-
Code of Ethics and Professional Standards
Code of Ethics and Professional Standards for Canadian Professional Wealth Planner (CPWP) and Canadian Professional Securities Analyst (CPSA) designation holders
Preamble
The Canadian Professional Wealth Planner (CPWP) and Canadian Professional Securities Analyst (CPSA) designations signify the highest level of professionalism, integrity, and commitment to clients in the field of wealth planning and investment analysis. CPWP and CPSA designees are entrusted with the financial well-being of their clients and play a critical role in achieving their financial goals. This Code of Ethics and Professional Standards sets forth the fundamental principles and guidelines that CPWP and CPSA designees must adhere to, promoting the highest standards of conduct and service.
I. Integrity and Honesty
Principle: CPWP and CPSA designees shall act with the utmost integrity and honesty in all professional dealings.
1.1 Honesty: CPWP and CPSA designees shall provide accurate and truthful information to clients, avoiding any misrepresentation or deception.
1.2 Conflicts of Interest:CPWP and CPSA designees shall disclose all potential conflicts of interest to clients and take reasonable steps to resolve them in the client's best interest.
1.3 Confidentiality: CPWP and CPSA designees shall maintain the confidentiality of client information and use it solely for legitimate professional purposes.
II. Competence and Professionalism
Principle: CPWP and CPSA designees shall maintain a high level of competence and professionalism in their practice.
2.1 Continuing Education: CPWP and CPSA designees shall engage in ongoing professional development to stay current with industry best practices, regulations, and market developments.
2.2 Diligence: CPWP and CPSA designees shall exercise due diligence in all aspects of their work, including research, analysis, and client recommendations.
2.3 Professionalism: CPWP and CPSA designees shall conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner, fostering trust and confidence in their clients.
III. Client-Centric Approach
Principle: CPWP and CPSA designees shall prioritize the best interests of their clients above all other considerations.
3.1 Fiduciary Duty: CPWP and CPSA designees shall act as fiduciaries, always placing the interests of clients ahead of their own or their firm’s.
3.2 Tailored Solutions: CPWP and CPSA designees shall provide personalized and suitable recommendations that align with each client’s unique financial goals and circumstances.
3.3 Transparency: CPWP and CPSA designees shall provide clients with clear and understandable information about fees, risks, and potential conflicts of interest.
IV. Compliance with Laws and Regulations
Principle: CPWP and CPSA designees shall comply with all applicable laws and regulations governing the financial services industry.
4.1 Regulatory Compliance: CPWP and CPSA designees shall adhere to all federal and provincial regulations and licensing requirements.
4.2 Reporting and Disclosures: CPWP and CPSA designees shall promptly report any regulatory violations, disciplinary actions, or criminal charges to the relevant authorities and clients as required by law.
4.3 Client Protection: CPWP and CPSA designees shall protect clients’ assets and interests in accordance with applicable regulatory requirements.
V. Ethical Conduct and Public Trust
Principle: CPWP and CPSA designees shall uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct to maintain public trust in the profession.
5.1 Reputation: CPWP and CPSA designees shall avoid any actions or behaviors that could damage the reputation of the CPWP and CPSA designations or the profession as a whole.
5.2 Social Responsibility: CPWP and CPSA designees are encouraged to contribute to the betterment of society through financial literacy initiatives and charitable activities.
5.3 Whistleblower Protection: CPWP and CPSA designees shall support and protect individuals who report unethical conduct within their organizations.
VI. Enforcement and Accountability
Principle: CPWP and CPSA designees shall be subject to disciplinary actions for violations of this Code of Ethics and Professional Standards.
6.1 Disciplinary Process: CPWP and CPSA designees found in violation of this Code may be subject to disciplinary actions, including suspension or revocation of the CPWP and/or CPSA designations.
6.2 Reporting Violations: CPWP and CPSA designees are encouraged to report violations of this Code by other CPWP or CPSA designees to the appropriate regulatory bodies.
Conclusion
Adherence to this Code of Ethics and Professional Standards is a solemn commitment for CPWP and CPSA designees. Upholding these principles will not only preserve the integrity of the profession but also enhance the trust and confidence that clients place in financial advisors holding the Canadian Professional Wealth Planner designation and in investment analysts holding the Canadian Professional Securities Analyst designation. CPWP and CPSA designees must embrace these standards as the cornerstone of their professional practice.
-
Continuing Education Requirements
Continuing Education Policy for Canadian Professional Wealth Planner (CPWP) and Canadian Professional Securities Advisor (CPSA) Designation Holders
Policy Statement
The Business and Finance Institute of Canada (BFIOC) recognizes the importance of maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and competence among Canadian Professional Wealth Planner (CPWP) and Canadian Professional Securities Advisor (CPSA) designation holders. To ensure that designation holders remain current with industry best practices and regulatory requirements, BFIOC requires all CPWP and CPSA designation holders to complete a minimum of 10 continuing education credits annually.
I. Eligibility and Scope
1. This policy applies to all individuals who hold the CPWP and CPSA designations conferred by BFIOC.
2. Designation holders are required to comply with this continuing education policy to maintain their designation status.
II. Continuing Education Credits
1. CPWP and CPSA designation holders must accumulate a minimum of 10 continuing education credits each calendar year.
2. One continuing education credit is equivalent to one hour of relevant educational content or professional development.
III. Approved Continuing Education Activities
1. Continuing education credits may be earned through a variety of approved activities, including but not limited to:
a. Attending BFIOC-sponsored workshops, seminars, and webinars.
b. Completing relevant online courses and certifications.
c. Participating in industry conferences and events.
d. Publishing articles, research papers, or industry-related content.
e. Serving as a speaker, panelist, or mentor in professional forums.
f. Volunteering for relevant community and industry organizations.
IV. Reporting and Documentation
1. Designation holders are responsible for documenting their continuing education activities and maintaining records for a minimum of three years.
2. BFIOC may request documentation of completed activities at any time for audit purposes.
V. Reporting Deadline
1. Designation holders must report their completed continuing education activities annually by December 31st of each calendar year.
VI. Non-Compliance
1. Failure to meet the annual 10-credit requirement and report continuing education activities by the deadline may result in the suspension or revocation of the CPWP or CPSA designation.
VII. Extension and Exception
1. BFIOC may grant extensions or exceptions to this policy in cases of illness, hardship, or other extenuating circumstances. Designation holders must submit a written request for an extension or exception, along with supporting documentation, to BFIOC for consideration.
VIII. Review and Updates
1. BFIOC reserves the right to review and update this continuing education policy periodically to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with industry standards and regulatory changes.
Conclusion
This Continuing Education Policy is essential to maintaining the high standards of competence and professionalism associated with the CPWP and CPSA designations conferred by BFIOC. Designation holders are encouraged to embrace lifelong learning and actively engage in continuing education activities to enhance their knowledge, skills, and expertise in the field of wealth planning and securities advising. Failure to comply with this policy may result in the suspension or revocation of the designation.
-
Designation User Licensing Agreement
Licensing Agreement for Users of the CPWP and CPSA Designations
This Licensing Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into between the Business and Finance Institute of Canada (“BFIOC”) and the individual (“Licensee”) who has been granted the Canadian Professional Wealth Planner (CPWP) or Canadian Professional Securities Advisor (CPSA) designation.
1. Grant of License
BFIOC hereby grants Licensee a non-exclusive, non-transferable, and revocable license to use the CPWP or CPSA designation, as applicable, subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
2. Designation Use
2.1. Licensee may use the CPWP or CPSA designation solely to represent their professional qualifications and designations in the field of wealth planning or securities advising, respectively.
2.2. Licensee may use the designation in accordance with any guidelines and policies issued by BFIOC regarding its use.
2.3. Licensee shall not use the designation in any manner that may mislead or deceive others or imply any endorsement or affiliation with BFIOC beyond what is accurate.
3. Continuing Education
Licensee acknowledges and agrees to comply with BFIOC’s Continuing Education Policy, which outlines the requirement to earn a minimum number of continuing education credits annually to maintain the designation.
4. Quality Assurance and Ethics
4.1. Licensee shall uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and integrity in all professional activities and interactions.
4.2. Licensee shall adhere to BFIOC’s Code of Ethics and Professional Standards, which outlines the principles and guidelines for ethical conduct.
5. Fees and Renewal
Licensee shall pay any applicable fees for the use and renewal of the CPWP or CPSA designation in accordance with BFIC’s fee schedule and renewal procedures.
6. Revocation or Suspension
6.1. BFIOC reserves the right to revoke or suspend the license to use the CPWP or CPSA designation if Licensee fails to comply with the terms of this Agreement, including but not limited to non-compliance with continuing education requirements, ethical violations, or non-payment of fees.
6.2. In the event of revocation or suspension, Licensee shall immediately cease all use of the CPWP or CPSA designation and return any related materials or certificates to BFIOC.
7. Confidentiality
Licensee acknowledges that the designation and related materials provided by BFIOC may contain confidential and proprietary information. Licensee agrees not to disclose, reproduce, or distribute such information without prior written consent from BFIOC.
8. Termination
BFIOC reserves the right to terminate this Agreement and the license granted herein at any time, with or without cause, by providing written notice to Licensee.
9. Governing Law
This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of Ontario, Canada, without regard to its conflict of laws principles.
10. Entire Agreement
This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between BFIOC and Licensee regarding the use of the CPWP or CPSA designation and supersedes all prior agreements and understandings, whether written or oral.
11. Modifications
BFIOC may modify the terms and conditions of this Agreement by providing written notice to Licensee. Continued use of the CPWP or CPSA designation following such modification constitutes acceptance of the modified terms.
-
Proper Use of Designations
Rules for Proper Usage of the CPWP and CPSA Designations
The Business and Finance Institute of Canada (BFIOC) is committed to maintaining the integrity and professionalism associated with the Canadian Professional Wealth Planner (CPWP) and Canadian Professional Securities Advisor (CPSA) designations. To ensure consistency and accuracy in the use of these designations, the following rules and guidelines must be adhered to by all designation holders and individuals associated with BFIOC:
1. Proper Designation Usage
1.1. Use of Full Designation: When representing yourself as a CPWP or CPSA designation holder, always use the full designation after your name, as follows:
- [Your Name], CPWP
- [Your Name], CPSA
1.2. No Abbreviations or Acronyms: Do not use abbreviations, variations, or acronyms of the CPWP or CPSA designations that may confuse or mislead others.
2. Designation Presentation
2.1. Clear Presentation: When using the designation on business cards, email signatures, letterheads, or any professional materials, ensure clear and legible presentation without alterations.
2.2. Size and Placement: The designation should be presented in a size and location that is easily visible and not obscured by other text or graphics.
2.3. Logo Usage: Do not incorporate the CPWP or CPSA designations into logos or trademarks.
3. Representation of Qualifications
3.1. Accurate Representation: Use the CPWP or CPSA designation only to represent your qualifications in the field of wealth planning or securities advising. Do not use the designation in a manner that suggests qualifications in areas unrelated to the designation.
3.2. No Misleading Claims: Do not make any claims or statements that could mislead others about the scope or significance of the CPWP or CPSA designation.
4. Continuing Education
4.1. Annual Requirement: Comply with BFIOC’s Continuing Education Policy, which outlines the requirement to earn a minimum of 10 continuing education credits each calendar year to maintain the designation.
4.2. Documentation: Maintain records of your continuing education activities and be prepared to provide documentation upon request.
5. Ethical Conduct
5.1. Adherence to Code of Ethics: Uphold the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and integrity in all professional activities and interactions. Adhere to BFIOC’s Code of Ethics and Professional Standards.
5.2. Reporting Violations: Report any violations of the Code of Ethics or misuse of the designation to BFIOC for appropriate action.
6. Compliance with Policies
6.1. Compliance with Policies: Familiarize yourself with and adhere to all policies, including but not limited to BFIOC’s Licensing Agreement, Code of Ethics, and Continuing Education Policy.
7. Suspension or Revocation
7.1. Consequences of Non-Compliance: Failure to comply with the rules and guidelines outlined herein, as well as BFIOC policies, may result in the suspension or revocation of the CPWP or CPSA designation.
8. Reporting Unauthorized Usage
8.1. Report Unauthorized Usage: If you encounter unauthorized or improper use of the CPWP or CPSA designation by others, please report it to BFIOC for appropriate action.
9. Changes and Updates
9.1. Stay Informed: Stay informed about any updates or modifications to the rules for proper usage of the CPWP and CPSA designations issued by BFIOC.
These rules for proper usage of the CPWP and CPSA designations are designed to maintain the credibility and professionalism associated with these designations. Adherence to these rules is essential for designation holders and individuals associated with BFIOC to represent their qualifications accurately and ethically. Failure to comply with these rules may result in disciplinary actions, including the suspension or revocation of the designation.
-
Academic Integrity Policy
Academic Integrity Policy for Students at the Business and Finance Institute of Canada
Introduction
The Business and Finance Institute of Canada (BFIOC) is dedicated to fostering a culture of academic excellence, integrity, and responsibility among its students. This Academic Integrity Policy is designed to promote honesty, ethical conduct, and fairness in all academic endeavors. It outlines the principles and guidelines that students at BFIOC are expected to adhere to.
I. Definition of Academic Integrity
Academic integrity encompasses the following principles:
1. Honesty: Students are expected to complete all academic work honestly, without the use of unauthorized resources, materials, or assistance.
2. Originality: Students must ensure that all submitted work, including assignments, reports, and assessments, is their original work unless properly cited.
3. Attribution: Proper attribution must be given for all sources and materials used in academic work, following recognized citation styles.
II. Prohibited Actions
The following actions are strictly prohibited under BFIOC’s Academic Integrity Policy:
2.1. Plagiarism: Using someone else’s work, ideas, or words without proper citation and attribution.
2.2. Cheating: Using unauthorized resources, notes, or assistance during examinations or assessments.
2.3. Collusion: Collaborating with others inappropriately or sharing work with the intent to deceive.
2.4. Misrepresentation: Falsifying information, data, or credentials to gain academic advantage.
2.5. Unauthorized Access: Accessing or using unauthorized materials, information, or systems to gain an unfair advantage.
III. Academic Honesty Responsibilities
Students at BFIOC have the following responsibilities regarding academic honesty:
3.1. Original Work: All submitted work must be the original work of the student, or proper citation and attribution must be provided for any borrowed ideas, text, or materials.
3.2. Citation and Referencing: Properly cite and reference all sources used in academic work following recognized citation styles, such as APA or MLA.
3.3. Examinations: Follow all examination rules and guidelines, refrain from unauthorized collaboration, and use only approved resources as specified by instructors.
3.4. Collaboration: Collaborate with other students only when permitted by instructors and within the defined boundaries of group work.
IV. Consequences of Academic Integrity Violations
BFIOC takes academic integrity violations seriously and may impose the following consequences for violations:
4.1. Warning: A first-time offense may result in a written warning, which will be placed in the student’s academic record.
4.2. Course Failure: A second offense may result in failure of the course in which the violation occurred.
4.3. Academic Probation: Multiple or serious offenses may result in academic probation, which may impact a student’s ability to continue their studies.
4.4. Suspension or Expulsion: Severe or repeated violations may lead to suspension or expulsion from BFIOC.
V. Reporting Violations
Students, faculty, or staff who suspect or witness an academic integrity violation should report it to the appropriate academic authorities at BFIOC.
VI. Education and Support
BFIOC is committed to educating students about academic integrity and providing support to help students understand and adhere to these principles.
VII. Review and Updates
This Academic Integrity Policy may be reviewed and updated periodically to ensure its effectiveness and alignment with industry best practices and educational standards.
Conclusion
BFIOC expects all students to uphold the highest standards of academic integrity and honesty. Adherence to this policy is essential for maintaining the credibility and reputation of the institution and ensuring that students graduate with the skills, knowledge, and ethical principles necessary for success in their careers.
-
Examination Policies
Examination Policies for In-Class and Online Students at the Business and Finance Institute of Canada
Introduction
The Business and Finance Institute of Canada (BFIOC) is committed to ensuring the fairness, security, and integrity of all examinations conducted for its students, whether in-class or online. These Examination Policies are designed to establish clear guidelines and procedures for students to follow during the examination process, thereby promoting a standardized and ethical testing environment.
I. Examination Registration
1.1. Eligibility: Students must meet all eligibility requirements and prerequisites to register for an examination.
1.2. Registration Deadline: Students must adhere to examination registration deadlines established by BFIOC. Late registrations may not be accepted.
1.3. Fees: Payment of all examination fees must be made by the specified deadlines.
II. Examination Format
2.1. In-Class Examinations: In-class examinations will be conducted in accordance with the schedule provided by BFIOC. Students must arrive at the designated examination venue on time.
2.2. Online Examinations: Online examinations will be accessed through the BFIOC online learning platform. Students must ensure their devices meet the technical requirements for online exams.
III. Examination Conduct
3.1. Identification: Students must present valid photo identification (e.g., valid drivers license or valid passport) at the start of each examination.
3.2. Academic Integrity: Students must adhere to BFIOC’s Academic Integrity Policy during all examinations, refraining from any form of cheating, plagiarism, or unauthorized assistance.
3.3. Prohibited Items: Students must not bring unauthorized materials, electronic devices, or communication tools into the examination venue, unless specified otherwise.
3.4. Communication: Students should refrain from communicating with other students during the examination, except as explicitly allowed by the exam proctor or online exam platform.
3.5. Noise and Disruptions: Students must maintain a quiet and focused environment during the examination, both in-class and online.
IV. Examination Rules and Guidelines
4.1. Instructions: Students must carefully read and follow all instructions provided at the beginning of each examination.
4.2. Duration: Students must complete the examination within the specified time limit. No additional time will be granted.
4.3. Examination Materials: Students should use only the materials provided by BFIOC for the examination, unless otherwise specified.
4.4. Submission: Students must submit their completed examinations according to the instructions provided by the proctor or online exam platform.
V. Examination Security
5.1. Proctoring: BFIOC employs third-party proctoring services to ensure examination security for online exams.
5.2. Identification: Students may be required to verify their identity through the online exam platform or in-class procedures.
5.3. Incident Reporting: Any suspected incidents of cheating, violations, or irregularities during an examination must be reported to BFIOC for investigation.
VI. Examination Results
6.1. Results Release: Examination results will be communicated to students through BFIOC’s official channels within the specified timeframe.
6.2. Appeals: Students may follow BFIOC’s established procedures for appealing examination results.
VII. Examination Violations and Consequences
7.1. Violations: Violations of examination policies, including cheating or academic misconduct, will result in disciplinary actions in accordance with BFIOC’s policies.
7.2. Penalties: Penalties for violations may include a failing grade for the examination, course, or program, academic probation, suspension, or expulsion.
VIII. Accessibility Accommodations
8.1. Accommodations: Students with documented disabilities may request reasonable accommodations for examinations in accordance with BFIOC’s Accessibility Services Policy.
IX. Review and Updates
These Examination Policies may be reviewed and updated periodically to ensure their effectiveness and alignment with industry best practices and educational standards.
Conclusion
BFIOC expects all students to adhere to these Examination Policies to maintain the fairness, integrity, and security of examinations. These policies help ensure that the examination process is conducted consistently and ethically, fostering a conducive environment for learning and assessment.
-
Student Accessibility Services Policies
Student Accessibility Services Policies for In-Class and Online Students at the Business and Finance Institute of Canada (BFIOC)
Introduction
The Business and Finance Institute of Canada (BFIOC) is committed to providing equal access and opportunities for all students, including those with disabilities. These Student Accessibility Services Policies outline our commitment to accommodating the diverse needs of our students, both in-class and online, to ensure that they can fully participate in and benefit from their educational experiences.
I. Definitions
1.1. Disability: A disability, as defined by these policies, refers to any physical, sensory, cognitive, or mental health impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
II. Accessibility Services Coordinator
2.1. Appointment: The Head of Student Servies will act as the Accessibility Services Coordinator responsible for overseeing the provision of accommodations for students with disabilities.
2.2. Contact Information: Contact information for the Accessibility Services Coordinator is available on the BFIOC website.
III. Eligibility and Registration
3.1. Student Disclosure: Students with disabilities are encouraged to voluntarily disclose their disabilities to the Accessibility Services Coordinator as early as possible, preferably before the enrolment into any specific course or program.
3.2. Documentation: Students requesting accommodations must provide appropriate and current documentation of their disability.
IV. Accommodation Requests
4.1. Request Process: Students must submit accommodation requests to the Accessibility Services Coordinator. Requests should include details of the disability and specific accommodations needed.
4.2. Timely Request: To ensure timely provision of accommodations, students are encouraged to submit their requests at least two weeks in advance of their scheduled examination.
V. Review and Approval
5.1. Review: The Accessibility Services Coordinator will review accommodation requests and documentation to determine appropriate accommodations based on individual needs.
5.2. Approval: Approved accommodations will be communicated to students and relevant faculty members in a confidential manner.
VI. Types of Accommodations
6.1. Examples: Accommodations may include, but are not limited to, extended time for examinations, alternative formats for course materials, accessible classrooms, and technology assistance.
6.2. Individualized: Accommodations will be determined on an individualized basis, taking into account the specific needs of each student.
VII. Confidentiality
7.1. Privacy: Information related to a student’s disability and accommodations will be kept confidential, shared only with authorized personnel on a need-to-know basis.
VIII. Faculty Responsibilities
8.1. Notification: Faculty members will be notified of approved accommodations for their respective courses in a confidential manner.
8.2. Accommodation Implementation: Faculty members are responsible for implementing approved accommodations in their courses.
IX. Student Responsibilities
9.1. Self-Advocacy: Students are encouraged to communicate with faculty members and the Accessibility Services Coordinator to ensure the successful implementation of their accommodations.
X. Grievance Procedure
10.1. Appeals: Students who believe that their accommodation requests have been denied unjustly may submit a written appeal by email or letter with three business days following receipt of accommodation request denial for further consideration of their specific circumstances.
XI. Accessibility of Online Learning
11.1. Online Accessibility: BFIOC will strive to ensure that online courses and materials are accessible to all students, including those with disabilities.
XII. Review and Updates
These Student Accessibility Services Policies may be reviewed and updated periodically to ensure their effectiveness and alignment with industry best practices and legal requirements.
Conclusion
BFIOC is committed to providing students with disabilities equal access to educational opportunities. These policies aim to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive and achieve their academic goals.
-
Complaints Process
Complaint Response Process
Introduction:
This written process outlines the steps and guidelines for responding to complaints from the public related to individuals holding the Canadian Professional Wealth Planner (CPWP) and/or the Canadian Professional Securities Analyst (CPSA) designations. Ensuring a prompt, fair, and transparent complaint resolution process is essential to maintain trust and integrity within the financial services industry.
1. Receiving Complaints:
a. Complaint Channels:
- Complaints may be received through email, phone calls or written letters at:
Business and Finance Institute of Canada
18 King Street East, Suite 1400
Toronto, Ontario M5C 1C4
[email protected]
(800) 558-9796
b. Complaint Information:
- Complaints must include the following information, the complainant's contact details, the designation holder's name and credential details, a detailed description of the complaint, and any supporting documentation.
2. Initial Review:
a. Assign a Designated Complaint Officer:
- A member of our Student Services Team will initially be appointed as the contact person responsible for managing the incoming complaint.
b. Acknowledge Receipt:
- An acknowledgment email or letter will be sent to the complainant within 24 hours, confirming that their complaint has been received and is under review.
c. Verify Credibility:
- The Designated Complaint Officer will ensure the complaint is credible and related to a CPWP and/or CPSA designation.
3. Investigation:
a. Review Documentation:
- All relevant documents, including client agreements, transaction records, and communication logs will be gathered.
b. Interview Parties:
- If necessary, the Designated Complaint Officer will conduct interviews with the complainant, the designation holder, and any witnesses to gather additional information.
c. Assess Regulatory Compliance:
- The Designated Complaint Officer will evaluate whether the designation holder has complied with all applicable regulations and codes of conduct.
d. Identify Potential Violations:
- The Designated Complaint Officer will determine if there are potential violations, such as misrepresentation, unauthorized trading, or conflicts of interest.
4. Resolution:
a. Determine Resolution Path:
- The Designated Complaint Officer will decide on an appropriate course of action based on the investigation findings, which may include:
- Mediation between parties
- Remedial actions by the designation holder
- Escalation to higher authority
- Regulatory enforcement action
b. Communicate Resolution:
- The Designated Complaint Officer will inform the complainant of the resolution and the rationale behind the decision.
- If necessary, the Designated Complaint Officer will provide options for further appeal or dispute resolution.
5. Documentation:
a. Maintain Records:
- The Business and Finance Institute of Canada will keep detailed records of the complaint, investigation, and resolution process, including all correspondence and evidence.
b. Reporting:
- The Business and Finance Institute of Canada will periodically report complaint statistics and resolutions to relevant regulatory bodies as required by law.
6. Continuous Improvement:
a. Review and Analysis:
- The Head of Student Services will periodically review the complaint process to identify areas for improvement.
b. Training:
- The Head of Student Services will provide ongoing training to staff involved in handling complaints to enhance their skills and knowledge.
c. Policy Updates:
- The Business and Finance Institute of Canada will make necessary updates to complaint resolution policies and procedures based on lessons learned.
7. Compliance with Regulatory Requirements:
a. The Business and Finance Institute of Canada will ensure that the complaint resolution process complies with all relevant financial industry regulations and laws.
8. Confidentiality:
a. The Business and Finance Institute of Canada will maintain strict confidentiality of all complaint-related information, sharing it only with authorized personnel and regulatory authorities as required by law.
9. Accountability:
a. The Business and Finance Institute of Canada will hold responsible individuals accountable for any wrongdoing discovered during the investigation, and implement corrective measures as needed.
10. External Escalation:
a. The Business and Finance Institute of Canada will provide complainants with information on how to escalate their complaint to external regulatory bodies or ombudsman services if they are not satisfied with the internal resolution.
This complaint response process is designed to ensure transparency, fairness, and compliance in handling complaints related to CPWP and/or CPSA designation holders. Adherence to this process is crucial to maintaining trust in the financial services industry and upholding professional standards.
-
Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy for the Business and Finance Institute of Canada
Last Updated: October 2023
At the Business and Finance Institute of Canada (BFIOC), we are committed to protecting the privacy and security of student information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard the personal and academic information of our students. By enrolling in our programs or using our services, you consent to the practices described in this policy.
1. Information We Collect
We may collect various types of personal and academic information from students, including but not limited to:
- Full name
- Contact information (address, phone number, email)
- Date of birth
- Social insurance number
- Academic records and transcripts
- Financial information for billing purposes
- Emergency contact information
- Any additional information provided voluntarily by students
2. How We Use Student Information <
We use student information for the following purposes:
- Enrolling students in our programs
- Providing educational services and support
- Billing and financial transactions
- Communicating with students and their designated contacts
- Academic record keeping and assessment
- Sending updates, newsletters, and relevant information about our programs and services
- Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
3. Disclosure of Student Information
We may disclose student information in the following circumstances:
- To educational institutions, accrediting bodies, and regulatory authorities for academic and compliance purposes
- To third-party service providers who assist us in delivering our programs and services
- In response to a court order, subpoena, or other legal obligation
- To protect the safety and well-being of students or others
- In the event of a merger, acquisition, or sale of BFIOC, student information may be transferred to the acquiring entity
4. Data Security
BFIOC employs security measures to protect student information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. These measures include encryption, access controls, and regular security audits.
5. Retention of Student Information
We retain student information for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, comply with legal obligations, and resolve disputes.
6. Student Rights
Students have the right to:
- Access and review their personal information
- Correct inaccuracies in their personal information
- Withdraw consent for the use of their information (subject to legal and contractual obligations)
- Request deletion of their information (subject to legal and contractual obligations)
To exercise these rights, students can contact Student Services at [email protected].
7. Cookies and Tracking
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to enhance the user experience. Students can manage cookie preferences through their web browser settings.
8. Changes to this Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. Updates will be posted on our website, and the revised policy will apply to student information collected after the effective date of the updated policy.
9. Contact Information
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy or the handling of your information, please contact Student Services at [email protected].
By enrolling in our programs or using our services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and agree to its terms and conditions.