A Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor (CPFA) at Strategic Investment Management is a financial professional who has undergone rigorous training to demonstrate advanced expertise in retirement plan oversight. This credential, awarded by the National Association of Plan Advisors (NAPA), signals mastery in fiduciary responsibilities, investment selection, plan governance, participant education, and risk management.

Earning the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor designation requires completing a comprehensive training program, passing a closed-book exam, and maintaining ongoing education to stay current with evolving regulations and best practices. A Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor is specifically trained to act in the best interests of plan participants, ensuring employer-sponsored plans such as 401(k)s and 403(b)s remain compliant while optimizing outcomes for employees.

At Strategic Investment Management, our Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisors are more than advisors—they are partners. They help employers navigate the complexities of fiduciary responsibility while supporting employees in making confident retirement planning decisions.

Unlike general financial consultants, a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor is trained to focus solely on the fiduciary duties that matter most to plan sponsors and participants. At Strategic Investment Management, this means:

• Unwavering fiduciary commitment – Our advisors are bound by strict legal and ethical standards to put client interests first.
• Objective advice – CPFAs provide recommendations free from product bias or hidden conflicts.
  
• Transparent fee structures – Clients understand exactly what they are paying for, fostering trust and accountability.
• Risk mitigation – CPFAs anticipate potential compliance and investment issues, reducing exposure to costly mistakes.
  
• Participant-focused education – Employees gain tools and guidance to make informed financial choices.

By choosing a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor at Strategic Investment Management, plan sponsors gain a partner dedicated to aligning every decision with both fiduciary requirements and participant outcomes.

The role of a CPFA extends far beyond basic plan administration. At Strategic Investment Management, our advisors provide strategic oversight in several critical areas:

1. Regulatory Compliance

CPFAs ensure that retirement plans comply with ERISA, Department of Labor regulations, and other applicable standards, reducing liability for employers and strengthening participant confidence.

2. Investment Selection and Monitoring

They conduct due diligence when selecting plan investments and continue monitoring performance, making recommendations when adjustments are needed to stay aligned with plan objectives.

3. Governance and Documentation

Strong governance helps protect plan sponsors. Our CPFAs assist with drafting and maintaining Investment Policy Statements (IPS) and ensure documentation demonstrates prudent decision-making.

4. Participant Education

CPFAs lead education initiatives, helping participants understand their investment options, contribution strategies, and long-term retirement planning decisions.

Each of these responsibilities supports the same outcome: protecting the sponsor, empowering participants, and strengthening retirement plans.

To maintain the highest standards, a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor must:

• Complete in-depth coursework on fiduciary responsibility, investment analysis, and plan governance
  
• Pass a rigorous exam testing retirement plan concepts and fiduciary oversight
  
• Commit to ongoing continuing education (typically 10+ hours annually) to stay ahead of changes in laws, regulations, and industry best practices
  

This commitment to professional excellence ensures that the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisors at RPS Retirement Plan Advisors are always equipped to guide plan sponsors through the most complex fiduciary challenges.

Working with a CPFA through Strategic Investment Management’s relationship with RPS Retirement Plan Advisors provides measurable advantages for both organizations and individuals:

• For employers: Reduced fiduciary liability, streamlined plan management, and confidence in regulatory compliance.
  
• For employees: Access to stronger investment options, improved financial education, and guidance that leads to better long-term retirement outcomes.

By bridging organizational goals with participant success, our Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisors help ensure retirement plans remain a true benefit—not just a benefit in name.

Below you'll find answers to some of the most common questions about working with a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor. Strategic Investment Management believes that understanding the value and expertise of a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor is essential for plan sponsors and participants seeking confidence and clarity in their retirement planning decisions.

Q: What does a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor do?
A: A Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor manages retirement plans, focusing on compliance, governance, investment oversight, and participant education.

Q: How does hiring a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor improve retirement outcomes?
A: By monitoring investments, mitigating risks, and providing education, Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisors improve participant confidence and employer protection.

Q: What plans does a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor work with?
A: CPFAs specialize in employer-sponsored plans such as 401(k)s, 403(b)s, and other defined contribution plans.

Q: How do you earn the Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor credential?
A: Candidates complete specialized training, pass a rigorous exam, and maintain continuing education each year.

Q: How is a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor different from a traditional advisor?
A: While a general financial advisor may provide broad wealth management, a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor specializes in fiduciary oversight for retirement plans.

Q: What happens if an employer does not work with a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor?
A: Plan sponsors risk regulatory penalties, legal exposure, and dissatisfied participants if fiduciary responsibilities are not met.

Q: Can individuals benefit from advice from a Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisor?
A: Yes. Employees gain access to informed guidance about plan investments, allocations, and retirement planning decisions.

Choosing a retirement plan partner is one of the most important decisions an organization can make. By collaborating with RPS Retirement Plan Advisors, Strategic Investment Management connects you with Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisors who deliver:

• Proven fiduciary expertise
  
• A disciplined, transparent process
  
• Objective, conflict-free advice
  
• Ongoing support for employers and employees
  

If you want to ensure your retirement plan is compliant, growth-oriented, and participant-focused, connect with Strategic Investment Management today. Through our partnership with RPS Retirement Plan Advisors, Certified Plan Fiduciary Advisors are ready to help you deliver confidence, clarity, and long-term value.