Are you interested to be an INDEPENDENT Financial Adviser Representative?

Becoming a SFP Adviser
There are wonderful opportunities to join the Standard Financial Planner group. Please contact us if you would like any more information or if you would like join Standard Financial Planner.

• Network services position SFP at the forefront of the industry enabling our planners to concentrate on winning and servicing the clients.
• A partner that aligns itself to ethical and professional standards
• A seamless integration process
• Assistance with the activity legwork - That's our job
• We offer a complete range of services to support your business and your clients going forward
• Planning and implementation strategy specifically designed for your business
• A distribution team specifically dedicated to making it happen
• Negotiating power with financial institutions
• Access to all levels of management support
• Service - We are a service orientated business
• Speakers in a wide range of industry topics with access to top industry commentators
• Internationally experienced legal team
• The highest quality compliance team
• Our value proposition is based on first class business processes
• Government and corporate regulations are the minimum standards of our business model

Our Representative Profile

• Must be full time practitioner.
• Passion about financial planning and servicing people.
• At least 3 years experience in financial services industry.
• Qualified CFP, RFP or ChFC is highly recommended.
• Good attitude and willing to learn

Qualification

• Job satisfaction
• A way to help Malaysians fulfil their financial lifestyle dreams
• Challenge
• Personal and professional growth
• The chance to generate a good income
• Career opportunities

• Providing a holistic approach to financial planning
• Having an extensive knowledge of financial markets
• Understanding trends and identifying potential risks
• Taking a global outlook

What is financial planning?

Financial planning is investigating and deciding on the best way to make your money work for you. This is done by working out what you want to achieve, how you might achieve it and understanding any problems you might encounter along the way.

To assist you with this, a professional financial planner may offer advice on investments, estate planning, retirement planning, taxation and risk management and use a six-step process to help you work out what you may need to do now and in the future to reach your financial goals.

What does a financial planner do?

Financial planners determine a client's short, medium and long-term aspirations then work on an agreed financial plan to meet individual needs. They have strong people skills and are good listeners.

The financial planner and client review the plan regularly to keep it on track and update it as appropriate. As a financial planner who is a representative of an Investment Adviser Licensed and Financial Adviser Licensed, you will use the six-steps of the financial planning process. These are:

1. Gathering your client's financial data, including details on income, debt levels, financial commitments and so on
2. Identifying your client's goals. These may include buying a house, funding education, travel, etc
3. Identifying any financial issues
4. Preparing a financial plan that identifies recommended investments and pays heed to the client's attitude to risk
5. Implementing the financial plan
6. Reviewing and revising the plan to ensure it stays up-to-date and relevant to the economic climate and the client's changing lifestyle

What are the specific services a financial planner provides?

A financial planner can offer general wealth-creation advice and assistance across all financial markets, or specialise in areas such as:

• Cash Flow Management
• Risk Insurance Planning
• Investment Planning
• Education Planning
• Retirement Planning
• Tax Planning
• Estate Planning
• Mortgages & Financing
• Employee Benefits Planning
• Business Succession

How do I become a financial planner?

Whether you have just finished secondary school or are of mature age and looking for a new career, financial planning may be the career for you.

As a first step, undertake an entry-level education program recognised by the Security Commission and Bank Negara for the license. These are specifically designed to:

• Provide the knowledge, skills and qualifications for you to become a financial planner
• Help practicing financial planners maintain their credentials
• Keep financial planners up to date with the changes affecting the sector
• Provide a pathway to CFP® certification.

If you are already working as an accountant you may be eligible for advanced standing if you wish to become a professional financial planner and obtain CFP® certification.

What is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™?

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ takes a holistic and comprehensive approach to preparing a financial plan, covering off all financial aspects. CFP® is the highest professional designation that can be given to a financial planner.

CFP® practitioners have demonstrated extensive industry experience, have undergone rigorous study and must maintain high standards of continuing professional development.

What kind of education and qualifications do I need to become a financial planner?

Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Registered Financial Planner (RFP) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC).

Is financial planning a growth industry?

Yes! Financial planning is a dynamic profession in which strong careers can be established.

As Malaysia's population ages, people are becoming much more aware that their retirement security and comfort will depend more on them, and their financial planning efforts, than on government welfare benefits.

The growth in practitioner membership of the FPAM or MaChFC or MFPC, and of CFP® and ChFC professionals in particular, clearly indicates an increasing demand for well trained and qualified professionals.

How is the financial planning sector regulated?

In response to legislation, the Malaysia Securities Commission (SC) sets the INVESTMENT ADVISER and FINANCIAL ADVISER REPRESENTATIVE (FAR) license - licensing and educational requirements necessary for companies and individuals to offer financial planning advice and (see www.sc.com.my)

The Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) sets the FINANCIAL ADVISER and FINANCIAL ADVISER REPRESENTATIVE (FAR) license - the licensing and educational requirements necessary for companies and individuals to offer insurance products and financial planning advice.

IAR and FAR licensees must meet relevant education, experience and ethical requirements. Financial planning practitioners who represent license holders must also meet minimum education requirements prescribed by SC.

What should I do next?

You can learn more about becoming a financial planner, future career opportunities by contacting David Soo of Standard Financial Planner on davidsoo@sfplanner.com

Source: A Career in Financial Planning: Your Questions Answered - Financial Planning Association of Australia