Boston Institute of Finance Acquires Certified Retirement Counselor Designation

Acquisition strengthens BIF's advanced designation portfolio and commitment to financial professionals

Apr. 4, 2026 at 10:48am

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Boston Institute of Finance (BIF), a Colibri Group organization, announced its acquisition of the Certified Retirement Counselor® (CRC®) designation from the International Foundation for Retirement Education on February 25, 2026. The CRC® designation is a nationally recognized, independently accredited credential that equips financial professionals with deep, practical expertise in retirement planning.

Why it matters

The acquisition of the CRC® designation underscores BIF's dedication to supporting financial professionals at every stage of their careers. It allows BIF to expand its advanced designation portfolio and elevate the standards of retirement planning expertise across the industry.

The details

Following Colibri Group's acquisition of BIF in 2025, the organization has continued to grow its advanced designation offerings in financial planning and wealth management. BIF, known for its CFP® Education and Exam Review programs, will now oversee the CRC® designation, which has maintained independent accreditation since 2009. The transition aims to provide continuity and long-term opportunity for the CRC® community, leveraging BIF's experience, operational scale, and commitment to learner outcomes.

  • BIF announced the acquisition on February 25, 2026.
  • Colibri Group acquired BIF in January 2025.

The players

Boston Institute of Finance (BIF)

A professional education organization specializing in comprehensive financial planning education, known for its CFP® programs. BIF is now a Colibri Group organization.

Colibri Group

A St. Louis-based organization building the future of professional education across various careers, including financial services.

International Foundation for Retirement Education

The previous owner of the Certified Retirement Counselor® (CRC®) designation.

Tim Dineen

Vice President at BIF.

Kevin Seibert

Managing Director of the CRC® Program at BIF.

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What they’re saying

“CRC® is a designation with real purpose in the financial and retirement planning profession. It helps professionals develop meaningful retirement planning expertise at an important point in their careers and supports long‑term growth as they deepen and expand their practice. We're excited to invest in the program and in the professionals it serves.”

— Tim Dineen, Vice President at BIF

“For the CRC® community, this transition is about continuity and long‑term opportunity. I've had the privilege of leading the CRC® designation and its community for more than twenty years, and joining BIF allows us to continue that work with greater scale and support. We're committed to a seamless transition while thoughtfully expanding the reach and impact of the designation.”

— Kevin Seibert, Managing Director of the CRC® Program at BIF

What’s next

BIF is committed to advancing the CRC® designation and elevating the standards of retirement planning expertise. Current credential holders and candidates will experience no disruption to their standing, program requirements, or exam testing windows.

The takeaway

The acquisition of the CRC® designation by BIF, a Colibri Group organization, strengthens the company's advanced designation portfolio and demonstrates its ongoing commitment to supporting the professional development of financial advisors and planners across all stages of their careers.