Ethics
Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility
On May 31, 2007, the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) announced the adoption of updated Standards of Professional Conduct, which set forth the ethical standards for CFP® professionals, effective July 1, 2008. In addition to his own commitment to avoiding a conflict of interest with his clients, Patrick Fitzgerald abides by the CFP guidelines:
Principle 1 – Integrity
A CFP Board designee shall offer and provide professional services with integrity.
Principle 2 – Objectivity
A CFP Board designee shall be objective in providing professional services to clients.
Principle 3 – Competence
A CFP Board designee shall provide services to clients competently and maintain the necessary knowledge and skill to continue to do so in those areas in which the CFP Board designee is engaged.
Principle 4 – Fairness
A CFP Board designee shall perform professional services in a manner that is fair and reasonable to clients, principals, partners and employers, and shall disclose conflict(s) of interest in providing such services.
Principle 5 – Confidentiality
A CFP Board designee shall not disclose any confidential client information without the specific consent of the client unless in response to proper legal process, to defend against charges of wrongdoing by the CFP Board designee or in connection with a civil dispute between the CFP Board designee and client.
Principle 6 – Professionalism
A CFP Board designee’s conduct in all matters shall reflect credit upon the profession.
Principle 7 – Diligence
A CFP Board designee shall act diligently in providing professional services.