If a client asks for special treatment due to a personal relationship, what is required?

• A. Ignore the personal relationship and proceed as usual.
• B. Treat all clients fairly, avoid bias, and maintain objectivity; disclose relationships if relevant.
• C. Provide preferential treatment to the client with the relationship.
• D. Decline to work with the client to avoid bias.

Answer: (B)

Fairness and disclosure when personal relationships exist are at the heart of this item. A CFP professional must treat all clients fairly, avoid bias, and maintain objectivity in guidance and service. If a personal relationship could influence judgment or create any appearance of a conflict, the adviser should disclose that relationship to the client and, when relevant, to the firm or compliance. This transparency helps the client understand any potential biases and allows the adviser to decide whether to proceed, refer to another adviser, or implement safeguards to preserve objectivity. The aim is to prevent any special treatment that would favor one client over another and to protect the integrity of the advisory relationship.