The first CFP® certification was designated in 1972. In 1990, the U.S. CFP Board of Standards began to develop and promote the CFP® certification. In 2004, FPSB invited overseas representatives to collaborate to develop, promote and implement CFP® certification requirements and standards for financial planning across the globe. Currently, FPSB has a network of affiliate organizations in 28 countries and regions, with over 200,000 CFP® certified individuals. 

Due to differences in laws, cultures and social environment in each member country and region, FPSB is committed to standardizing the pathway to CFP® certification worldwide by focusing on the following:

1. Develop a globally standardized curriculum framework for financial planning education 
2. Implement globally uniform CFP® certification standards
3. Promote regional/cross-border certification
4. Promote cross-certification

FPSB also rigorously promotes a code of ethics for CFP® professionals, which includes the following ethical principles:

1. Integrity: to uphold the highest standards of integrity and honesty when providing financial planning consulting services
2. Objectivity: to provide objective professional financial advice to clients
3. Competence: to continuously improve one’s capabilities, skills and knowledge to best serve the clients.
4. Fairness: to be fair and reasonable in all professional relationships, including relationships with clients, partners and employers.

Global Development

It has been over 50 years since the first issuance of the CFP® certification. Currently, there are over 200,000 CFP® professionals worldwide, with the CFP® certification program reaching 28 countries and regions. The U.S. has the largest community of CFP® professionals in the world, followed by Canada and Japan. In Asia, the number of CFP® professionals is booming. In 2005, affiliate organizations in Taiwan, Hong Kong and China held a meeting, reaching a consensus on cross-border practice for CFP® certification. CFP® professionals in Taiwan may obtain his/her certification in Hong Kong or China by completing the required cross-border education and exam. This cross-border certification program has become a model for FPSB and its global network to reference to and promote cross-border certification.

Development in Taiwan

Most CFP® certified professionals in Taiwan work in the financial sector, such as securities, insurance, banking, taxation, investment, trust funds, estate planning, accounting, financial planning and portfolio management. According to the local media, the CFP® certificate has been the “golden pass” in the financial industry, representing professionalism and competency. Many firms continue to encourage employees to obtain the CFP® certification, offering subsidies for taking the training and exam. 

Since the cross-border practice for CFP® certification across Taiwan, Hong Kong and China was made possible by the trilateral collaboration in 2005, 54 CFP® professionals in Taiwan subsequently obtained the CFP® certification in China in 2006, 28 obtained Hong Kong CFP® certification in 2007, and 25 obtained the trilateral certification in 2007. Today, CFP® professionals in Taiwan continue to seek cross-border certification every year.

*Number of CFP® Professionals Worldwide (2022)

*Number of CFP® Professionals in Taiwan