Bridging the Skills Gap: How Financial Planning is Reshaping Careers in India

india's financial ecosystem has undergone a profound transformation over the past few decades. as financial products grow more sophisticated and households face increasingly complex decisions—from managing day-to-day budgets to planning long-term life goals—the need for qualified, ethical, and knowledgeable financial advisors has never been greater. this shift has elevated financial planning into one of the country's most promising professional avenues, backed by global standards, specialized certifications, and a growing public awareness of the importance of sound financial advice.evolving importance of financial planningin the last 20 to 30 years, india's middle class has expanded significantly, bringing with it higher disposable incomes and greater demand for wealth creation, retirement planning, and long-term financial stability. personal financial planning today goes beyond product selection; it involves crafting strategies that help individuals and families meet life goals—purchasing a home, funding children's education, building emergency reserves, or ensuring a dignified retirement.with this evolution, the role of the financial planner has broadened. clients now expect advisors who not only possess technical expertise but also provide empathetic, trustworthy, and holistic guidance. this is where the certified financial planner® (cfp®) professional has emerged as a key player.cfp® certification: a global benchmarkglobally recognized as the gold standard in financial planning, cfp® certification represents rigorous competency, ethics, and professionalism. more than 230,000 cfp® professionals worldwide adhere to strict international standards and commit to lifelong learning. fpsb's global consumer research shows that clients working with cfp® practitioners experience stronger financial confidence, improved resilience, and higher satisfaction with their financial health.rising adoption in indiaindia is now among the world's fastest-growing markets for cfp® professionals. as of december 2024, fpsb india recorded 3,215 cfp® professionals—a 17.7% increase over the previous year. this sharp rise reflects growing awareness about structured financial planning and the increased complexity of india's financial products.cfp® professionals in india are becoming integral to wealth management, tax efficiency planning, retirement design, and estate planning. academic institutions and financial organizations are also embracing the credential, recognizing its value in preparing the next generation of financial advisors.career opportunities and earning potentialfinancial planning is gaining traction among young professionals for its strong career prospects and competitive salaries. according to salaryexpert, cfp® professionals in india earn an average of ₹14 lakh annually. the career offers flexibility and a wide range of roles across banks, wealth management firms, insurance companies, fintech startups, and family offices. many professionals also choose the entrepreneurial route, setting up independent advisory practices.closing the skills gapindia's financial sector faces a significant talent shortage, with 1.8 million jobs left unfilled last year due to inadequate skills. gift city alone is expected to generate nearly 150,000 financial services jobs in the next five years. notably, under ifsca regulations, cfp® professionals are eligible to serve as principal officers for distributors, advisors, and research entities—making the credential even more valuable.women leading the waywomen now represent 23% of india's cfp® professionals—a number poised to grow. as financial literacy among women rises, female cfp® practitioners serve not just as advisors but as role models, promoting greater participation of women in financial decision-making.a profession with purposethe rise of financial planning in india reflects a deeper shift toward informed, responsible financial behaviour. as the country advances toward developed-economy status, the need for skilled, ethical, and client-centric advisors will only intensify. for those seeking a profession that offers expertise, flexibility, impact, and long-term growth, the cfp® certification opens the door to a rewarding and meaningful career—one that helps individuals build financial security, achieve life goals, and pass wealth confidently across generations.-- dante de gori, ceo, fpsb international