In finance, standards are clear. A CFA Institute charterholder must pass rigorous exams, commit annually to a Code of Ethics, and uphold a fiduciary duty to clients
Family advisory, however, remains largely unregulated. Titles and methods abound, yet many advisors claim skills they cannot substantiate. Some speak confidently about family board governance without ever serving on a board or taking formal training.
Others recycle language or “borrow” methodologies. For example, an advisor might claim to apply systems thinking without any theoretical or practical foundation. The risk? Families are exposed to advice that can destabilize relationships, erode trust, and compromise legacy.