NAPFA's Vision for 2026: Kathryn Dattomo on Advancing Fee-Only Fiduciary Planning – Episode #36 of NAPFA Nation

In Episode #36 of NAPFA Nation, host Marie Swift speaks with NAPFA CEO Kathryn Dattomo to unpack the association's new strategic framework for 2026 and what it means for fee-only fiduciary advisors.

Dattomo shares how the framework grew out of a full year of listening sessions, surveys, and focus groups with NAPFA members and volunteer leaders, ultimately coalescing into three core pillars that are designed to be practical, member-driven, and tightly aligned with NAPFA's mission. The conversation explores how NAPFA plans to elevate the fiduciary standard by clarifying what fiduciary conduct looks like within the association, strengthening its advocacy voice around consumer protection, and helping advisors better communicate the value of fee-only advice to the public. Dattomo also explains how NAPFA will ignite connections through a redesigned website, a more robust member engagement hub, and an enhanced 'Find an Advisor' tool that makes it easier for consumers to locate fiduciary planners and understand why the fee-only model matters. Rounding out the framework, she highlights NAPFA's commitment to deepening professional education with more advanced, technical, and expert-driven content, expanded learning pathways from early career to advanced practice, and new online and on-demand opportunities rolling out as early as the first quarter of the new year.

As the year-end episode, Marie Swift closes the episode by noting that NAPFA Nation will go on sabbatical following this release, thanking listeners for their support, and encouraging advisors to watch for upcoming announcements as NAPFA brings its new strategic vision to life in 2026.

In a nutshell:

• NAPFA's new strategic framework for 2026 was shaped by a year-long process of member surveys, focus groups, and board and volunteer input to ensure it is practical and member-driven.
• The plan is organized into three pillars: elevating the fiduciary standard, igniting connections through community and engagement, and deepening professional education and learning.
• Elevating the fiduciary standard focuses on clarifying what fiduciary conduct means for NAPFA members, strengthening advocacy around consumer protection, and helping advisors clearly communicate the value of fee-only fiduciary advice.
• Igniting connections centers on enhancing the member experience through a redesigned website, a more robust member engagement hub, and an improved Find an Advisor tool that makes it easier for consumers to find and understand fee-only fiduciary planners.
• Deepening professional education emphasizes more advanced and technical programming, expert-driven content, new formats and tracks at conferences, and expanded online and on-demand learning opportunities beginning as early as the first quarter of 2026.

Special Note: In 2023, we rebranded the NAPFA podcast with a new album cover and series title: NAPFA Nation. We are shifting our monthly episodes to bring you inspiring conversations and key insights from leaders in the Fee-Only financial planning profession. Marie Swift, Founder and CEO of Impact Communications, will continue on as host, interviewing a variety of NAPFA members and professionals. You will still be able to find on this channel the 32 Mindset Mastery episodes with respected fiduciary financial planners and allied advocates who are committed to accomplishing great things as they master their own mindset and continue to serve their clients in the best ways possible.

Brought to you by NAPFA - the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors - the country's leading professional association of Fee-Only financial advisors. Learn more about NAPFA at www.NAPFA.org.