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International College of Financial Plannin CFP 9711437779
International College of Financial Plannin PGDFP 9711450002

PG Diploma In Financial Planning

Indian BFSI Industry at a glance

The Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) industry is among the fastest-growing industries in India, with Financial Planning and Wealth Management emerging as high-demand, prestigious, and well-paying professions. Financial Planning is not just about managing wealth; it’s about guiding individuals to achieve their life goals.

India’s financial services industry has witnessed tremendous growth, a trend expected to continue. By 2027, India is projected to have 16.57 lakh HNWIs, making it the fourth-largest private wealth market globally by 2028. The insurance market is poised to grow to US$ 250 billion by 2025, offering an additional US$ 78 billion in life insurance premiums from 2020-30. (Source: India Brand Equity Foundation). Relaxation in FDI norms has attracted global insurance players, paving the way for new joint ventures and collaborations in the sector.

The mutual fund industry is thriving, with combined Assets under Management (AUM) of approximately Rs 68 lakh crore in November 2024. This trend is likely to continue with the industry targeting an AUM of approximately Rs 90 lakh crore by 2030.

Alternative Investments – PMS and AIF The rise of sophisticated investment options like Portfolio Management Services (PMS) and Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) is transforming India’s financial landscape. With the establishment of GIFT City as a global financial hub, the growth of PMS and AIFs has accelerated, offering tax-efficient and regulatory-friendly structures to global investors and fund managers. This has created significant opportunities for professionals in this emerging segment.

India’s vibrant BFSI ecosystem offers immense opportunities for skilled professionals to build impactful careers in this booming sector.

PG Diploma Program Overview

The objective of the program is to nurture future leaders who aspire to make a distinctive mark in the Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance (BFSI) industry. Through a meticulously designed curriculum, participants gain mastery over the entire spectrum of technical qualifications and skill sets required to excel in verticals such as insurance, mutual funds, private banking, financial planning, and advisory services. The program also instil entrepreneurial acumen, empowering candidates to innovate, strategize, and lead in a rapidly evolving financial landscape. Additionally, it includes the full curriculum of the prestigious Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification, enabling participants to achieve this global designation while driving meaningful impact in a dynamic and competitive financial ecosystem.

Unique Aspects

  • Highly Relevant Curriculum.
  • Recognized Degree.
  • Leading Industry-Recognized Certifications.
  • Integrating the CFP ® Certification.
  • Enhanced Employability.
  • Broadened Business Opportunities.
  • Entrepreneurial Acumen and Investor Pitch Training.
  • Real-World Application through Capstone Projects.
  • Commitment to Continuous Learning.
  • Preparedness for Leadership in a Dynamic Financial Ecosystem.

Curriculum

1. Core Financial Knowledge and Planning

These subjects form the foundation of financial expertise, essential for understanding client needs and building comprehensive financial solutions.

  • Basics of Finance
  • Introduction to Financial Planning
  • Investment Planning
  • Tax & Estate Planning
  • Retirement Planning & Employee Benefit
  • Risk Analysis & Insurance Planning (NIA Brokers Exam)
  • Advanced Financial Planning (Financial Plan Construction)
  • Financial Planning Process, Principles and Practice
  • Integrated Financial Planning (Case Studies)
2. Professional Certifications and Regulatory Expertise

These industry-recognized certifications ensure compliance, credibility, and specialization, equipping participants to excel in competitive markets.

  • Mutual Fund & Investment Alternatives (NISM VA)
  • Investment Adviser (Level 1) Certification Examination (NISM XA)
  • Investment Adviser (Level 2) Certification Examination (NISM XB)
  • Securities Market Foundation Certification Examination (NISM:XII)
  • Equity & Currency Derivatives (NISM VIII)
  • AIF (Category I and II) Distributors Examination (NISM XIX-A)
  • PMS Distributors Certificate Examination (NISM XXI-A)
  • Research Analyst Certification Examination (NISM XV)
3.Emerging Trends and Specialized Expertise

Focused on future-ready skills and insights into evolving financial landscapes, ensuring participants stay ahead in a rapidly changing industry.

  • Behavioral Finance and Investor Psychology
  • Sustainable Finance (ESG)
  • Data Analytics in Wealth Management with Generative AI
  • Digital Assets (Crypto Currency)
  • Technical Analysis
4. Industry and Compliance Knowledge

Building strong technical proficiency with a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and product-specific expertise.

  • Regulatory Environment, Compliance and Law
  • Workshops on Product Training & Positioning (MF, LI, HI)
5. Business Development and Relationship Management

Designed to enhance interpersonal skills and strategic thinking for effective client acquisition and retention.

  • Personality Development & Business Communication
  • Sales & Relationship Management
6. Entrepreneurship Module

A module focusing on innovation, strategy, and execution. Participants will craft comprehensive business plans, develop investor pitches, and face a live Viva with industry experts and investors , fostering real-world entrepreneurial skills and confidence.

7. Practical Application: Wealth Management Project

A hands-on project allowing participants to apply their knowledge, design wealth management strategies, and deliver actionable outcomes based on real-world scenarios.

Career Opportunities

Our program is designed to open doors to thriving careers in the financial services industry. 1. Financial Planning Firms

Financial Planners are the “Financial Doctors” of today, helping clients navigate their financial journeys and achieve life goals. Our program incorporates the prestigious Certified Financial Planning (CFP®) curriculum—the gold standard in financial planning qualifications globally. This comprehensive training ensures you’re ready to deliver personalized, goal-oriented advice to clients. With the rising demand for qualified financial planners, this is your chance to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

2. Investment Firms

We prepare you to earn NISM Investment Advisor Level 1 (XA) and Level 2 (XB) certifications, essential for registering as an Investment Adviser under SEBI’s regulations. These certifications are highly valued across the financial industry, providing you with opportunities to join SEBI-registered advisory firms, brokers, or wealth management companies. As the financial advisory landscape evolves, these credentials position you as a trusted expert in the field.

3.Wealth Management Companies

Wealth managers play a critical role in advising clients on investment strategies, tax planning, and wealth creation. This involves understanding a client’s risk appetite and offering tailored advice to grow their wealth. Graduates of our program are well-equipped to join leading banks, wealth management companies, and distribution firms. These roles demand expertise in client acquisition, servicing, and retention, offering diverse career growth opportunities.

4. Private Banking

For those who enjoy personalized relationship management, private banking offers an exclusive career path. In this role, you will work closely with high-net-worth individuals, crafting customized financial plans and investment strategies. This field rewards those who can combine financial acumen with a deep understanding of client needs.

5. Asset Management Companies (AMCs)

India’s AMC industry is thriving, managing an AUM of INR 68 Lakh Crore (as of November 2024). Our program prepares you to excel in roles such as financial advisor, relationship manager, or research analyst within these firms. By educating clients on new investment products and schemes, you’ll contribute to shaping the future of wealth creation in India.

6. Brokers/Dealers

Stockbrokers are the backbone of the financial markets. They execute trades, provide investment advice, and manage portfolios, requiring strong analytical skills and real-time market knowledge. Our program equips you with the tools to thrive in this high-energy and rewarding profession.

7. Insurance Companies

The insurance industry remains a cornerstone of financial security. Professionals in this domain not only protect clients against risks but also help them plan their financial futures. With insurance products evolving rapidly, this is a field with consistent demand and growth potential.

8. Alternative Investments – PMS & AIF

As Indian investors seek sophisticated alternatives beyond traditional avenues, Portfolio Management Services (PMS) and Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) have gained prominence. Our program includes training in AIF (Category I & II) Distributors Examination (NISM XIX-A) and PMS Distributors Certification (NISM XXI-A). These qualifications empower you to enter this emerging space, offering specialized investment solutions to affluent clients.

9. Research Analyst

If you have a knack for analyzing trends and understanding market dynamics, a career as a Research Analyst might be for you. Our program incorporates the NISM Research Analyst Certification (NISM XV), enabling you to offer subscription-based services like model portfolios, investment calls, and detailed research reports. You can join leading firms or even set up your own practice in this dynamic field.

Program Content

Introduction to Financial Planning This module covers the six-steps of financial planning process, time value of money applications, personal financial statements, cash flow and debt management, overview of risk management, investment planning and retirement planning, code of ethics, and business aspects of financial planning.
Investment Planning This module covers the critical knowledge of different asset classes and interplay amongst them, the investment products constituting such classes and their investment risk profile to enable the management of a client’s finances towards achieving various financial goals. This module provides insights into different types of investment products available in markets, regulations and risks associated with the products, the exchange mechanisms of clearing and settlement, and the regulatory framework.
Mutual Fund & Investment Alternatives (NISM VA) This module will prepare students for the external NISM examinations.
Equity & Currency Derivatives Column 2, Row 4This module provides insights into different types of derivatives products available in equity derivatives markets, regulations and risks associated with the products, the exchange mechanisms of clearing and settlement, and the regulatory framework; This module will help students in understanding the fundamentals of currency market and enrich them with the knowledge and functioning of exchanged traded and over the counter currency derivatives market.
Risk Analysis & Insurance Planning (NIA Brokers Exam) The material in this course covers risk management and insurance. Upon completion of this course, candidates should have a good understanding of risk management need areas and ways to address them. Candidates should be able to evaluate existing insurance coverage and how it addresses the client’s risk management needs. Finally, candidates should be able to develop various strategies to protect the client’s financial wellbeing through appropriate risk management. This module even prepares candidates to appear for NIA Brokers examination.
Retirement Planning & Employee Benefit Through this module candidates will learn about key retirement principles and how to identify their client’s retirement objectives and needs. Candidates will be prepared to develop strategies and use techniques for wealth accumulation and withdrawal during retirement years; taking into consideration asset locations and the client’s personal financial goals, risk tolerance, risk capacity, and structure and impact of public and private retirement plans on the client’s financial plan.
Tax & Estate Planning This module covers the knowledge requirements of Indian Tax System, specifically related to Direct Taxes and personal taxation. In the second module, candidates will learn about Estate planning and at how an individual wants to address the end of his or her life. Postmortem (i.e., after death) estate (property/wealth) distribution is a significant planning focus, but even that is not the sole estate planning target. Further, even though estate planning may prepare for the end of life, a lot of the planning and plan execution happens much earlier. More than the legalities of preparing a will, this module will also delve into the emotional intelligence piece and sensitivities around this topic.
Regulatory Environment, Compliance and Law This module provides an overview of key foundational legislation and regulations in India
Financial Planning Process, Principles and Practice This course will teach candidates the Financial Planning Process, Practice Standards, Professional Skills, Client Characteristics, Client Engagement and Communication components of financial planning.
Integrated Financial Planning (Case Studies) This module prepares candidates for the CFP® Final Exam by teaching them how to understand a client’s goals, needs, and values. Candidates learn to identify and prioritize financial planning areas that will improve the client’s situation. They also learn how to create a clear financial plan with action steps and measure progress toward the client’s goals.
Advanced Financial Planning (Financial Plan Construction) This module will enrich students with required knowledge and skills to assess the entire financial situation of a client, financial goals of the client to meet in the near and long term, the parameters related to the economy, the financial market to develop a comprehensive financial plan.
Wealth Management Project In this module, candidates have to prepare a 360o holistic financial plan for any family member/friend. This is a project wherein the Plan has to be submitted in Hard Copy as a project report.
Fundamental & Technical Analysis This module provides comprehensive insights into fundamental analysis, including financial statement evaluation, industry trends, and macroeconomic factors, alongside technical analysis, emphasizing price trends, chart patterns, and key market indicators for informed investment decisions.
Securities Market Foundation Certification Examination (NISM:XII) This module prepares students for the external NISM examinations.
Investment Adviser (Level 1) Certification Examination (NISM XA) This module prepares students for the external NISM examinations; the examination seeks to create a common minimum knowledge benchmark for an individual investment adviser or principal officer of a non-individual investment adviser.
Investment Adviser (Level 2) Certification Examination (NISM XB) This module prepares students for the external NISM examinations; the examination seeks to create a common minimum knowledge benchmark for an individual investment adviser or principal officer of a non-individual investment adviser.
PMS Distributors Certificate Examination (NISM XXI-A) This module prepares students for the external NISM examinations; the examination seeks to create a common minimum knowledge for enhancing quality of PMS distribution and support services – operational aspects, taxation aspects and regulatory, governance and ethical aspects of portfolio managers and PMS distributors.
AIF (Category I and II) Distributors Examination (NISM XIX-A) This module prepares students for the external NISM examinations; the examination seeks to enhance the quality of sales and distribution and enable better quality investor services in the Alternative Investment Fund domain in India.
Research Analyst Certification Examination (NISM XV) This module prepares students for the external NISM examinations; the examination seeks to impart technical knowledge for creating research analyst and partners of a research analyst, engaged in preparation and/or publication of research report or research analysis.