Masters In Financial Planning

Masters in Financial Planning is an intensive two year program which offers dual benefit of a Masters from a UGC recognized university AND a professional CFPCM certification, which is a global qualification with presence in around 26 nations.

This 2 yr Master Degree Program leads you to be awarded UGC recognised Master Degree of M.Com in Financial Planning from University of Mysore.

Program Overview

Indian customer is getting more aware of the financial products and their features and is not as naive as it used to be few years back. Financial planners would have to become more proficient and add more value to stay in the business. Thus today adequately trained and qualified Financial Planning professionals are required by Financial Services Companies, Banks etc.

Program Objectives

• To teach students the techniques and tools useful for financial planning and analysis in today’s financial and economic scenario.
• To improve students’ technical and interpersonal skills through the use of case studies.
• To engender the required analytical knowledge and skills in order to develop proficient financial planners.
• To nurture and groom the aspirants in order to match the requirement of the financial industry.
• To prepare students for internationally recognized CFPCM certification conducted by Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB), India.

Unique Aspects

• Full integration with internationally acclaimed CFP program curriculum
• Full integration with must-for-industry professional certifications from NISM
• Inclusion of multiple Role Plays, Workshops, Projects and Assignments to enhance practical skills
• Earn while you learn: Placement Opportunity after one year – You save one full year!
• Inclusion of personality enhancement sessions
• To promote CFP™ among students and prepare them to achieve the same
• Overall program significantly enhances career prospects in India as well as abroad

Career Scope

It takes great amount of work and boldness to make a fortune but it takes 10 times those qualities to preserve it.— Ralph Waldo Emerson. Masters in Financial Planning have the following opportunities waiting for them:

1.Financial Planners: Financial Planners are like Financial Doctors. PGDFP fully incorporates the curriculum of CFP. CFP being the highest qualification and only recognized Financial Planning qualification. Financial Planners provide guidance to clients to help them achieve their financial goals. Financial Planners are hired by pure financial Planning companies such as Fincart, Finedge, etc. apart from banks, wealth management companies, etc.

2.Investment Advisor: CFP has been recognized as one the qualification to register as Investment Adviser under SEBI Investment Advisor Regulations. All finance companies offering wealth management services and investment advisory companies including brokers need to register as Investment Advisors with SEBI. Hence, students completing PGDFP have huge opportunity with various SEBI Registered Investment Advisors.

3.Wealth Management: A wealth manager’s job essentially entails understanding the client’s risk appetite and advising him accordingly on the various investment options available to increase wealth. The advice they offer is wide-ranging and varied. It can cover taxes to asset protection; investments to property advice. So the responsibility of making the client’s money make more money ultimately lies with the Wealth manager. Wealth managers are hired by Banks, Wealth Management companies, Distribution Companies etc. These jobs carry targets and involve client acquisition, servicing and retention.

4.Asset Management Companies:  Asset management companies manage the investor’s money in order to achieve a financial objective within specific guidelines of the various investment schemes. There are current 43 asset management companies in India which require not only fund managers, research analysts but also need financial advisers and relationship managers to educate clients about the new products, services and offerings of the asset management companies.

5.Client Services Manager: Client Service Managers serve as a relationship management point of contact for clients of Financial Advisors. They are responsible for daily operations, client service, record keeping and sales support. They are the primary point of contact for all service related needs of the clients. Client Service Managers are hired by banks, wealth management companies, insurance companies, non-banking financial companies.

6.Brokers/Dealers: A stockbroker serves the financial interests of his clients. He executes trades and sells securities and commodities to individual clients, advises clients on what investments suit their financial situations and can manage clients’ investment portfolio. A broker must stay on top of the market at all times by analyzing, monitoring and researching the performance of stocks, trade markets and acquisitions.

7.Others: Financial Planning professionals have a great scope in the industry. Apart from the above mentioned profiles, there exist lot of other options in the industry such as Commodities markets, Currency Markets, Insurance and Mutual Funds.

Note

• Program affiliated with and degree awarded by UGC Approved University
• In case a student completes first two semesters and achieves total 48 credits, the student shall be awarded a Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning by the University.

Curriculum

Program Structure Masters in Financial Planning program comprise a highly specialized curriculum pack. In order to enable the students to be recognized as financial planning experts in India as well as internationally, ICoFP integrates the curriculum of some of the most acclaimed professional certifications globally. Some of the distinguishing features about Financial Planning curriculum are listed below:

• Highly specialized curriculum centered around financial planning in first year.
• Full integration with internationally acclaimed CFP program curriculum.
• Full integration with must-for-industry professional certifications from NISM & MCX.
• Inclusion of multiple workshops, projects and assignments to enhance practical skills.
• Overall program significantly enhances career prospects in India as well as abroad.
• Inclusion of personality enhancement sessions.

11 days Practical Training at Bajaj Capital Limited during the Commencement Program

• Focus on the practical applications of a wide range of financial products.
• Trainers are senior product specialists from Bajaj Capital Limited.
• Focus on the way in which financial instruments function and the markets and platforms upon which they trade.
• Understand the essential nuances and characteristics of each type of securities.

Pedagogy

Elbert Einstein said “Education is not the learning of facts but the training of minds to think”. True education is what remains after you forget everything else. Right training does not give you the solution to the problems but the ability to find the problem and create a solution. With strong belief in this philosophy, ICoFP has designed a unique pedagogical system that encompasses highly specialized and effective teaching aides.

Program Content

Admissions

Course Duration

The duration of the PGDFP+Masters in financial planning program is 2years. Students will receive the following academic inputs during the 2nd year. 1. A capsule classroom training each semester. 2. Top-class study material prepared by renowned experts.

Eligibility & Admission Process

• The candidate must possess a Bachelor’s Degree.
• The Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent qualification with minimum of 45%) obtained by the candidate must entail a minimum of 3 years of education after completing Higher Secondary School (10 + 2 or equivalent).
• Candidate appeared/appearing for their final year exams can also apply subject to furnishing a proof of graduation by the required date.

Admission Procedure

Our Masters programs are targeted towards individuals with high potential for success. Selection at ICoFP is therefore very rigorous & competitive.

1. Application: ICoFP Prospectus and Application Form and can be acquired by one-time payment of Rs. 1000/- for one program. • By cash payment at our counseling offices. • By post (enclosing demand draft drawn in favor of “International College of Financial Planning ltd.” payable at New Delhi) . • On-line application through click here (need to make the payment by credit/debit card).

2. Admission Test: Candidates are required to appear for ICoFP’s entrance exam (I-NET) which measures critical areas like communication skills, logical reasoning, quantitative skills, thus helping us to identify the suitability of a candidate.)” conducted by ICoFP. The candidate has to undergo a rigorous selection procedure comprising of Written Test, Group Discussion (GD) & Personal Interview (PI). All candidates who have appeared for CAT/ MAT can also apply for this program with their scores. Short-listed candidates will have to appear only for GD & PI. Group Discussion and personal interview are also integral components of the admissions process.

3. Final Selection: Final selection will be based on a careful evaluation of the applicant’s academic record from class X, through graduation and/or post graduate qualification, work experience (if any), extra-curricular activities, IET/CAT/MAT scores, group discussion and personal interview.

Education Loans Candidates admitted to our full time programs are eligible for education loan. We have a loan tie up with leading banks/institutions that provide funding to cover up your fees.

Career Opportunities

1. Financial Planning, Wealth Manager/ Relationship Manager, Sales and other Client Facing Jobs: It takes great amount of work and boldness to make a fortune but it takes 10 times those qualities to preserve it. — Ralph Waldo Emerson. Wealth Managers/ Relationship Managers: Wealth Managers are often quoted as financial doctors. In certain respects, a wealth manager has even greater impact than a medical doctor. While health is limited to an individual’s life span, wealth management has major legacy effect: it shapes future generations too.

As the income level goes up, life expectancy increases, life style requirements increase and with tax rates changing, one needs to have a wealth manager to advice. Wealth managers have come to play a role in the life of people right from the day they begin their career upto the stage of planning for their retirement and writing wills.

A wealth manager’s job essentially entails understanding the client’s risk appetite and advising him accordingly on the various investment options available to increase wealth. The advice they offer is wide-ranging and varied. It can cover taxes to asset protection; investments to property advice. So the responsibility of making the client’s money make more money ultimately lies with the Wealth manager.

The candidates should have a high level of interpersonal skills and an understanding of the various investment options. Wealth managers are hired by Banks, Wealth Management companies, Distribution Companies etc. These jobs carry targets and involve client acquisition, servicing and retention.

2. Own Ventures in financial planning and investment advisory: Financial advisory services are a big business. The course can imparts all the relevant knowledge & certifications required to successfully manage an Investment boutique, after requisite experience. The campus environment plays a substantial role in inculcating entrepreneurial skills and provide the relevant knowledge base amongst students.

3. Back Office and KPOs: The Back office or the operations division is at the core of processing every transaction in the bank/ Financial services firm. It links risk management and control processes to help protect the company’s assets and reputation. Operations staff work closely with the other divisions – trading, sales, technology, market risk, credit, compliance, tax and legal – as well as external clients, when required to help facilitate business and provide guidance and direction.

Students with sound knowledge of financial & technical concepts are the preferred choice for research based profile at Knowledge Process Outsourcing ( KPO) units. The task is to work on international assignments and research projects to analyze the future prospects of the business.

A number of KPOs have been set up by top international banks and wealth management organizations. These companies hire highly skilled and qualified personnel who can undertake research and report-writing assignments.

4. Industry (Finance Department, across sectors): Finance is the life blood of any business. Well managed finance department can contribute to the success of the business. There is much more to finance department than keeping accounts. Logical investment of profits and also resource raising are an integral part of any organizations finance departments. Sound knowledge of Financial Planning & Portfolio management concepts are a pre-requisite for this profile.

Others: Financial Planning professionals have a great scope in the industry. Apart from the above mentioned profiles, there exist a lot of options in the industry such as Stock broking and Commodities markets, Currency Markets, Insurance and Mutual Funds.

Masters FP FAQs

Q1. What is the objective of Masters FP program offered by ICOFP?

Ans: Masters FP is a program designed by industry stalwarts in such a way that besides preparing students for Financial Services industry, it also prepares the students for internationally recognized certifications such as Associate Financial Planner (AFP) & CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERCM which are authorized by FPSB, India and various other industry recognized certifications like NISM-Mutual Funds Module, NISM-Equity Derivatives Module, NISM securities markets. If you want to make a career in finance industry, a lot of schools have Masters programs but a specialized Masters FP is something that can set you apart in the industry.

Q2. What is the duration of Masters FP Program?

Ans: Masters FP Program is a 2 year program. Since, it is an industry integrated program, candidates are placed in the industry after completion of 1 year of the program. The 1st year is full-time through face-to face classroom training and 2nd year is through online mode. We also provide with doubt sessions in year 2.

Q3. IS Masters FP a degree or a diploma program?

Ans: You get a degree for the two years full time Masters Program affiliated with and degree awarded by UGC Approved University.

Q4. What is the application and selection process to ICoFP post graduate programs?

Ans: 1. Application: ICoFP Prospectus and Application Form can be acquired by one-time payment of Rs. 1000/- for one program. To apply click here, http://www.icofp.org/payment.php. 2. Entrance Test and Selection Process: The candidate has to undergo a rigorous selection procedure comprising of Written Test and two rounds of Personal Interview.

• Candidate has to appear for ‘AMCAT’ entrance test. “AMCAT” is a computer adaptive test which measures the prospective candidates on critical areas like communication skills, logical reasoning, and quantitative skills. All candidates who have appeared for CAT/ MAT can also apply to ICoFP with their score.
• Short listed candidates will have to appear for two Personal Interviews with a panel. The overall objective is to identify and assess the candidate’s communication ability, in addition to the overall knowledge of the student.
• Final selection will be based on a careful evaluation of the applicant’s academic record from class X, through graduation and/or post graduate qualification, work experience (if any), extra-curricular activities, performance in entrance test and personal Interview. Successful candidates will be informed of their final selection by courier/ phone call. The selected candidates must pay their first fee installment within two weeks of receiving the admission offer, failing which the offer will be withdrawn.

Q5. What is the eligibility admission for admission to ICoFP post graduate programs?

Ans:

• The candidate must possess a Bachelor’s Degree.
• The Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent qualification) with minimum of 45% obtained by the candidate must entail a minimum of 3 years of education after completing Higher Secondary School (10 + 2 or equivalent).
• Candidate applying for their final year exams can also apply subject to furnishing a proof of graduation by 15th September.

Q6. What is the difference between generic Masters offered by other colleges and Masters in FP offered by CFP?

Ans: ICoFP offers super specialized programs in Finance. ICoFP’s highly specialized Masters FP programs prepare a student to handle a job in the finance industry and are designed to cover everything the student needs to know to do that job. The skills obtained in traditional business schools are better suited for employees in more general disciplines, such as marketing or general management whereas ICoFP’s Masters FP prepares a student to handle a job in the finance industry and is designed to cover everything the student needs to know to do that job. Moreover, PGDBM offered by various institutions is not AICTCE or UGC accredited whereas Masters FP degree affiliated to UGC Approved University.

Q7. Can I pay the fees in installments?

Ans: Yes, you have the option to pay the fees in installments.

Q8. Is hostel accommodation available for the students?

Ans: We have a tie up with many hostels & PGs which are near to ICoFP college campus. The accommodation is available for students as per requirement.

Q9. Can I get a sponsorship from the company where I am working?

Ans: Yes. Applicants are encouraged to get themselves sponsored by their employers.

Q10. Do you have any quotas for NRI’S/SC/ST/BC?

Ans: No. We do not. However, ICoFP encourages applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds.

Q11. Which are the top five recruiters of students who have done Masters FP from ICOFP?

Ans: Students who have completed Masters FP have taken up a wide range of assignments with banks, distribution houses, AMC, insurance Companies, equity broking and Financial Planning firms and many have successfully set up their own investment advisory business. The top 5 companies to be included are-Ameriprise, Religare securities, ICICI prudential asset Management Company, Edleweiss broking and Humfauji.

Q12. What is the teaching pedagogy at ICoFP?

Ans: The teaching methodology used targets converting the rigorous academic experience during the program into rich practical knowledge by the end of program. Using techniques such as case studies, live projects, assignments, workshops, expert mentoring, real industry exposure in specific career segment are employed.

Q13. Does ICoFP have any scholarship opportunity for Masters Program aspirants?

Ans: Yes, ICoFP offers scholarships to deserving candidates. We also have scholarship scheme for girl child. Refer to the following link for details: http://www.icofp.org/scholarship-support.php

Q14. What if, I have not received final degree or certificate of Graduation?

Ans: Candidates who are in their final year of graduation or awaiting their certificates need to submit a letter from their college/university stating the fact that their final degree is awaited..