by John Darer CLU ChFC MSSC CeFT RSP CLTC
The following is a Press Release issued by the Society of Financial Service Professionals on July 10, 2007
"In light of the July 8, 2007 New York Times cover story “For Elderly Investors, Instant Experts Abound” on some of the designations used by financial and insurance professionals, the Society of Financial Service Professionals (FSP) restated the criteria it uses to evaluate the credentials that make an individual eligible for membership. They are:
- The designation or degree must be awarded by a credible institution or examining body as a designation or degree.
- The credential is awarded after successful completion of an examination or series of examinations designed to measure mastery of a body of knowledge.
- Attainment of the credential should be subject to a minimum experience requirement appropriate to the field of expertise.
- The individual earning the credential should have a continuing commitment to advanced education
- Holding the credential should entail adherence to a professional Code of Ethics.
FSP’s core values are relationships, education and ethics. We believe that these planks create a platform that enables advisors to serve their clients’ best interests and operate in the public trust. As an organization, we firmly believe that true continuing education – and designations earned as a result 
of such education – is highly worthwhile. We support the endeavors of all parties in the insurance and financial service profession to provide credible expertise to their clients."
Who is the Society of Financial Service Professionals?
Founded in 1928, the Society of Financial Service Professionals is the standard bearer for excellence in professionalism, advanced continuing education, and ethical guidance for the nation's top financial advisers. The Society has approximately 18,000 members, each of whom holds one or more of the following recognized financial service credentials: CLU®, ChFC®, CFP®, CPA, JD (licensed), RHU®, REBC®, CEBS® , CLF®, CFA©, CTFA®, CPC, Enrolled Actuary and graduate degrees in financial services. A number of structured settlement industry professional and settlement planners hold one or more of these designations, in addition to being a Certified Structured Settlement Consultant (CSSC)**. This includes this author, John Darer who is a Master Structured Settlement Consultant (MSSC)**, Chartered Life Underwriter CLU®, and a Chartered Financial Consultant ChFC®, Certified Financial Transitionist and Certified in Long Term Care (CLTC). Society members assist the public in their efforts to achieve personal and business-related financial goals. In early 2024, The SFSP merged with the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors(NAIFA).
** Both CSSC and the step up MSSC are professional designations offered through the National Structured Settlements Trade Association (NSSTA) in conjunction with the Macombs Business School at the University of Texas at Austin. (previously hosted former more than 20 years at the University of Notre Dame Executive Education Center in South Bend, Indiana. Both designations require coursework, an exam or paper as well as an industry experience requirements.
Last updated May 2, 2024
Leave a Reply