Foster Group Renews CEFEX Fiduciary Certification
The Nebraska and Iowa investment advisory firm has held the certification for 19 consecutive years.
Updated on Nov. 1, 2026 in Financial Planning
Foster Group has renewed its CEFEX fiduciary certification for a 19th consecutive year, remaining the only investment advisory firm in Nebraska and Iowa to receive the designation continuously. The renewal followed an independent assessment of its investment management processes, strategy implementation, and other fiduciary practices.
Why it matters
The certification signals adherence to documented fiduciary standards for clients whose investment decisions carry legal obligations. For Nebraska residents seeking an advisor, it offers one independently verified benchmark for fiduciary practice.
The renewal is an annual evidence-based assessment under ISO 19011 auditing guidelines, with Foster Group first certified in August 2007 and paying an annual fee of approximately $5,000. The extraction does not indicate how many advisory firms in the region pursue the certification.
The players
CEFEX
CEFEX is an independent certification body that assesses investment advisors against documented fiduciary practice standards.
Foster Group
Foster Group is a Nebraska-based investment advisory firm and the only one in Nebraska and Iowa to hold continuous CEFEX certification.
The details
The certification covers ERISA defined benefit and defined contribution plans, personal trusts, high-net-worth individuals, endowments, foundations, and corporate-owned investment accounts. CEFEX evaluates adherence to the Prudent Practices for Investment Advisors, and the renewal was processed through Broadridge.
Timeline
August 2007: Foster Group first obtains CEFEX certification.
2026: Certification renewed for a 19th consecutive year.
Industry Standards
The CEFEX program applies ISO 19011 management-systems auditing guidelines to investment advisors, and Foster Group's 19-year renewal record places it within that externally audited framework. Continuous annual assessment distinguishes the certification from a one-time credential.
Investors comparing advisors in Nebraska can check whether a firm holds a current, independently audited fiduciary certification before engaging it. The certification is one verifiable factor among fees, credentials, and services in evaluating an advisor.
The takeaway
Before hiring an investment advisor, ask whether the firm holds an independent fiduciary certification and how often it is renewed. Verifiable, recurring assessment is a more useful signal than a one-time credential.
Further reading
For related context, see Financial Planning coverage for Nebraska readers.
More information
Learn how the certification process works on the CEFEX certification program site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Omaha World-Herald.
