The Hindu Business Line : Financial planners' body launch likely this month

THE Association of Financial Planners (AFP) is set to flag off operations with a formal launch in February. It is also working towards developing an educational programme, beginning with a scheme for distance learning.

The executive committee of AFP will soon meet in Delhi to devise strategies, which will be taken up shortly after the launch. The first semester is expected to begin in May.

The association in future could have a mix of distance learning and part and full-time education programmes for students, according to Mr Aprajit Sharma, General Secretary. At the moment, AFP will need to address a number of other issues, some of which pertain to the very basics of financial planning.

"Our biggest concern relates to the establishment of our credentials. We have to let consumers know that they will soon be able to use the services of financial planners. There has to be an awareness drive. On another front, we have to win the confidence of the regulator'', Mr Sharma said.

The association, it may be mentioned, has already found participation from a number of distributors of financial products, including entities specialising in insurance and mutual funds. Their participation is expected to help AFP establish financial planner certification in India.

AFP, it is further maintained, will need to set up a comprehensive complaints and disciplinary procedure. It is also planning to bring out a full-fledged Web portal and a regular journal.

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