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Mister Fiduciary®

Mister Fiduciary®Mister Fiduciary®Mister Fiduciary®

A Research Initiative sponsored by AdvisorSmart®

A Research Initiative sponsored by AdvisorSmart®A Research Initiative sponsored by AdvisorSmart®A Research Initiative sponsored by AdvisorSmart®

The NAPFA Files

The NAPFA Files: A Case Study in Fiduciary Corporate Governance


The NAPFA Files examine fiduciary duties in the corporate governance of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors, a nonprofit organization.


This ongoing case study brings together information about organizational purpose, leadership, oversight, transparency, and accountability. Its goal is to help participants understand the issues, contribute informed questions, and support improvements that help NAPFA succeed.


Explore the case study and download issue PDFs.

1. The NAPFA Files - Legal

 1984 Articles of Incorporation; Bylaws and Amendments; Indiana Statutes; Fiduciary Duties; Duty of Loyalty; Duty of Care; Member Meeting Requirements; Legal Entity Registration 

1984-Articles of Incorp[1] (pdf)

Download

2026BylawsFINALPOSTED_01.21.2026 (pdf)

Download

2. The NAPFA Files - governance

Mission and Organizational Purposes; Vision and Values; Board Structure and Responsibilities; Board Orientation and Training; Board Minutes and Decisions; Committees; Member Voting and Participation; Strategic Planning 

Files coming soon.

3. The NAPFA Files - management

CEO Responsibilities; Hiring and Compensation; Leadership Transitions; Organizational Policies; Conflict of Interest Policy; Recordkeeping; Member Meetings; Marketing Language and Communications 

NAPFA Conflict of Interest Policy and Disclosure Form (pdf)

Download

4. The NAPFA Files - financial

Financial Statements; Income Tax Returns; Budgets; Vendor Payments and Agreements; Sponsorships; Financial Transparency; Financial Records Requests and Responses 

2023 Form 990 Filed NAPFA_08.31.2024 (pdf)

Download

2023 NAPFA Audited Financial Statements 083124 (pdf)

Download

5. The NAPFA Files - Regulators

Federal - Internal Revenue Service; State - Indiana Attorney General; Other Authorities 

Files coming soon.

6. The NAPFA Files - records requests

Requests Sent; Responses Received; Outstanding Requests; Attorney Correspondence; NAPFA Leadership Correspondence; Member Correspondence 

Files coming soon.

The NAPFA Files - issue #2 NAPFA's Legal Registration Lapse

This case study issue examines reported lapses in NAPFA’s legal registration in Indiana and Illinois, management’s response, and questions about board oversight and fiduciary responsibilities. It organizes available documents, dates and communications to explore what happened and how stronger governance practices could prevent future lapses.


Download the issue file below to review the chronology, supporting sources and instructions for checking NAPFA’s current Indiana registration status. This is a work in progress; additional documents, corrections and perspectives are welcome.

NAPFA-File-02-Registration-Lapse 100426 (pdf)

Download

NAPFA Announces Leadership Transition - Kathryn Dattomo Departure 092426 (pdf)

Download

The NAPFA Files - Discussion and Improvement

Discussion Questions; Participant Feedback; Governance Recommendations; Proposed Actions; Progress and Outcomes 

Files coming soon.

Mister Fiduciary®

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Mister Fiduciary® is a Research Initiative Sponsored by AdvisorSmart.  

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