Offered by CIFA – Chartered Institute for Financial Accountants
In today’s complex and fast-changing financial environment, individuals and businesses alike seek guidance that is not only technically sound but also personalized and trustworthy. The Foundations of Financial Planning & Client Advice (FFPCA) course, offered by the Chartered Institute for Financial Accountants (CIFA), equips learners with essential knowledge and practical skills in financial planning, client advisory, and ethical financial consultancy.
Whether you’re entering the financial advisory profession or looking to enhance your foundational expertise, this course offers an ideal starting point for understanding the core principles of financial planning and delivering value-driven advice.
Why Choose FFPCA by CIFA?
CIFA is an internationally recognized financial education provider committed to developing skilled professionals who uphold the highest standards in accounting, finance, and advisory services. The FFPCA course is CPD-accredited and designed to meet the growing global demand for ethical and effective financial planners and client-facing advisors.
By completing this course, learners demonstrate both technical proficiency and a commitment to responsible, client-centered service—qualities that are increasingly sought in today’s financial services sector.
Course Objectives
The Foundations of Financial Planning & Client Advice (FFPCA) course is designed to help participants:
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Understand the principles of personal and business financial planning
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Identify client needs through effective questioning and analysis
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Recommend suitable financial products and services
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Apply ethical decision-making and compliance frameworks
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Develop communication and trust-building strategies with clients
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Recognize risks and regulatory requirements in financial advisory work
What You’ll Learn
The course is structured into five comprehensive modules:
1. Introduction to Financial Planning
This module explores the fundamentals of financial planning, including:
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The six-step financial planning process
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Goal setting and budgeting
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Time value of money and basic investment principles
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Life-stage planning and client segmentation
Participants learn how to create a personal financial strategy tailored to individual or business goals, taking into account income, savings, expenses, and long-term objectives.
2. Understanding Clients and Building Trust
Effective financial planning begins with deep client insight. This module focuses on:
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Client profiling and risk tolerance assessment
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Behavioural finance: how emotions and biases influence decisions
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Building rapport and trust through clear communication
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Confidentiality and responsible data handling
Learners develop a framework for identifying financial priorities and constraints through interviews, surveys, and financial assessments.
3. Financial Products and Services
Advisors must understand the tools available to them. This module covers:
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Overview of financial instruments: savings, investments, insurance, pensions
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Principles of tax planning and retirement strategies
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Mortgage and credit management solutions
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Selecting appropriate products based on client profiles
The course includes case studies showing how various products can serve short-term, medium-term, and long-term client needs.
4. Ethics, Regulation & Compliance
Given the advisory role’s fiduciary nature, ethics and regulation are critical. This section introduces:
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Ethical principles in financial planning
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Avoiding conflicts of interest
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Anti-money laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) obligations
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Relevant regulatory bodies and frameworks (e.g., FCA, SEC)
Participants learn how to ensure their recommendations are not only beneficial to the client but also legally sound and transparently delivered.
5. Crafting and Presenting Client Advice
Finally, learners explore how to bring everything together in the advisory process:
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Writing financial plans and presenting recommendations
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Conducting review meetings and performance tracking
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Client onboarding and documentation
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Dealing with objections and ongoing support
Through practical templates and role-play exercises, students practice delivering clear, effective, and confidence-inspiring advice.
Who Should Take This Course?
This course is ideal for:
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Entry-level financial advisors and planners
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Accountants looking to expand into client advisory services
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Insurance agents, mortgage advisors, or bankers
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Entrepreneurs and business consultants
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Graduates in finance, business, or economics
No prior financial planning certification is required, making this course a perfect foundational step into the industry.
Course Format & Assessment
The FFPCA course is offered 100% online via CIFA’s secure learning portal. It is self-paced, allowing learners to study at their convenience while still having access to:
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Interactive e-learning modules
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Practical client scenarios and assessments
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Downloadable financial planning templates
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Instructor-led Q&A sessions (optional)
Estimated Study Time: 35–40 hours
Assessment:
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Multiple-choice quizzes after each module (pass mark: 80%)
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Final case-based project involving client analysis and recommendations
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Certification exam (online, 90 minutes)
Certification
Upon successful completion of the course and final exam, participants receive a CPD-certified certificate in Foundations of Financial Planning & Client Advice (FFPCA) from CIFA. This certification validates your understanding of financial planning principles and client-focused advisory practices—giving you a strong credential in the financial services sector.
Why This Matters
As financial systems grow more complex and clients become more informed, the role of the advisor is evolving. Clients don’t just want product recommendations—they want holistic advice, ethical guidance, and a planner they can trust. The FFPCA course empowers you with the knowledge, tools, and mindset to meet those expectations.
Whether you’re entering the field or looking to formalize your financial planning skills, CIFA’s FFPCA course lays a strong foundation for long-term success in client advisory Guest.
