Ethical Practice: Creating and Maintaining Trust

[1] Consumers are on our side

When it comes to trust, we start out with consumers on our side. Through my understanding of the effects of aging on the financial needs of individuals and families, and the skills and knowledge I have obtained, I will seek to meet consumers’ expectations of trustworthiness. I will continually work toward building on and expanding this trust.

[2] Ethical Practice is more than just a written document

I avow that this pledge is not a mere statement of intent or ideals, but that ethical practice, as taught to those in the RFG® program, will guide my actions and interactions with my clients. I recognize that this is not always a simple, since financial decisions are family decisions, and the question "Who is the real client?" can be especially challenging with older families.

[3] The Registered Financial Gerontologist as a Trusted Family Advisor

I recognize that my role in the lives and affairs of my clients may place me in the role of trusted family advisor. In that role, I may be asked to advise and even act in the best interests of the family, even in situations where these interests may be conflicting and ambiguous. Through this, I will advise and/or act as I would if my clients’ interests were my own.

Adapted from Advising Mature Clients: The New Science of Wealth Span Planning, the recommended textbook for AIFG 101.

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