IARFC Prospect Brochure

IARFC Mission

To recognize world class financial consultants and empower them to make a transformational difference in the financial lives of the families and communities they serve.

IARFC Guiding Principles

Vision Love Servant Integrity Innovation

Proactive Authentic Relevant

IARFC Membership

Follow the level of advancement of the IARFC Financial Professional Track. From RFA® to RFC® to our elite credential, MRFC®, the IARFC provides the public with exceptional and ethical consultants.

Apply for a designation/ credential today!

IARFC Code of Ethics

I will put my clients' interests above my own at all times within the scope of my abilities. I will maintain proficiency in my work through continuing education. When fee-based services are involved, I will charge a fair and reasonable fee based on the amount of time and skill required.

I will abide by both the spirit and the letter of the laws and regulations applicable to financial planning services.

I will give my clients the same service I would give myself in the same circumstances. I will disclose all facts about material conflicts of interest, fees, commissions, and any other sources of compensation received for services provided to clients

Ethics Approved

IARFC Benefit Offerings

Designations/Credential

Ethics Approved Program

Publications a Visibility

Professional Branding a Insurance Coverage

Ethics Approved Status means adherence to the IARFC Code of Ethics with a clear record for the past five years. Members are biennially (MRFCs annually) verified through FINRA and state licensing records. Those awarded the status must pass the IARFC Ethics Exam.

This program provides a valuable link for the consumer on the quality and credibility of Association members.

Leadership Positions a Partner Programs

Practice Management Tools

Continuing Education a Awards

Professional Consultant Networking

Consultant Qualifications

To be considered for an RFA® , RFC®, or MRFC®, a candidate must meet the following qualifications:

Experience

The experience as a full-time practitioner in the field of financial services are:

• RFA® — less than three years

• RFC® — minimum of three years

• MRFC® — minimum of four years

Education

ONE OF THE FOLLOWING:

• One of the following professional designations: AAMS®, CFA, CFP®, ChFC®, CLU®, CPA, EA, LUTCF® (depending on designation or credential)

• Series 65 Securities license or one of the following combinations: Series 6 & 63, Series 6 & 66, Series 7 & 63, Series 7 & 66

• Life Insurance license

• Bachelor’s or graduate degree in the areas of Business, Finance, Economics, or a related field

Examination

Pass a proctored exam (MRFC® credential only)

Licensing

The required licenses necessary for their mode of practice

Business Integrity

Sound record of business integrity, attestation of professional conduct and business integrity

Continuing Education

The RFA® and RFC® require 40 hours every two years; 4 hours must be related to ethics. The MRFC® requires a minimum of 40 hours per year; 4 hours must be related to ethics. All CE must be in the field of professional financial practice and management.

Application and Fees

Complete the application in its entirety and submit appropriate application fee.

Renewal/Re-Certification

Annually assurance of continued compliance and operation including payment of applicable fee

Annual assurance of continued compliance and operation

Verification: An online search of RFAs, RFCs and MRFCs is provided through www.iarfc.org. All of the designations/credential are listed on FINRA at www.finra.org.

Member Benefits

The International Association of Registered Financial Consultants makes available to its members creative sales and marketing ideas, technical information, practical tools, and national visibility to advance their practices. Additional robust benefits include: professional development opportunities, discounts on supplies, programs, and constant exposure to continuing education opportunities.

Ethics Approved Program

Ethics Approved Status means adherence to the IARFC Code of Ethics with a clear record for the past five years. Members are biennially (MRFCs annually) verified through FINRA, and State licensing records. Additionally, those awarded the status must pass the IARFC Ethics Exam. This program provides a valuable link to the consumer on the quality and credibility of Association members.

Designations/Credential

IARFC designations/credential are a testament to experience, education, licensing, conduct, ethics, continuing education, re-certification, and examination. Having an IARFC designation/credential sets the member above their peers as a qualified and trained professional that has met a high level of competency.

• Registered Financial Associate (RFA®)

• Registered Financial Consultant (RFC®)

• Master Registered Financial Consultant (MRFC®)

Publications

Regular publications contain insights into academic research, industry trends, and practice management techniques. Along with international news and inhouse events, they provide opportunities for writers and researchers to gain national recognition.

• Journal of Personal Finance — techniques, strategies and research for educators, and financial professionals.

• Register — practitioner-oriented financial advice on technical subjects, economic events, regulatory actions, practice management, and behavioral topics.

• White Papers — geared toward helping consultants establish a professional and ethical relationship from the prospect to client.

Visibility

Today’s financial professional needs visibility and recognition. The website provides a database of information for consumers to connect to a financial professional. Through the Association’s social media platforms and publications, members find multiple opportunities to present themselves as a financial consultant to the public and to their own peer network.

• National Media Releases

• Register Opportunities: Articles, Member Focus New Member Listing, and more

• Facebook, Linkedin, Twitter, Blogs

• Podcasts

• Award Recognition

Professional Branding

The IARFC helps consultants find and maintain their “Brand”. Classic, stylized products provide the professional touches that enhance a consultant as they present themselves to clients and prospects.

• Logos

• Ethics Approved Status

• Binders

• Brochures

• Certificates

• Code of Ethics Plaques

• Insignia Items (see IARFC store)

Insurance Coverage

IARFC Group Benefits for Members Only. Highly affordable, coverage for members and their staff. New Member Value: Guaranteed Issuance / No Medical or Financial Underwriting…for the first 30 days of membership. The open enrollment period offers Top-tier carrier and LTD contracts designed for Consultants. IARFC Members are available for Life coverage at affordable premiums.

• Group Life

• Accidental Death and Dismemberment

• Group Long Term Disability

• Member Rates

Leadership Positions

Opportunities in IARFC leadership attract dynamic individuals who truly wish to give back to the financial services industry through influential Association placement.

• Volunteer Board & Committee Positions

• Contract Positions

Impact Your Image

Partner Programs

Partnering with others strengthens the IARFC's community of consultants. The Association continually seeks and forms alliances with other organizations and businesses to provide members with discounts for services and products necessary to their practice.

• IARFC Group Insurance Benefit

• Advisor Control

• BuyingPower (AT&T, Office Depot, First Data, Hertz)

• Copytalk

• Envestnet MoneyGuide

• EP Navigator

• FSO/Virtual Sales Assistant

• Income InSight

• Job Target

• Kwanti

• Liberty Publishing

• MyRepChap

• RedTail

• RightCapital

• Selling without Wrestling

• Smarsh

• SmartRisk

• Social Security Timing

• Success CE

• The Business Source

• Tax Clarity

• Totum

Practice Management Tools

Consultants may not have the time nor the technical knowledge to develop practice management tools. Today’s clients and prospects operate better with a visual story of how the financial planning process evolves. Through PowerPoints and organizational tools, the IARFC supports both groups as they initiate and monitor the planning process.

Intangibles

The independent consultant may lack the “network” of experienced professionals for backup and support. The IARFC provides a way to find that support through its vast membership of experienced, educated mentors. These types of relationships are especially important for the individual just beginning to practice.

• Mentoring

• Networking

Continuing Education

Whether a small program, a multiple day conference, or an IARFC publication, topics pertinent to everyone in the financial services industry are presented as continuing education opportunities.

• IARFC Register, Journal of Personal Finance

• Conferences

• Professional development programs

• Ethics Exam

Awards

Recognition for achievement benefits everyone. The IARFC seeks out those leaders whose dedication and commitment have made their Association great. Members are publicly appreciated for their long time membership and their importance to the financial community.

• Loren Dunton Lifetime Achievement Award

• Founder’s Award

• Ambassador Award

• Member Award

• Editor's Choice Award