Our Credentials
ACCREDITED INVESTMENT FIDUCIARY®
Colleen Gillespie maintains the AIF® (Accredited Investment Fiduciary®) designation. To qualify as an Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF) one must successfully pass Fiduciary course work as created by fi360® and pass an exam demonstrating the focus on all the components of a comprehensive investment process, related fiduciary standards of care and commitment to excellence. AIF designees undergo an initial training program, annual continuing education, and pledge to abide by the designation’s code of ethics.
The AIF program provides detailed instruction on how to comply with the fiduciary standards of care and introduces the participant to the 21 Prudent Practices developed by the Foundation for Fiduciary Studies. These practices provide the foundation and framework for a disciplined investment process and generally represent the minimum process prescribed by U.S. law and legal precedent. A client will benefit from using the expertise of an advisor with the AIF designation, as the advisor will be held to a standard of excellence to which others may not adhere.
CERTIFIED TRUST AND FIDUCIARY ADVISOR
Colleen Gillespie maintains the CTFA designation. The Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA) is a professional designation offered by the American Bankers Association, which provides training and knowledge in taxes, investments, financial planning, trusts, and estates. Previously called the Certified Trust and Financial Advisor certification, the ABA replaced "Financial" in the title with the word "Fiduciary" in 2020.
The CTFA certification demonstrates expertise in the trust and financial advising profession. To receive the designation, candidates must have a minimum level of wealth management work experience, complete approved training programs, and pass an examination. To maintain the CTFA designation, holders must complete 45 CE credits every three years, adhere to the ABA professional certifications' code of ethics and pay an annual renewal fee.
ACCREDITED ASSET MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST
Vicki Jovanovic maintains the AAMS designation. The AAMS designation offered by the College for Financial Planning is recognized as an industry benchmark for asset management credentials and is endorsed by the top financial firms. Topics covered include asset management, investment strategies, risk, taxation, investment options for individuals and businesses, estate planning, executive planning, and policy and ethics. To earn the AAMS, financial professionals must complete a rigorous self-study program, pass an exam, and agree to comply with a code of ethics. To maintain the designation, holders must complete 16 hours of CE credits every two years and pay a renewal fee.
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AIF Designee Code of Ethics
We recognize that this Code of Ethics, and its principles and obligations, are in addition to those set forth by any other Code that governs my professional and ethical conduct.
To my clients, I will:
- Employ and provide the client information on the Prudent Practices when serving as an investment fiduciary and/or advising other investment fiduciaries.
- Act with honesty and integrity and avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived.
- Ensure the timely and understandable disclosure of relevant information that is accurate, complete, and objective.
- Be responsible when determining the value of my services and my form of compensation; taking into consideration the time, skill, experience, and special circumstances involved in providing my services.
- Know the limits of my expertise, and refer my clients to colleagues and/or other professionals in connection with issues beyond my knowledge and skills.
- Respect the confidentiality of information acquired in the course of my work, and not disclose such information to others, except when authorized or otherwise legally obligated to do so. I will not use confidential information acquired in the course of my work for my personal advantage.
- Not exploit any relationship or responsibility that has been entrusted to me.
To my community (whether defined by work, family, and/or friends), I will:
- Proactively promote and be a steward of ethical behavior as a responsible partner among my peers in the work environment and in my community.
- Ensure that the overall promotion of my practice is implemented in the best interests of my profession.
- Seek, accept, and offer honest criticism of technical work; acknowledge and correct errors; and properly credit the contributions of others.
- Use corporate assets and resources employed or entrusted to me in a responsible manner.
- Continue to improve my knowledge and skills, share ideas and information with colleagues, and assist them in their professional development.