In a significant move to bolster expertise in the financial advisory domain, the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM Bangalore) has joined forces with FPSB India to introduce a new certificate programme. The Personal Finance and Wealth Advisory (PFWA) programme was officially launched on December 18, 2025, marking a key collaboration between academia and industry standards.
Bridging Academic Rigour with Industry Needs
The PFWA programme is meticulously crafted by IIMB's Centre for Capital Markets and Risk Management (CCMRM). It is designed to merge strong academic foundations with practical, real-world applications. The curriculum aims to arm professionals with not just knowledge and tools, but also an entrepreneurial mindset necessary to thrive in the fast-changing landscape of financial planning.
Dr Aishwarya Krishna, Research Consultant at CCMRM, emphasised the programme's contemporary relevance. She pointed out that the course content integrates essential elements like microeconomics, business acumen, Bloomberg datasets, and modern advisory frameworks. This ensures that participants are prepared to navigate today's dynamic financial environment effectively.
Pathway to Global Certification and Alumni Status
A major incentive for participants is the dual benefit upon completion. Graduates will be granted the prestigious IIMB EEP Alumni Status. Furthermore, they may become eligible for the Fast Track Pathway to the globally recognised Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) certification, which is administered by FPSB India.
FPSB India, the Indian subsidiary of the Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd, is a leading authority in this field. The CFP® mark is widely considered the gold standard for financial planning professionals globally. This partnership is part of FPSB India's broader strategy to collaborate with top academic institutions to strengthen the overall financial planning ecosystem for public benefit.
Validating the Value of Professional Certification
The launch event saw participation from senior IIM Bangalore programme directors, Council of Financial Planners (COFP) members, and FPSB India delegates. During the event, FPSB India formally accredited the PFWA programme, underscoring its commitment to innovation in financial education.
The initiative is backed by research highlighting the tangible value of certification. Findings from the 2023 FPSB Value of Financial Planning Research indicate that CFP® certification helps professionals expand their client base and enhance earning potential, with many reporting significant growth within the first year itself.
In related offerings, IIM Bangalore also provides an online course titled Financial Accounting and Analysis: Core Principles. This five-week programme educates professionals across disciplines on the core elements of key financial statements like the balance sheet and cash flow statement.
