香港財務策劃師學會
The Institute of Financial Planners of Hong Kong
Founded in June 2000, the Institute of Financial Planners of Hong Kong (IFPHK) is a non-profit professional body dedicated to setting high standards for financial planners. Its creation was driven by Hong Kong’s growing wealth, emigration trends, and the launch of the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF), which increased demand for retirement planning expertise.
Led by founding Chairman Henry Lam, IFPHK’s small team drafted its constitution, set exam standards, and secured funding. By November 2000, it became the 14th global affiliate of the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Board, granting it exclusive rights to award CFP certification in Hong Kong and Macau. The first graduation ceremony took place in 2001, witnessing a cohort of 90 CFP certificants, dedicated to serve the community with their financial planning knowledge. The number of CFP certificants surged to 1,000 in 2003 and the IFPHK has started to host conferences, forums and community programs, gaining a prominent presence.
As the IFPHK navigates into its second decade, it started to introduce diversified programs to address to industry gaps and strengthen international partnerships. In 2011, the IFPHK introduced the ASSOCIATE FINANCIAL PLANNER® certification to broaden access to financial planning education and provide an interim pathway to the CFP certification. In 2016, the Qualified Retirement Advisors (QRA) qualification was launched in response to the rapidly greying population and thus the demand for proper retirement planning in this phenomenon. Apart from its homegrown professional qualification, the IFPHK has actively collaborated on global partnerships, ensuring financial planners meet evolving industry needs. These partnerships include the Certified Private Banker (CPB) qualification, the Associate Estate Planning Practitioner (AEPP) qualification, to name a few.
With a core mission in mind to lead the development, promotion and enforcement of professional standards in financial planning industry, the IFPHK has strived to safeguard the financial planning profession through policy advocacy, professional oversights and public awareness programs over the past 25 years. Signature achievements include the annual conference, financial planners awards, financial education awards and the retirement expense index. The Institute has gained an important presence among regulators and business companies, and has turned into a trusted and much respected institution for unbiased and professional advices for the public.
Despite economic challenges arising from pandemic and market shifts, today the IFPHK grew steadily and represents a community with around 6,700 members, including 3,600 CFP certificants, 1,200 QRA professionals, representing diverse sectors such as banking, insurance and financial advisory. Its success stems from its founders’ dedication and industry support. Moving forward, it remains committed to upholding professional standards and adapting to new financial landscapes.
