Commonwealth Financial Network Selects fiduciary360 to Train Fee-Only Financial Advisors.

Fi360's AIF([R]) Designation One of Two Mandatory Credentials Required

BRIDGEVILLE, Pa. -- Financial advisors utilizing the new Retirement Plan Consulting Program at Commonwealth Financial Network will leverage some welcome credentials on their client's behalf. For the launch of its new fee-only advisor support, Commonwealth chose fiduciary360 (fi360), one of the premier organizations for education, analysis, support and industry insights for fiduciary professionals, as a provider of fiduciary training. Advisors wanting access to Commonwealth's Retirement Plan Consulting Program will have to earn either the AIF([R]) (Accredited Investment Fiduciary([R])) designation or the CRPS (Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist(SM)), from the College for Financial Planning.

"We like the AIF program because it has the strongest investment fiduciary and regulatory focus out there. The AIF has gained some real traction and recognition in the marketplace and some insurance companies offer discounts to advisors if they have the AIF, illustrating real confidence in the program," said Amy Glynn, Commonwealth's director of retirement consulting services. "The logic behind our designation requirement is that it's the right thing to do for all interested parties. The designation gives our advisors an additional point of differentiation and gives plan sponsors additional confidence that they're working with the right type of professional."

In addition to fiduciary training, Commonwealth's fee-only advisors will have access to fi360's Platinum Level online toolkit, as well as educational webinars and regular updates regarding regulatory changes impacting the financial services industry.

"Commonwealth is clearly thinking and planning ahead for what's coming in the financial services industry. We applaud their efforts to hold their advisors to the highest standard of care for clients, and believe it will put them in a highly competitive position in the marketplace," said Blaine Aikin, president and CEO of fi360.

About Commonwealth Financial Network

Founded in 1979, Commonwealth Financial Network, member FINRA/SIPC, and a registered investment adviser, is celebrating its 30th anniversary as a leading, privately owned independent broker/dealer, with offices in Waltham, Mass. and San Diego, Calif. The firm supports more than 1,200 independent registered representatives nationwide and makes available a comprehensive array of financial products and services. For more information, visit www.commonwealth.com.

About fi360

Fi360 offers a comprehensive approach to investment fiduciary education, practice management and support that has established them as the go-to source for investment fiduciary insights. With substantiated Practices as the foundation, fi360 offers world-class fiduciary Training/Education, Tools and Resources that are essential for fiduciaries and those who provide services to fiduciaries to effectively and successfully manage their roles and responsibilities. Fi360 assists those who rely on their fiduciary education programs, professional AIF([R]) and AIFA([R])designations, Web-based analytical and reporting software and resources to achieve success. For more information about fi360, please visit www.fi360.com or Twitter: @fiduciary360.