Certified Financial Fiduciary® is a professional designation for financial professionals, namely, those who have successfully completed a rigorous certification and training process established by NACFF and The American Financial Education Alliance (AFEA), and who agree to uphold the highest moral, ethical and fiduciary standards of service when providing advice to potential or existing clients. Financial professionals who have earned Certified Financial Fiduciary® certification can immediately and clearly demonstrate how they practice a fundamental obligation to always put their clients’ best interest first. Additionally, Certified Financial Fiduciary® professionals are bound by the Certified Financial Fiduciary® Code of Conduct which holds them to the highest standards of professionalism in the financial services industry. The Certified Financial Fiduciary® certification mark coupled with the information and processes taught in the course make it easy for a financial professional to quickly demonstrate the added value and security they bring to potential and existing clients.
Prior to being awarded Certified Financial Fiduciary® certification, applicants must: 1. Meet one of the following prerequisites: a. Possess a professional financial certification/designation; or b. Professional financial license (securities, insurance, accounting, etc.); or c. A combination of education and experience deemed satisfactory by the NACFF Certification Committee. 2. Pass a full background check and be in good standing with all state and federal license requirements: a. NACFF will review FINRA’s BrokerCheck Report and reports from applicable licensing entities. Negative information may result in denial of an application. b. Applicants have the right to appeal such denials. 3. Successfully complete the NACFF one day in-person training, complete the NACFF online training course or a training program for financial fiduciary practice approved as equivalent. 4. Agree to uphold the Certified Financial Fiduciary® Code of Conduct; and comply with all certification requirements including use of the Certified Financial Fiduciary ®certification marks and continuing education requirements that may change from time to time. 5. Complete the certification application and have the application approved to proceed to the exam. 6. Agree to the exam terms, including confidentiality of the exam content. 7. Pass the certification exam. Upon receipt of an application for certification, NACFF staff shall promptly review the application for completeness and payment of fees. Individuals submitting an incomplete application, or the wrong fees, will immediately be notified of such. Complete applications shall be processed in accordance with NACFF policies and procedures. Approved applicants will be provided information on how to complete the application steps including taking the certification exam and compliance with ethical policies.
10 hours of annual continuing education is required to renew your certification. Continuing Education is required to keep you up to date with any changes in the fiduciary rules, as well as to keep you performing with the skill of an expert. This training reassures your clients that their needs are being properly and expertly met. You will receive a reminder email prior to your renewal date and the renewal invoice.
Certified Financial Fiduciary® Code of Conduct As a Certified Financial Fiduciary®, Certificants agree to uphold the highest moral and ethical standards. These standards have been set forth in the following Code of Conduct: • Practice the Duty of Loyalty – first and foremost, always put the client’s best interest first. • Practice the Duty of Good Faith – there is a fundamental obligation to treat all clients fairly. • Practice the Duty of Good Care – there is a fundamental obligation to exercise the skill of an expert and to only advise in those areas where expert skill level has been obtained. • Educate First – provide comprehensive and unbiased education to clients prior to making specific suggestions or providing advice. • Holistic Approach – consider all aspects and factors that affect a plan prior to making suggestions or providing advice. • Full Disclosure – fully divulge all fees and commissions as well as disclose any conflicts of interest and disciplinary actions. • Confidentiality – protect and keep all client’s information confidential and securely stored and transmitted. • Professional Behavior – practice in a manner that does not bring disrepute to the profession, the Certified Financial Fiduciary® mark and fellow professionals. • Keep NACFF Informed – report on professional practice management and any disciplinary actions taken by regulatory bodies to NACFF to ensure that the above standards are being
Ann M. Christian, Certified Financial Fiduciary®
Investment Advisor Representative
203-793-0707 phone
203-793-0705 fax
Ann@SAM-RIA.com
Ann can be described as a well-versed professional – bringing together a background in education, sales, service and creativity – all while bringing a smile to those around her and truly caring for others and their well-being.
Ann began her career in education, specializing in mathematics education. She taught middle school math, kindergarten and 4th grade. She loves working with children and helping them grow and learn. Ann was a member of the district’s math committee helping to rewrite benchmarks, standardized tests and frame curriculum. She was also co-director of summer science camps, lead teacher for the school newspaper, created and lead math clubs, and provided private math tutoring.
After teaching, Ann next decided to explore different areas of the jewelry industry to pursue her passion for creativity. She trained as a lapidary and metalsmith, working with master artists to develop her craft. Ann has sold her jewelry in artist co-ops, art galleries and gift shops. Most recently she worked for an international jewelry company as their Sales Manager, specializing in client relationships and service. As a Sales Manager, Ann worked with clients from all over the world and helped bring in high-profile companies.
Outside of work Ann enjoys spending time with her family and being outdoors. She is the proud mom of an amazing 4 year old daughter and a mini Aussie fur-baby.
Ann joined SAM first as a client and now as a Financial Planner. She is excited to be part of the SAM family and help others realize their investment and retirement goals.
