Elevating The Profession: Dan Moisand on the Fiduciary Standard and the Future of Financial Planning – Episode #31 of NAPFA Nation

In Episode #31 of NAPFA Nation, host Marie Swift speaks with Dan Moisand, CFP®, a prominent leader in financial planning, former chairman of the CFP Board of Standards, and principal at his wealth management firm, Moisand Fitzgerald Tamayo, LLC.

Moisand reflects on his 25 years as a NAPFA member and his longstanding advocacy for the fiduciary standard. He identifies two of the profession’s most significant wins: the Financial Planning Association’s (FPA) successful lawsuit against the SEC in 2007, which ensured brokerage firms offering fee accounts could not sidestep the fiduciary standard, and the CFP Board’s decision to require the fiduciary standard for all forms of financial advice, not just financial planning activities. While the latter has not yet resulted in major enforcement actions, Moisand believes it holds enormous potential for future consumer benefits.

He emphasizes that the real progress is driven by everyday advisors who consistently act in their clients’ best interests. The conversation highlights how the marketplace has evolved over the years, with consumers increasingly expecting fiduciary CFP®s as a baseline standard. Moisand notes the growing popularity of the CFP® credential, with approximately 10,000 people sitting for the exam last year, attributing this to increased public awareness and outreach efforts.

The discussion also covers Moisand’s recent article in Financial Advisor magazine, where he explores the distinction between being a true professional and merely selling financial products. He argues that financial planning deserves recognition as a profession on par with medicine and law and encourages advisors to reflect on their own professional identity and conduct.

In a nutshell: 

• Landmark legal and regulatory victories have shaped the fiduciary landscape
• The CFP mark is now a baseline expectation for clients
• Business models are evolving to make fiduciary advice accessible to all
• Peer-driven enforcement and ongoing professionalization are key to industry credibility
• Financial planning is positioned to be recognized as a true helping profession

Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible.

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country’s leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at www.NAPFA.org.