Broker Check

What Is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary®?

Understanding the fiduciary standard—and what it can mean when choosing a financial advisor.

Michelle Anthony, MS, CDFS®, AIF® is a Tucson financial advisor and founder of Modern Wealth Management. Her education-based approach helps individuals and families better understand their financial options and make informed decisions about their future.

Schedule a Time to Talk
What Does the AIF® Designation Mean?

What Does the AIF® Designation Mean?

The Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) Designation is a professional credential awarded by Fi360. Designees complete specialized training and examination requirements focused on fiduciary principles and practices and must satisfy experience and ongoing continuing-education requirements.

For investors, understanding an advisor's credentials—and the standards associated with them—can be one part of evaluating whom to trust with important financial decisions.

Meet Michelle

Meet Michelle

Meet Michelle Anthony, MS, CDFS®, AIF®

Michelle Anthony is the founder of Modern Wealth Management and a financial advisor in Tucson, Arizona, with more than 26 years of experience in the financial industry.

Michelle believes financial planning should begin with listening and education. Her approach focuses on helping individuals and families understand how retirement income, investments, Social Security, taxes, estate planning, and risk management work together as part of a comprehensive financial strategy.

Michelle earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Finance from the University of Arizona’s Eller College of Management and holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) and Certified Divorce Financial Specialist (CDFS®) designations.

What Does a Fiduciary Financial Advisor Do?

What Does a Fiduciary Financial Advisor Do?

A fiduciary financial advisor provides financial guidance while adhering to applicable fiduciary standards. Depending on the advisor and engagement, that may include helping clients evaluate investments, retirement income, Social Security, tax strategies, estate planning considerations, insurance needs, and other areas of their financial lives.

When choosing a financial advisor, it’s important to understand not only the services they provide, but also their credentials, experience, compensation structure, and the standards that apply to the relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions About Fiduciary Financial Advisors

What is an Accredited Investment Fiduciary®?
An Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) is a financial professional who has completed specialized education and examination requirements focused on fiduciary principles and prudent investment practices. AIF® designees must also meet experience requirements and ongoing continuing-education requirements to maintain the designation

What does AIF® stand for?
AIF® stands for Accredited Investment Fiduciary®. The professional designation focuses on knowledge and competency related to fiduciary responsibility and prudent investment practices.

Is an AIF® a fiduciary?
The AIF® designation demonstrates specialized education in fiduciary principles and practices, but a professional's legal fiduciary obligations can depend on the services being provided and the capacity in which the professional is acting. Investors should ask an advisor when they will be acting in a fiduciary capacity and what standard applies to their relationship.

What's the difference between a fiduciary and a financial advisor?
“Financial advisor” is a broad term that can describe professionals providing different types of financial services. A fiduciary is subject to fiduciary obligations when acting in a fiduciary capacity. Because financial professionals may operate in different capacities, investors should understand what services an advisor provides and what standards apply to those services.

How do I find a fiduciary financial advisor near me?
Start by researching an advisor's credentials, experience, services, registrations, and disciplinary history. Ask whether the advisor acts as a fiduciary, when that fiduciary obligation applies, how the advisor is compensated, and who will actually provide your advice. FINRA also recommends researching financial professionals through its BrokerCheck service. For individuals and families in Tucson and throughout Arizona, Modern Wealth Management provides comprehensive financial planning led by experienced financial professionals, including an AIF® designee.

What questions should I ask before hiring a financial advisor?
Ask about the advisor's experience, professional credentials, services, investment philosophy, compensation and fees, and how often you will communicate. You should also ask whether the advisor will act as a fiduciary, what services are included in the relationship, who will work directly with you, and how the advisor's approach fits your specific financial goals. FINRA similarly recommends understanding services, fees and the qualifications of the professional handling your account.

Does Modern Wealth Management have an Accredited Investment Fiduciary®?
Yes. Michelle Anthony, MS, CDFS®, AIF®, founder of Modern Wealth Management in Tucson, Arizona, holds the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) designation. Michelle has more than 26 years of experience in the financial industry and focuses on comprehensive, education-based financial planning for individuals and families.

Learn more about Michelle Anthony

Looking for a Fiduciary Financial Advisor in Tucson, Arizona?

Choosing a financial advisor is an important decision. At Modern Wealth Management, we believe the process should start with a conversation—not a sales pitch.

We take time to learn about your financial situation, goals, concerns, and priorities before discussing potential strategies. Whether you're approaching retirement, already retired, navigating a major life transition, or simply looking for a second opinion, our goal is to help you make informed financial decisions with greater clarity.

Schedule a Time To Talk