Designations
Designations
Code of Professional Responsibility
Act in the best interest of the client.
Disclose services to be offered and provided, related charges, and compensation.
Disclose the existence of actual, potential, and/or perceived conflicts of interest and relevant financial relationships, direct and/or indirect. Take appropriate action to resolve or manage any such conflicts.
Provide clients information needed to make informed decisions.
Respond to client inquiries and instructions appropriately, promptly, completely, and truthfully.
Maintain confidentiality of client information, however acquired, consistent with legal and regulatory requirements and firm policies.
Provide competent service by truthful representation of competency, maintenance and/or development of professional capabilities, and, when appropriate, the recommendation of other professionals.
Comply with legal and regulatory requirements related to one’s practice of his or her profession.
Maintain a high level of ethical conduct.

CIMA®
CIMA: Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) certification is the peak international, technical portfolio construction program for investment consultants, analysts, financial advisors and wealth management professionals, and is the highest level of advanced investment education for client-facing advisors. Offered by the Investment and Wealth Institute.
Knowledge Domains:
Fundamentals, Investments, Portfolio Theory and Behavioral Finance, Risk & Return, Portfolio Construction and Consulting Process
The CIMA Certification requires advisors to meet rigorous standards:
EXPERIENCE: At least three years of relevant financial services experience and a clean regulatory record.
ETHICS: Comply with the Institute Code of Professional Responsibility or lose the certification.
EDUCATION: Complete executive education at a top 25 global business school, Pass the business school’s exam and then pass a stringent five–hour examination to achieve the certification.
CONTINUING COMPETENCY Stay updated on industry trends, laws, and products with 40 hours of continuing education every two years, including two hours of ethics education.

AWMA
AWMA: Accredited Wealth Management AdvisorSM, or AWMA® program, is a designation program for financial professionals who want to better address the unique needs of high net worth clients. The program’s one-of-a-kind curriculum contains sections dedicated to behavioral finance, working with small business owners, and succession/exit planning. Offered by Kaplan Financial.
Professional designation holders are required to complete 16 hours of continuing education every two years in order to maintain good standing and continue to use the AWMA designation.
Knowledge Domains:
• Getting to Know Your High Net Worth Client
• Investment Risk, Return, and Performance
• Advanced Investment Products and Strategies
• Considerations for Business Owners
• Income Tax Strategies for High Net Worth Clients
• Executive Benefits Planning for High Net Worth Clients
• Estate Planning for High Net Worth Clients
• Fiduciary and Regulatory Issues for Financial Services Professionals