Certifications

FAQs

CFES certification provides third-party validation of a nonbank’s risk management and compliance capabilities using the STARC framework and standards. It evaluates the nonbank’s operational maturity with maturity-based ratings from 1-5.

Unlike traditional audits that focus on single regulatory areas, CFES certification:

  • Covers six core risk and compliance areas in one assessment and can include additional modules like lending
  • Uses standardized methodology enabling benchmarking across companies
  • Designed specifically for modern bank-fintech partnerships
  • Produces shareable certification report reducing duplicative due diligence
Costs vary based on assessment scope and chosen CFES-Qualified Assessor firm. Contact assessors directly for pricing tailored to your company’s needs.
No. Sharing your certification is entirely voluntary. You decide whether to share it with bank partners to streamline due diligence or reference it in discussions.
Typically 2-3 months depending on company size and maturity, scope of assessment, and documentation readiness.
Annual recertification is recommended to maintain currency and demonstrate continuous compliance program improvement.
Since CFES standards are publicly available, nonbanks can assess approximately where they stand before pursuing formal certification. The assessment provides specific improvement recommendations and mitigation planning. Companies can pursue certification after implementing necessary improvements.

Review CFES standards and choose relevant modules
Select a CFES-Qualified Assessor firm
Schedule consultation and begin assessment
Receive certification upon successful completion

  • Ready to begin?

Click “Get Certified” to start your certification.

Get Certified