CFP Board Names Michael P. Shaw, Esq., as Managing Director, Public Policy & Legal.

DENVER -- Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board), the professional regulatory body for over 55,000 professionals holding CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER([TM]) certification, has announced that it has named Michael P. Shaw, Esq., to the newly-created position of Managing Director, Public Policy & Legal.

Mr. Shaw comes to CFP Board with more than 13 years of experience as a legal practitioner, particularly in the areas of public policy formulation and execution. Mr. Shaw has held positions of progressive responsibility at NASD (now known as the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority or FINRA), which most recently culminated in his appointment as Senior Counsel in the Office of Regulatory Policy. While serving at NASD, Mr. Shaw's responsibilities included providing high-level legal counsel on complex business matters and securities laws.

"Michael Shaw's experience at NASD, combined with his legal and public policy experience, provides CFP Board with a strong public policy leader," said Kevin R. Keller, CAE, Chief Executive Officer of CFP Board. "We are extremely pleased to have discovered the right combination of experience, leadership and intellect in Michael Shaw to help CFP Board at this critical juncture in our growth, particularly as we plan to take a more active seat at the table upon our transition to Washington, D.C."

CFP Board is currently shifting its operations to the nation's capital from its current location in Denver, Colorado. The organization expects the move to help it become a more vigorous advocate for the public's interest, and to facilitate a more influential voice in public policy debates, during a time when more Americans than ever are in need of ethical financial planning options.

"As CFP Board begins this important new phase, Michael's acumen will help carry the organization forward in its mission to convey to the public the importance of the CFP([R]) marks, as consumers increasingly seek financial planning advice," said Mr. Keller.

In his new role, Mr. Shaw will develop plans for CFP Board's public policy and legal activities, and work to ensure the organization's visibility and credibility with legislators and regulators. In addition, he will coordinate the professional review department's work with CFP Board's Disciplinary and Ethics Commission to ensure that CFP Board's disciplinary process upholds the integrity of the CFP([R]) certification, and work to protect the organization's intellectual property.

"I feel honored to be joining the organization at this exciting period in its 22-year history," said Mr. Shaw. "For years, CFP Board has performed tremendous work on behalf of the American public and the financial planning profession, and I am pleased to be joining a great team that will together help to shape the future."

Mr. Shaw began his career as legal counsel at Monumental Life Insurance Company, a division of AEGON Insurance Group, and as staff attorney at the Department of Human Resources for the State of Maryland. Mr. Shaw holds a Bachelors degree in Economics from Marquette University and a law degree from the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C.

Mr. Shaw is licensed to practice law in the state of Maryland. He also holds a Series 7 securities license, is a chartered financial consultant (ChFC), Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and a Certified Regulatory Compliance Professional (CRCP).

The mission of Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. is to help people benefit from competent, professional and ethical financial planning. CFP Board owns the certification marks CFP[R], CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER[TM] and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the U.S., which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board's initial and ongoing certification requirements. CFP Board currently authorizes more than 55,000 individuals to use these marks in the United States.