The number of Certified Financial Planner designees is growing all around the world.
The Financial Planning Standards Board, owner of the international CFP certification program, announced Monday that the number of CFP professionals worldwide rose by 5,500, or 3.76%, in 2013 to 153,376.
For the second straight year, FPSB's U.S. member organization (the CFP Board of Standards) had the biggest increase with 1,886 new members. Other nations who saw large increases in CFP professionals included China (+1,782), Japan (+628) and Brazil (+356)
"It's clear that the concept of financial planning and the value of Certified Financial Planner certification has taken hold globally," says Noel Maye, CEO of FPSB. "With more than 150,000 CFP professionals committed to rigorous standards of competency, ethics and professionalism, the global financial planning profession stands ready to put clients' interests first and assist them in achieving their financial and life goals."
FPSB has increased the number of territories offering the CFP certification from 17 to 25 since 2002 with the number of CFP professionals more than doubling in this time frame. The Americas region saw a 2.3% increase in CFP professionals during 2013 to 87,504. This geographic area includes the U.S., Canada and Brazil, which are home to 57% of the world's CFP professionals.
"As FPSB looks to celebrate its 10-year anniversary this year, we're proud of the gains we've made and growth will continue to be a key focus for the organization," says Maye. "In addition to supporting existing member organizations with growth plans, FPSB has identified several markets as potential opportunities for CFP certification growth, including: Chile, Italy, Mexico, the Middle East, Peru, Poland, the Russian Federation, Spain, Turkey and Vietnam."
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