CEFEX is an independent global assessment and certification organization. It works closely with investment fiduciaries and industry experts to provide comprehensive assessment programs to improve risk management for institutional and retail investors. CEFEX certification helps determine the trustworthiness of investment fiduciaries.

As a certifying organization, CEFEX provides an independent recognition of a firm’s conformity to a defined Standard of Practice. It implies that a firm can demonstrate adherence to the industry's best practices, and is positioned to earn the public's trust. This registration serves investors who require assurance that their investments are being managed according to commonly accepted best practices.

As an assessment organization, CEFEX uses the defined Standard of Practice to provide actionable feedback on an organization's fiduciary practices. Assessments can be combined with expert consulting using a range of methodologies.

CEFEX serves various types of organizations:

Investment Steward
A person or organization which has the legal responsibility for managing investment decisions (trustees and investment committee members).

Investment Advisory Firm and/or a Fiduciary Adviser
An organization which is responsible for providing comprehensive and continuous investment advice (including wealth managers, financial advisors, trust officers, financial consultants, investment consultants, and financial planners).

Investment Manager
An organization which makes investment decisions: selects the securities (eg. stocks and bonds) to implement a specific investment mandate (eg. large cap growth).

Retirement Plan Service Provider
An organization which specifically provides recordkeeping and/or administration services to qualified retirement plans.

Investment Support Services
An organization providing support services to other Investment Fiduciaries. The definition includes organizations providing services to ERISA plans (“parties in interest”) as well as those providing consulting, custodial, investment advisory, investment management, investment brokerage, or other similar services to investment fiduciaries.

Why is the independent oversight of the above organizations required?

To increase TRUST.

In a time of financial industry anxiety, trust is more important than ever. Investor trust is critical to firms which provide fiduciary functions and support services. Stewards of retirement plans, endowments, foundations and personal trusts are continually looking for proof of their integrity. Conversely, investment firms and advisors need to demonstrate that their trust is warranted.

CEFEX certification establishes transparency and accountability. Please click here for a detailed description of the Assessment Process resulting in certification.