This information explains the Financial Planning Association of Singapore’s (FPAS) investigation and complaint procedures on its members as a result of their undertaking to abide by FPAS’ disciplinary regulations. The information contained herein is to assist the consumers in understanding our complaint procedures. 

These procedures provide for a thorough review and a decision as to whether the FPAS Code of Ethics and Professional Standards has been violated and if an internal sanction is to be warranted against a member. 

A charge against the conduct, actions or recommendations of an ASSOCIATE FINANCIAL PLANNER (AFP^CM) OR ASSOCIATE WEALTH PLANNER (AWP^CM) OR CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^CM (CFP^CM) PRACTITONER is a serious matter that should not be undertaken lightly. However, if you feel that the Code of Ethics and Professional Standards has been violated, you should not hesitate to begin the complaint procedure against the AFP^CM or AWP^CM or CFP^CM Practitioner. 

FPAS has in place two committees to determine whether allegations made against a FPAS member are justified and whether the degree of unethical conduct warrants disciplinary action. The Investigation Committee will hear and determine any complaint of professional misconduct made against any member while the Disciplinary Committee will decide on the sanction to be warranted on the member arising the report of the Investigation Committee. There is no cost to the complainant. 

Consumers can be assured that your complaint will be investigated vigorously and impartially. Legitimate inquiries are encouraged by the FPAS to help preserve and maintain high ethical standards among its

When authorized to use the CFP^CM or AWP^CM or AFP^CM marks, a CFP^CM or AWP^CM or AFP^CM practitioner agrees to abide by the Code of Ethics and Professional Standards. 

A complaint filed against a licensee must be considered very carefully since it could negatively affect a career, reputation and ability to earn a living. Thus, it takes more than a claim of misconduct to justify disciplinary action. It takes proof before one may be penalized for wrongdoing. 

A complaint should relate to unethical conduct - a violation of the FPAS' Code of Ethics and Professional Standards - which can be proven by evidence. 

Individuals who wish to file a complaint against a AFP^CM or AWP^CM or CFP^CM practitioner should be made in writing and addressed to the 

Your written complaint should include all important information including photocopies of relevant letters, contracts, agreements or other documents. The FPAS will request additional information if needed and may request a personal interview if it appears necessary. 

The length of time it will take to deal with any particular complaint is difficult to determine in advance. The Investigation Committee and Disciplinary Committee will process a complaint as quickly as is reasonably possible, and you will be notified promptly of the receipt of your information. Additionally, you will be notified when the matter has been concluded. FPAS will inform you of any public discipline imposed. 

You should not expect that a complaint will be decided solely on the basis of what the complainant claims to have happened, just as the matter will not necessarily be decided solely on the basis of the answer submitted by the respondent. The final decision must depend upon the weight of all available information. 

The disciplinary process cannot necessarily be expected to solve your original problems. You should not expect, as the result of your complaint to us, to receive monetary compensation through the FPAS. Disciplinary proceedings are restricted to the question of ethical conduct of AFP^CM or AWP^CM or CFP^CM practitioner. 

We can act only to enforce the Code of Ethics and Professional Standards of the FPAS. Enforcement measures include, private censure, suspension, removal from members’ register or revocation of the right to use the AFP^CM or AWP^CM or CFP^CM marks. 

You can expect that your complaint will receive the prompt attention of the FPAS. You can expect that every attempt will be made to deal with your complaint in a manner which is thorough and fair both to you and to the person about whom you are complaining.