Professional Standards for Fiduciaries
Leading the Movement for Fiduciary Excellence Nationwide
At The Fiduciary Institute™, we empower professional fiduciaries to go beyond the minimum. Our Professional Standards aren’t just rules—they’re a movement to elevate fiduciary practice nationwide.
By committing to these standards, professional fiduciaries demonstrate leadership, integrity, and relentless focus on client-centered outcomes.
These standards unite fiduciaries across all roles—from guardians, conservators and trustees, to agents and estate administrators—under a shared commitment to ethical leadership and transformative client service.
Professional standards + professional community = a profession defined by excellence.
Standards of Practice
Empowering Fiduciaries to Lead Every Day
Our Standards of Practice equip fiduciaries to make confident, ethical decisions that protect and serve their clients. Each principle reflects a commitment to leadership, accountability, and client-centered excellence.
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Lead with Loyalty – Act solely in the client’s best interest, prioritizing their needs above all.
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Practice with Care – Apply diligence, prudence, and sound judgment in every decision.
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Champion Transparency – Keep clear records and communicate openly with clients and stakeholders.
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Decide with Insight – Gather essential information and consult experts to guide optimal outcomes.
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Commit to Growth – Continuously enhance knowledge, skills, and professional capabilities.
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Protect Trust – Safeguard client information with the highest standards of privacy and confidentiality.
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Elevate Respect – Treat every individual with fairness, compassion, and cultural sensitivity.
These are not just guidelines—they are the principles of professional leadership in fiduciary practice.
Agency Standards
Organizational Standards That Lead the Profession Forward
Excellence isn’t just individual—it’s systemic. Agencies and firms that embrace these standards create structures that protect clients, strengthen trust, and inspire a culture of ethical leadership.
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Govern with Integrity – Align policies and procedures with TFI standards and applicable law.
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Oversight That Empowers – Ensure appropriate caseloads, regular supervisory review, and accountable decision-making.
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Manage Finances Responsibly – Maintain segregated accounts, transparent accounting, and independent oversight.
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Plan for Resilience – Protect clients through insurance, bonding, and succession planning to ensure continuity of care.
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Invest in Talent – Hire, mentor, and develop professionals who embody fiduciary excellence.
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Engage with Purpose – Maintain transparent, respectful, and timely communication with clients, families, and stakeholders.
Strong systems amplify individual excellence — organizational standards matter as much as personal practice.
Code of Ethics
Ethics That Drive the Fiduciary Movement
Ethical conduct is the foundation of leadership in fiduciary practice. Our Code of Ethics inspires fiduciaries to act with integrity, accountability, and unwavering dedication to clients—setting the standard for the profession nationwide.
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Lead with Integrity – Uphold honesty, fairness, and transparency in every action.
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Serve Without Bias – Ensure all beneficiaries are treated equitably and without favoritism.
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Own Your Actions – Accept responsibility for every decision and outcome.
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Honor the Law – Comply fully with all legal and regulatory obligations.
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Represent the Profession – Exemplify excellence in every interaction and commitment.
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Prioritize Clients – Place client welfare above personal or organizational gain.
Ethics are not optional—they define the professional fiduciary movement.
Join the Movement
At The Fiduciary Institute, we are redefining what it means to be a professional fiduciary. By embracing these standards, you lead with integrity, inspire trust, and elevate the profession. Together, we can transform fiduciary practice into a nationally recognized standard of excellence.
Standards + Ethics + Community =
a profession that commands trust and respect.