Businessman making presentation with his colleagues and business strategy digital layer effect at the office as concept
everythingpossible/123RF

Financial Planning Standards Council (FPSC) has announced the launch of digital credentials for Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professionals.

“The digital credentials include real-time confirmation of a CFP professional’s certification status, details of what sets a CFP professional apart from other financial advisors and an overview of the rigorous path they undertook to obtain their designation,” FPSC says in a news release.

The easily shareable credentials will allow consumers and others to securely and confidently verify an individual’s certification status across all types of online platforms, including email signatures, websites and social media accounts.

The blockchain-verified digital technology is offered through the Accredible platform.

“In the age of digital platforms, social media, and online communications, this digital technology offers consumers real-time assurance that their financial advisor is truly qualified as a financial planner and is in good standing with their professional body,” says FPSC managing director of standards, Damienne Lebrun-Reid, in a statement.

FPSC began the rollout of digital credentials with candidates who qualified for CFP certification following the December 2017 CFP examination. Existing CFP professionals will receive access to digital credentials this spring, following their annual certification renewal for the 2018-2019 year.

More information about the digital credentials is available in FPSC’s Frequently Asked Questions.