National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA)

What Is the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA)?

The National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) is a professional association for U.S.-based, fee-only financial advisors. Formed in 1983, NAPFA requires its members to adhere to the organization’s code of ethics and take an annual fiduciary oath. Members must provide independent, objective financial advice to their clients and uphold the highest standards in the financial planning profession. They must earn their income from fees, not commissions.

Understanding the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA)

Financial planners can be broadly divided into two categories:

NAPFA requires its members to be paid in fees rather than commissions. This is because an advisor who is paid in commissions has an incentive to recommend the investments for which they receive the highest commissions rather than the investments that are best for the client.

By charging an hourly fee or a fee based on a percentage of the client’s assets under management, the advisor’s incentives are aligned with the client’s incentives. NAPFA members are also prohibited from receiving referral fees for sending the client to another professional. NAPFA's stated values are as follows:

National Association of Personal Financial Advisors: Key Policies

NAPFA has three key policy issues/positions that govern member conduct and inform its overall mission:

NAPFA has additional requirements for its members. They must strive to provide objective advice and avoid giving advice in areas in which they lack expertise. They must keep all client information confidential unless the client authorizes sharing information. NAPFA members are required to earn continuing education credits to keep their knowledge and skills current.

Financial advisors who join NAPFA must be transparent in their interactions with their clients and do their best to ensure that clients understand how their money is being managed. NAPFA members are also required to act in a way that reflects positively on both NAPFA and the financial planning profession. To become a member, see NAPFA's application process.

National Association of Personal Financial Advisors: Resources and Activities

NAPFA's website provides several resources to both financial advisors and investors, such as a "find an advisor" feature, consumer financial education resources, and guides to fee-only advisors and advisor selection. NAPFA holds member conferences that feature professional development and networking opportunities, virtual learning resources, awards, and chances to meet, interact with, and learn from other advisors.