The Institute of Financial Planning

The Institute of Financial Planning (IFP) is the professional body representing Financial Planners.

IFP provides an extensive programme of branch meetings, training courses, seminars and events to help advisers and planners learn more about the benefits of comprehensive Financial Planning, run effective businesses, manage their personal development and ultimately to gain CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^CM certification where appropriate.       

IFP Vision: To achieve the widest recognition for the Financial Planning profession in the UK.

IFP Mission: To build and maintain the profession of Financial Planning for the benefit of consumers in the UK.

IFP - Leadership, Standards, Recognition & Awareness, Engagement

LEADERSHIP

IFP is the pre-eminent professional body supporting the needs of the growing Financial Planning community in the UK. CFP^CM certification represents the standard of excellence for Financial Planning professionals in the UK, as it does globally.

• Establish and uphold the premier positioning of Financial Planning and of CFP certification in the UK. 
• Define and grow the Financial Planning profession.
• Create a leap in value for IFP membership and CFP certification to unleash demand. 
• Secure long-term sustainability.
• Develop programmes and strategies to manage finances, risk, growth, people and leadership succession.

STANDARDS

IFP has established standards of excellence for the Financial Planning profession in the UK by way of its affiliation with the international Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB). 

• Build on the IFP’s status as the sole licensing authority for the CFP marks in the UK, through continuing our relationship with FPSB.
• Establish and uphold standards of excellence for Financial Planning. Develop education, assessment, training, experience, ethics and professional development for Financial Planners and Financial Planning firms, helping them to develop a robust business model that better serve UK consumers.
• Facilitate the sharing of best practice between members.

RECOGNITION AND AWARENESS

To obtain recognition for the value of the Financial Planning process and of CFP certification, across the financial services spectrum as well as with consumers and other stakeholders. To ensure that Financial Planning is recognised as a distinct profession. 

• Promote awareness and understanding of Financial Planning and CFP certification.
• Communicate to stakeholders what Financial Planning is and what the CFP marks symbolise.
• Position CFP professionals as the advisers of choice for those seeking professional Financial Planners.
• Communicate the experience, ethics, education standards and qualifications of CFP professionals.
• Establish guidelines for career paths within Financial Planning – defining roles and competences as appropriate.
• Raise consumer awareness of the importance of Financial Planning within their lives.

ENGAGEMENT

Extend our voice so that stakeholders and increasing numbers of professionals are engaged with the IFP mission for the ultimate benefit of consumers.

• Provide a highly professional and compelling membership value proposition that recognises the diversity of membership needs and builds the Financial Planning community in the UK.
• Build trusted, mutually beneficial and valued relationships with sponsors.
• Develop our voice with key stakeholders particularly the FSA.
• Secure stakeholder support for IFP’s mission and objectives.

Download customer service statement

Contact us | FAQs | Useful links | Site map