Our firm was founded on the principles of integrity, professionalism and exceptional client service. We are also deeply committed to continuous improvement. Our dedication to doing what is best for you, our clients, prompted us to engage CEFEX, the Centre for Fiduciary Excellence, LLC to audit our processes.
In June of 2019, we contacted the CEFEX organization and requested an independent analyst provide us with a comprehensive independent review. The process was rigorous and their assessment took months to complete. Now, after going through the audit and carefully evaluating our procedures, we are proud to share with you that Innovative Benefit Planning is a CEFEX certified Investment Advisor.
This certification signifies our commitment to uphold the highest level of fiduciary care and that has a direct impact on you, your plan and your employees. As a plan sponsor, the Department of Labor (DOL) identifies the following as your fiduciary responsibilities:
- Act solely in the interest of plan participants and their beneficiaries and with the exclusive purpose of providing benefits to them;
- Act prudently in the faithful performance of all duties;
- Follow the plan documents (unless inconsistent with ERISA);
- Diversify plan investments; and
- Pay only reasonable plan expenses. [1]
By working with Innovative Benefit Planning you can rest assured that our actions align with these responsibilities; our prudent process aims to help you limit liability and build a retirement plan that strives to improve retirement outcomes.
CEFEX is an independent global assessment and certification organization. They work closely with industry experts to provide comprehensive assessment programs designed to improve the fiduciary practices of investment advisors, stewards (retirement plans, foundations and endowments, etc.), investment managers, and other financial service providers. CEFEX confers a formal certification for those firms that are willing to undergo an independent audit and able to demonstrate that they fully conform to high standards which are substantiated in case law and fiduciary best practices.
At Innovative, we follow well-defined processes, grounded in best practices, so that we can make sound, objective, and consistent decisions in service to our clients. CEFEX certification offers testament to the fact that we understand the importance of paying close attention to everything from high level strategies and policies all the way down to the details of our business practices. The CEFEX Mark seeks to make our clients confident that we are worthy of their trust.
We wanted to share news of the important recognition of our commitment to fiduciary excellence and continuous improvement. CEFEX certification is yet another way we tangibly demonstrate that serving our clients’ best interests is our highest priority.
About CEFEX®:
CEFEX®, Centre for Fiduciary Excellence, LLC, a Fi360® company, is an independent certification organization. CEFEX works closely with industry experts to provide comprehensive assessment programs to improve the fiduciary practices of investment stewards, advisors, recordkeepers, administrators and managers. CEFEX is based in Pittsburgh, PA. Learn more at www.cefex.org via Twitter or on LinkedIn.
CEFEX and Innovative Benefit Planning are separate, unaffiliated entities.
