Bolton Investment is proud to announce that its defined contribution practice has been re-certified for the eighth consecutive year by the Centre for Fiduciary Excellence (CEFEX). Bolton was initially certified by CEFEX in 2015.

“We pride ourselves on keeping our defined contribution clients on the cutting edge of fiduciary excellence” said Mike Beczkowski, Senior Consultant at Bolton, responsible for leading the defined contribution practice. Beczkowski first began working at Bolton in 1996.

CEFEX-certified firms adhere to a standard representing the best practices in their industry. The standards include specific criteria which have been substantiated by regulation or written in consultation with leading firms. CEFEX-certified firms voluntarily undertake annual audits by independent expert analysts. This continually verifies their adherence to the applicable standard and is supplemental to oversight performed by regulators, or financial auditors.

The CEFEX certification standards are organized according to a four-step management process. The steps are analogous to the global ISO 9000 Quality Management System standard, which emphasizes continual improvement in a decision-making process.

The CEFEX assessment process is based on the international standard, ISO 19011: Guideline for quality management system auditing. The assessment is evidence-based, and all work is reviewed by the CEFEX Registration Committee to ensure impartiality and consistency.

The assessment typically includes document review, client file sampling, on-site visits and interviews with senior representatives at the firm. The assessment is conducted by CEFEX Analysts who must hold the Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst ® designation and a minimum of the ASPPA 401(k) Administrator (QKA) designation for ASPPA certifications. CEFEX Analysts maintain annual assessment training.

A successfully completed standards-based assessment results in certification. This is written assurance that the firm meets the requirements of the standard.