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IAFP Code of Ethics

International Association for Fractional Professionals

March 24, 2026.

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Preamble

The International Association for Fractional Professionals (IAFP) exists to bring clarity, credibility, and trust to the fractional market.

 

This Code defines the standard expected of all members. It protects companies, supports qualified professionals, and ensures that those operating under the IAFP name represent themselves accurately and act in the best interest of their clients.

 

This Code applies to all IAFP members and to all professional activities conducted under the IAFP name or designation.

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1. Accurate Representation

Members must represent their experience, titles, and outcomes truthfully.

 

Members must not:

  • Claim roles or levels they have not held or genuinely operated at

  • Present advisory or support work as executive leadership

  • Misstate scope, results, or responsibilities

 

2. Clarity of Positioning

IAFP includes professionals operating at different levels.

Members must clearly represent the level at which they operate and the nature of their role.

 

Members must not:

  • Use C-level titles (CMO, CFO, COO, etc.) without appropriate experience

  • Blur the distinction between execution, advisory, and executive responsibility

 

3. Responsibility and Accountability

Members must be clear about their level of responsibility.

  • If operating in an executive capacity, members are accountable for decisions and outcomes

  • If not accountable for outcomes, members must clearly position their role as advisory or support

 

Members will align their work to meaningful outcomes and define success with the client upfront.

 

4. Scope, Competence, and Clarity

Members must only accept work they are qualified to deliver.

Members will:

  • Clearly define scope, role, decision authority, and time commitment

  • Work to reduce ambiguity that could lead to misalignment

 

Where a client need exceeds a member’s capability, the member must disclose it or bring in appropriate support.

 

5. Client Interest and Commercial Integrity

Members must act in the best interest of the client.

Members must not:

  • Recommend unnecessary work

  • Extend engagements without clear value

  • Prioritize personal gain over client outcomes

 

Where financial incentives exist (including referral fees, affiliate relationships, or partnerships), members must ensure their recommendations remain aligned with the client’s best interest and disclose such relationships where relevant.

 

Members must not prioritize vendor or partner relationships over the client’s outcomes and best interests.

 

6. Confidentiality

Members must protect all confidential client and company information.

Confidential information must not be disclosed or used for personal or competitive advantage.

 

7. Conflicts of Interest

Members must disclose any situation that may create a conflict of interest.

This includes competing engagements or financial interests that may influence decisions.

 

8. Professional Conduct

Members must conduct themselves professionally in all client and public interactions.

 

Members must not:

  • Mislead, plagiarize, or deceive

  • Use false testimonials or fabricated claims

 

9. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

Members must comply with all applicable laws and regulations in the jurisdictions in which they operate.

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0. Use of IAFP Name and Designations

Members may reference their IAFP membership in a factual and accurate manner.

Members must not:

  • Misrepresent their membership or VFO status

  • Imply endorsement beyond what has been granted

 

11. Agreement to Review

IAFP may, at its discretion, review concerns raised regarding member conduct.

Members agree to:

  • Respond to reasonable inquiries

  • Provide clarification if requested

 

Failure to cooperate or uphold this Code may result in removal from IAFP and loss of any associated designation, including VFO.

 

12. Enforcement

Where concerns are raised, IAFP may review available information and determine an appropriate course of action.

This may include:

  • No action

  • Warning or corrective guidance

  • Removal from membership and revocation of designation

 

The goal of any action is to protect clients, uphold standards, and maintain trust in the fractional model.

 

All decisions are final.

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13. Updates to This Code

IAFP reserves the right to update this Code from time to time.

Members will be notified of material changes.

 

Important Note

This Code is intended to set professional expectations for IAFP members.
It does not create a legal or regulatory framework, nor does it constitute legal oversight, adjudication, or due process rights.

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