Professional designations distinguish one professional from another by successfully meeting an established standard for competent practice. Designations protect the best interests of the consumer from unqualified service providers in the financial services industry.

Designation marks help to clearly represent that a professional has successfully met those established standards for competent practice.

A designation-granting body has authority over the granting of designations and protection of the license for use of its marks. The Institute has authority over the granting of designations and protection of the licenses that govern the use of its marks. To maintain credibility, The Institute must govern itself by ensuring autonomy in its decision-making and exercising control over the standards it uses to determine who should be a designation holder.