FPSB celebrates 20th anniversary in Brazil

The Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) has used its 20th anniversary celebrations to boast the growth of Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professionals since the organisation launched in 2004.

According to the FPSB, there are now 223,700 CFPs worldwide, up from 86,690 in 2004 for a 158 per cent increase.

This represents “significant strides to propel the global financial planning profession forward”, it said, also noting the expansion in the number of territories that offer CFP certification from 17 to 28, with Italy being the most recent addition.

“I am incredibly proud of our accomplishments to advance the global financial planning profession over the past 20 years. This milestone anniversary is a true testament to the commitment of our global network to drive excellence in financial planning through CFP certification,” said FPSB chief executive Dante De Gori, CFP, who is also the former CEO of the Financial Planning Association of Australia.

“I’m extremely grateful for the hard work of our team, global network, supporters and the global CFP professional community who have helped us champion our mission to uphold worldwide professional standards in financial planning. I look forward to continuing our work together to propel the profession forward.”

According to the FPSB, the organisation has also helped advisers worldwide keep pace with the “changing needs and expectations of consumers, as well as the evolution in the practice of financial planning by professionals by updating global financial planning standards and certification requirements, including the addition of psychology in the practice of financial planning, crypto finance and evolving investment strategies”.

It also noted its work “amplifying” the global financial advice community’s voice through its affiliate membership of the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) and submitting recommendations to regulatory and government bodies.

“[The FPSB raises] awareness of the value of financial planning and of working with a CFP professional through global consumer initiatives such as World Financial Planning Day, hosted in conjunction with IOSCO’s World Investor Week, and OECD’s Global Money Week,” the organisation said.

“Informing and disseminating insights into the practice of financial planning and the value to consumers via global research.”

The FPSB also hosted a celebratory dinner in Sᾶo Paulo, Brazil, on 18 October that featured keynote speaker former FPSB CEO Noel Maye and remarks by founding FPSB board member Elaine Bedel, CFP, and De Gori.

In addition, FPSB released its 20-year commemorative book, celebratory video and infographic in observation of its anniversary. The anniversary also coincided with its Global Meeting in Sao Paulo on 16–18 October.

“FPSB would like to thank Planejar – Associação Brasileira de Planejamento Financeiro for hosting this year’s annual meeting in São Paulo and all the efforts of the Planejar team,” De Gori said.

“We also acknowledge the generous support of our joint sponsors of the FPSB 2024 Global Meeting – Planejar and ANBIMA.”