Submit a Complaint

FILING A COMPLAINT
The following information is provided in an effort to assist the public in becoming acquainted with IBF's investigation and complaint procedures while encouraging IBF designees to maintain high ethical standards. These procedures provide for a thorough review and a decision as to whether there has been a violation of IBF Code of Ethics or IBF Standards of Practice.

A charge against the conduct, actions or recommendations of an IBF designee is a matter that the IBF Board of Directors takes seriously. Accordingly, if you feel that IBF Code of Ethics or IBF Standards of Practice has been violated, do not hesitate to begin the grievance procedure against a Board Certified in Estate Planning (BCE), Certified Annuity Specialist (CAS), Certified Fund Specialist (CFS), Certified Tax Specialist (CTS), or Retirement Income Specialist (RIS). There is no cost to you.

A function of the IBF Board of Directors is to determine whether allegations are justified and whether any unethical conduct warrants disciplinary action. Because one of the functions of the Board is the evaluation of grievances, be assured that your grievance will be investigated vigorously and impartially.

ETHICS AND DISCIPLINE
When authorized to use any IBF certification marks or phrases, the designee agrees to abide by the IBF Code of Ethics, IBF Standards of Practice, and to comply with the philosophy and mission of IBF. A grievance filed against a designee must be considered very carefully since it could negatively affect a designee's career, reputation, and ability to earn a living. Thus, it takes more than a claim of misconduct to justify disciplinary action. Proof of misconduct must be established by a preponderance of the evidence.

A grievance should relate to unethical conduct as described in the IBF Code of Ethics or IBF Standards of Practice (note: free copies of both of these documents are available upon request); a grievance that can be proven by evidence. An honest disagreement about how a matter should or should not have been handled would not normally constitute unethical conduct. An error in judgment is not necessarily unethical conduct. IBF designees, as is true with any other professionals, may not always give the perfect response to a given set of circumstances.