BA(PF) Programme makes waves: graduates bypass CFP course requirements!

The faculty is pleased to announce that the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Personal Finance BA(PF) programme has obtained the pre-approved transcript review status of the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Certification by The Institute of Financial Planners of Hong Kong (IFPHK). Under the new arrangement effective from January 2025, graduates who have completed relevant subjects during their BA(PF) studies can apply for exemption from taking three Certified Financial Planner (CFP) Certification Education Programme Courses: Investment Planning and Asset Management, Insurance Planning and Risk Management, and Tax Planning and Estate Planning.

The BA(PF) programme offered by The Department of Social Sciences and Policy Studies (SSPS) is a newly launched programme which will have its first cohort of students starting their studies in the 2025/26 academic year. After careful assessment by IFPHK, several subjects of the programme have been awarded pre-approved status for exemption from certain CFP courses. To apply for an exemption, students of the BA(PF) programme only need to complete and submit their transcript review applications to IFPHK, together with official transcripts from EdUHK showing passing grades in the related subjects and appropriate application fees.

“Exempting our students and graduates from taking three educational courses in the CFP Certification is a testament to the excellent quality of BA(PF). The exemption reassures prospective students that the programme is a gateway to professional qualifications and success. The CFP recognition will further strengthen our commitment to nurturing talent in financial planning and wealth management,” said Dr Tan Weiqiang, Associate Professor from SSPS, Programme Leader of BA(PF) and Master of Arts in Personal Finance Education.

The BA(PF) programme is the first undergraduate finance programme in Hong Kong specifically designed to address the financial needs of individuals and households. Unlike traditional finance programmes, it places a strong emphasis on the global financial services context, aiming to equip students with skills to provide professional advice in personalised finance and wealth management. The programme covers essential principles of finance and investments, including taxation, credit management, retirement planning, and estate planning.

Additionally, the BA(PF) programme integrates the latest developments in the global financial services sector, such as fintech innovations, risk management strategies, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investment practices, along with a focus on green and sustainable finance. This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates are well-equipped to meet the diverse financial needs of clients in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.

CFP certification is the world’s oldest and most-recognised advanced certification for financial planners. It represents a mark of world-class professional distinction in the financial planning industry. CFP professionals are required to meet rigorous initial and ongoing standards on competence, ethics and practice. The IFPHK is the certification body awarding the CFP certification in Hong Kong and Macau. To earn the qualification, candidates must successfully complete the CFP Certification Education Programme, and meet relevant requirements concerning examination, experience and ethics.

Click here to understand more about the SSPS’ BA(PF) programme.

Details of the CFP exemption for the BA(PF) programme: