The Prudent Practices for Investment Advisors handbook adapts the Prudent Practices for Investment Fiduciaries, defined by the Foundation for Fiduciary Studies, to provide a framework for a disciplined investment process specific for investment advisors.

The handbook identifies 23 practices for investment practitioners and addresses many ethical and professional requirements.  The handbook arranges the practices into a four-step investment management process:  organize, formalize, implement and monitor.  

The AICPA and fi360 said the handbook provides a competitive advantage because investment practitioners are adhering to a defined fiduciary standard of excellence. The handbook assists them in managing risk through a recommended "checklist" process that helps ensure investment decisions are carried out with prudence and due diligence.

"CPAs practicing in financial planning and investment advisory services are well respected for ethical and fiduciary standards that put investors' interests first and foremost," said Clark Blackman, president of Alpha Wealth Strategies, LLC, and chair of the Fiduciary Task Force of the AICPA Personal Financial Planning Executive Committee, which edited the guide.

For more information or to purchase a copy, visit www.fi360.com.