Under which circumstances may a CFP certificant reveal confidential information?

Under which circumstances may a CFP certificant reveal confidential information?

• A. All of the above
• B. In connection with civil dispute between certificant and client
• C. To defend against charges of wrongdoing
• D. With the client's consent

Answer: (A)

Confidentiality isn’t absolute—the rules permit sharing information in specific, legitimate situations. A CFP certificant may reveal confidential information when the client has given written permission, when disclosure is required by law or regulation, or to defend against charges of wrongdoing. If a civil dispute arises between the certificant and the client, disclosure may be necessary to present a defense or respond to legal processes, again limited to what is necessary and appropriate. Because all of these circumstances are recognized as allowable under the ethics framework, the best answer is that all of the above circumstances may justify revealing confidential information. Always aim to disclose only what is needed and in the proper manner.

Confidentiality isn’t absolute—the rules permit sharing information in specific, legitimate situations. A CFP certificant may reveal confidential information when the client has given written permission, when disclosure is required by law or regulation, or to defend against charges of wrongdoing. If a civil dispute arises between the certificant and the client, disclosure may be necessary to present a defense or respond to legal processes, again limited to what is necessary and appropriate. Because all of these circumstances are recognized as allowable under the ethics framework, the best answer is that all of the above circumstances may justify revealing confidential information. Always aim to disclose only what is needed and in the proper manner.