The financial planning profession is counting on CFP Board to listen as hard as we lead.
In his first months as CEO, K. Dane Snowden has been spending much of his time in conversations with CFP® professionals — at Certificant Connection events, the NAPFA spring conference, and in meetings with volunteer councils, commissions and working groups. In his latest message, he shares what he's hearing across those conversations and what it means for CFP® certification at this inflection point.
Registration is now open for CFP Board Connections Conference, October 5-7, 2026, in Las Vegas. Featuring keynote speakers Michael Kitces, CFP® and Theron Schaub, the conference brings together CFP® professionals, firm leaders, innovators, researchers, students and educators from across the profession for three days of insight, innovation and collaboration. Whether you’re looking to sharpen your skills, explore emerging trends or expand your network, Connections is designed to help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving profession — while earning up to 15 CE credits. Registerby July 10 for the best rate.
Kathryn Berkenpas, CFP® Appointed COO
Kathryn Berkenpas, CFP® has been named CFP Board’s Chief Operating Officer, becoming the first CFP® professional to serve in the role. Berkenpas joined CFP Board in April 2025 as Managing Director of Corporate Growth and now oversees the organization’s core business operations, including certification, marketing, communications, public relations and the Public Awareness Campaign. As COO, she also leads key administrative functions that support strategic initiatives, strengthen internal operations and enhance experiences for CFP® professionals, candidates and stakeholders across CFP Board’s programs and services.
CFP Board has appointed Desi Wyatt as Managing Director of Corporate Growth. In this role, Wyatt will lead engagement with financial services firms and support CFP Board’s efforts to grow and diversify the profession, helping to expand access to competent, ethical financial planning for more Americans.
CFP Board has adopted revised Fitness Standards, Procedural Rules and Sanction Guidelines designed to improve the process for evaluating the ethical fitness of CFP® certificants and candidates for CFP® certification. The changes, announced May 22, take effect June 1, 2026. Read the updated rules and review the public comments submitted during the 30-day public comment period.
Apply to Join the Board of Directors
Interested in helping shape the future of financial planning? CFP Board is seeking applicants for its Board of Directors, the governing authority for CFP Board of Standards and CFP Board Center for Financial Planning. Learn more about the responsibilities of Board service and submit an application by the June 5 deadline.
Share Your Experience With AI in the Profession
Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping financial planning, and CFP® professionals have an important voice in that conversation. The Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) is seeking insights from CFP® professionals to help refresh its Impact of AI on Financial Planning global research. Take the anonymous 5-10 minute survey to ensure your perspective is reflected in the 2026 Global Report, to be released on World Financial Planning Day (October 7). The survey closes June 30.
Professionals who hold the Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®) designation are now eligible for the Accelerated Path to CFP® certification. This pathway allows eligible professionals to bypass education coursework so they can sit for the CFP® exam sooner. Learn more about the Accelerated Path.
Washington Update
Reconciliation is back at the center of Washington policymaking this summer. The congressional procedure allows legislation related to spending and revenue to bypass the Senate filibuster and pass with a simple majority vote. While last summer’s reconciliation package focused heavily on tax policy, the current framework includes $72 billion for immigration-related priorities. As Congress debates the legislation, CFP Board continues engaging policymakers through comment letters, public statements and advocacy on issues affecting CFP® professionals, consumers and the broader financial advice ecosystem. Read more in the full May 2026 Public Policy Update.
On the Hill: CFP® Professionals Educate Staffers on Money Basics
CFP Board made a visit to Capitol Hill for Financial Planning 101 Day in conjunction with the Congressional Financial Literacy and Wealth Creation Caucus. Congressional staff learned about foundational financial concepts including budgeting, debt management and savings, Thrift Savings Plan basics, government benefits, insurance and estate planning. Speakers included Managing Director of Government Relations and Public Policy CounselErin Koeppel, J.D.,2007 Board Chair Karen Schaeffer, CFP® and CFP Board AmbassadorsJeremy Shipp, CFP®, CLU®, RICP®, WMCP®, CEPA®,Anna N'Jie-Konte, MBA, CFP®andRiley Saunders, CFP®.
CFP Exam Update: Registration Open for July Exam
Know someone preparing to take the next step toward CFP® certification? Registration is now open for the July CFP® exam. The testing window runs July 14-July 21. Learn more and register at CFP.net/exam.
From LetsMakeAPlan.org: 'Budgeting Basics: Build Cash Flow Clarity and Confidence'
Small habits can create big long-term impact. In a new article on LetsMakeAPlan.org, CFP Board Ambassador Lei Deng, CFP® breaks down two practical approaches that can help clients align everyday spending with their priorities.
Pro Bono Update: Report Pro Bono Hours to Enter Gift Card Drawing
Thank you to the CFP® professionals giving back through pro bono service and helping individuals and families build greater financial confidence!
Report your pro bono hours in your CFP Board account to help showcase the impact of the profession — and for a chance to win one of 10 monthly $25 CFP® Pro Store gift cards. Every reported hour helps tell the story of how CFP® professionals are making a difference in underserved communities across the country.
As you plan your 2026 charitable giving, consider supporting CFP Board Center for Financial Planning. Your contribution helps expand access to CFP® certification, strengthen the talent pipeline and bring competent, ethical financial planning to more Americans. Donate through your CFP Board account or at CFP.net/donate.
At CFP Board, we believe each employee contributes directly to our organization's growth and success. We're currently looking to fill several positions in our Washington, DC, office. View the list of currently open positions, and please share these opportunities with your colleagues who may be interested.
