James W. LohseFounder and Partner

James W. Lohse, ChFC®, CASL®, AIF® is a career professional in the financial services industry spanning nearly 40 years. As Founder and Partner of ICFP and throughout his career, he has continually increased his dedication to helping his clients, which has earned him the respect of clients and colleagues, alike.

Jim has dedicated himself to provide his clients with comprehensive solutions to achieve their financial goals. He has earned his ChFC® (Chartered Financial Consultant®), designation has been granted the CASL®( Charted Associate for Senior Living®), designation, and AIF® (Accredited Investment Fiduciary®). As a select group in the financial service field with respected credentials in senior planning, Jim has provided his clients with customized solutions to pursue their specific financial goals and helped them to understand that financial success is measured by how well a detailed plan allows someone to realize their dreams for themselves and their family.

His career began with Continental Bank in Chicago in the Bond Trading Operations department. In 1987, he affiliated with a financial services company to later found Chicago Oakbrook Financial Group with three other partners. Most recently, founded Independence Capital Financial Partners with two other Partners.

Jim is active in his community and industry serving on the Naperville Chamber of Commerce as an ambassador to membership and also active with his local church. In addition, Jim is a proud veteran of the United States Army and has passed on this dedication of service to his daughter who has also had active duty in the US Army. Jim has resided in Downers Grove for many years with his wife, Terry, of over 40+ years.

The ChFC® designation has been a mark of excellence for almost thirty years and currently requires nine college-level courses, the most of any financial planning credential. Average study time to earn the ChFC® exceeds 450 hours. Required courses cover extensive education and application training in financial planning, income taxation, investments, and estate and retirement planning. Additional electives are chosen from such topics as macroeconomics, financial decisions for retirement, and executive compensation. ChFC® designees must meet experience requirements and adhere to continuing education and ethical standards. The credential is awarded by The American College, a non-profit educator with an 85-year heritage and the highest level of academic accreditation.

The CASL® credential provides advisors with in-depth training on issues impacting seniors and those planning for retirement. The designation incorporates five required, college-level courses that represent an average total study time of more than 250 hours. Topics include investments, estate planning, health and long-term care financing, and financial decisions for retirement. CASL® designees must meet experience, continuing education and ethics requirements. The credential is awarded by The American College, a non-profit educator with an 85-year heritage and the top level of academic accreditation.

The AIF® Designation certifies that the recipient has specialized knowledge of fiduciary standards of care and their application to the investment management process. To receive the AIF® Designation, the individual must:

1. Meet prerequisite criteria based on a combination of education, relevant industry experience, and/or ongoing professional development
2. Complete a training program
3. Successfully pass a comprehensive, closed-book final examination under the supervision of an approved proctor
4. Agree to abide by the AIF® Designee Code of Ethics.

In order to maintain the AIF® Designation, the individual must annually attest to being in compliance with the AIF® Designee Code of Ethics, and accrue and report a minimum of six hours of continuing education. The AIF® Designation is administered by the Center for Fiduciary Studies, the standards-setting body of fi360.