METUCHEN, N.J., Oct. 4, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gregg Abella, Co-Principal of Investment Partners Asset Management (IPAM) has been named an Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) by Fi360, the premier organization for fiduciary education, investment analytics, support services, and industry insights for financial professionals. The designation, which is granted to individuals who have completed Fi360's fiduciary training program, demonstrates Mr. Abella's desire to provide best-in-class investment advice to his clients.
AIF designees have a reputation in the industry for the ability to implement a prudent process into their own investment practices as well as an ability to assist others in implementing proper policies and procedures. For these reasons, the AIF was named one of the "Ten Most Wanted" designations in the investment industry by Financial Planning magazine. The Accredited Investment Fiduciary designation represents a thorough knowledge of and ability to apply the fiduciary Practices. Through fi360's AIF Training programs, AIF designees learn the Practices and the legal and best practice framework they are built upon. The Practices are a guide for investment fiduciaries to follow to demonstrate prudence in managing investment decisions.
By achieving the Accredited Investment Fiduciary designation, I feel that I'm now better prepared to serve individuals, families, businesses, trusts, and not-for profits - and I can be a resource to some of those entities as they strive to fulfill their own fiduciary duties," said Mr. Abella. "Furthermore, as our firm sometimes takes on a shareholder-advocate and activist stance on behalf of its clients, gaining an enhanced knowledge of boards' fiduciary responsibilities should serve me well in that endeavor. With the training I received through Fi360, I can use Fi360's Practices that define a prudent process for investment stewards and advisors, and strengthen policies and procedures."
Fi360, based near Pittsburgh, Pa., is the first full-time training and research facility for fiduciaries, and conducts training programs at universities throughout the United States and abroad. In addition to the AIF, fi360 also offers the Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst™ designation, making those who earn the designation the only recognized professionals trained to perform fiduciary assessments, which measure how well investment professionals are fulfilling the fiduciary duties required of them by the applicable investment legislation, case law, and regulatory opinion letters.
About Investment Partners Asset Management
IPAM is an investment management firm, which adheres to a combination of value investing, special situation participation, as well as seeking to exploit inefficiencies created by fluctuations and volatility of securities prices to obtain long-term investment gains. Founded in 1995, IPAM manages investments for individuals and families, businesses, and non-profit organizations applying their comprehensive approach balanced with research and insight. For more information about IPAM, please visit their website at www.investmentpartners.com
About Fi360
Fi360 offers training, tools and resources to promote a culture of fiduciary responsibility and improve the decision making processes of investment fiduciaries – individuals who manage money for others. It licenses the Prudent Practices for Investment Fiduciaries from the Foundation for Fiduciary Studies. Fi360 provides investment education and training programs and awards the Accredited Investment Fiduciary® (AIF®) and Accredited Investment Fiduciary Analyst™ (AIFA®) professional designations through the Center for Fiduciary Studies. It develops sophisticated Web-based tools and reporting, including the innovative Fiduciary Score™ and the Family Fund Fiduciary Rankings™ for trustees and investment professionals through Fiduciary Analytics. For more information on future events, training programs and fiduciary products, visit http://www.fi360.com