Who We Are

The Institute of Business & Finance (IBF) has been certifying financial professionals for almost 20 years; we are the fourth oldest such entity in the U.S. IBF is a nationally accredited, non-profit entity that is recognized by the IRS and state of California as a tax-exempt charity.

All IBF designees must pass a rigorous program that includes three FINRA-administered examinations and a written case study. Graduates must also adhere to the IBF Code of Ethics and IBF Standards of Practice plus fulfill continuing education requirements annually.

Our designees include Louis Rukeyser (television host of the PBS series, Wall Street Week, for over 20 years), Sir John Templeton (considered the "grandfather" of mutual funds and founder of the Templeton Funds in 1954), and Paul Volker (former chairperson of the Federal Reserve). Several dozen Fortune 500 companies have sent their employees and advisors through one or more of our certification programs.

Investors want three things in an advisor or broker: (1) honesty, (2) integrity, and (3) knowledge. Whether you are looking for a Certified Fund Specialist (CFS), Certified Annuity Specialist (CAS), Certified Tax Specialist (CTS), Retirement Income Specialist (RIS), or someone who is Board Certified in Estate Planning (BCE), you can be assured that IBF designees are committed professionals who stand above their peers.