards of competency, practice and ethics, FPSC vigilantly guards the trust Canadians have learned to place in CFP professionals. When that trust may have been broken, FPSC wants to know so it can take appropriate action.

Many issues are the result of miscommunication between parties. The first step in the complaint process should be to speak with your CFP professional for clarification and possible resolution.

FPSC addresses all concerns that come to its attention promptly. It thoroughly investigates all legitimate allegations of misconduct by CFP professionals through a process that is scrupulous and fair, and that is executed without bias under the direction of the Enforcement Counsel. And, because financial professionals often hold more than one credential, FPSC works closely with other accrediting, licensing and law enforcement agencies and organizations when appropriate.

Where CFP professionals have been found to have breached the Code of Ethics, FPSC imposes disciplinary actions ranging from a letter of admonishment to permanent revocation of the right to use the CFP marks. FPSC makes all final disciplinary actions public, in part, by publishing a report on this website.

If you require additional information or would like to discuss your situation before submitting a complaint, contact complaints@fpsc.ca.

To lodge a complaint with FPSC against a CFP professional, please see the Complaints Process section of this site. 

FPSC has formalized specific character and fitness standards for both new and existing licensees.  The purpose of the standards is to ensure that an individual’s conduct does not reflect adversely upon the profession or the CFP certification marks.  In addition, publication of these standards allow individuals to assess whether or not their prior conduct would bar, delay or revoke their certification. For those contemplating CFP certification, it allows them to decide whether or not to embark upon the CFP certification program.  These formalized standards were approved by FPSC Board of Directors in June, 2010.