About SOFE

The Society of Financial Examiners is a professional society for examiners of insurance companies, banks, savings and loans, and credit unions. We have a membership of over 1,600 representing 50 states, Canada, Aruba and Netherlands Antilles. SOFE is the one organization where financial examiners of insurance companies, banks, savings and loans, and credit unions come together for training and to share and exchange information on a formal and informal level.

The Society was established in 1973 to establish a strict code of professional standards for members engaged in the examination of financial institutions, to promote uniform ethical standards that will engender employer and public confidence to the degree that those interested can identify professionally qualified practitioners, and to promote and enforce minimum requirements of conduct, training, and expertise for members engaged in financial examination.

Education/Training

The keystone to that professional development is the education and training program through certification program. We offer education through the annual Career Development Seminar, which is a 3-day, multi-track seminar offered each summer in various cities in the U.S. Learn more about our education programs.

Certification/Designations

SOFE offers three professional designations, which may be earned by completing extensive requirements including the successful completion of a series of examinations administered by the Society. The designations are Accredited Financial Examiner, Certified Financial Examiner, and Automated Examiner Specialist. Learn more about the designations and the SOFE exams.

Structure

The Society is ruled by a 50 person Board of Governors, the Executive Committee and the State Chairs with assistance from Headquarters. The Board of Governors meets twice a year, the Executive Committee meets quarterly and the State Chairs conduct separate state chapter meetings on varying schedules, but meet annually as a group. Learn more about the structure of SOFE leadership and the role of each group.

Publications

There are two publications of the Society. The Examiner is published quarterly and includes articles of interest to the insurance industry. This publication is distributed to members as well as insurance regulators. The InSIGHT is published every two months (six times a year) and includes information about happenings with the Society that are of interest to members. Learn more about our publications.