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Top Financial Planning Credentials and Top Finance Certifications for Bankers and Investment Professionals

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A financial analyst or financial planner typically prepares financial plans for his or her clients. The kinds of services financial planners offer can vary widely. Some financial planners assess every aspect of your financial life—including saving, investments, insurance, taxes, retirement, and estate planning—and help you develop a detailed strategy or financial plan for meeting all your financial goals. Other professionals call themselves financial planners, but they may only be able to recommend that you invest in a narrow range of products and sometimes products that aren’t securities.

Wealth Managers and Financial planners may come from many different educational and professional backgrounds. If you’re considering using a financial planner, be sure to ask about their background. If they have a credential, ask them what it means and what they had to do to earn it.  If the certification holder attended a nationally-accredited business school, that is the best method of certification. If they attended an ACBSP or ABA American Bar accredited program and took the proper exams and courses, then that would be the best type of accreditation.

Some financial planners have credentials like CWM Chartered Wealth Manager ® certification or AFA Accredited Financial Analyst ®. Find out what organization issued the credential, and then contact the organization to verify whether the professional you’re considering did, in fact, earn the credential and whether the professional remains in good standing with the organization. For a helpful list of various financial industry credentials (including the name of the issuing organization and any education or experience required to attain the credential), please read FINRA’s Understanding Investment Professional Designations.

If the professional you’re considering claims to be an MFP® certified, visit the website of the Global Board of Standards at www.GAFM.com The Board is an accredited regulatory body that licenses financial planners as MFP® professionals.  You can also call the Board at www.GAFM.org   The Master Financial Planner ®  International Board of Standards also has brochures and information about their accreditation and ISO certifications.

Quick Facts: Personal Financial Advisors from the BLS.gov
2018 Median Pay $88,890 per year
$42.73 per hour
Typical Entry-Level Education Bachelor’s degree
Work Experience in a Related Occupation None
On-the-job Training Long-term on-the-job training
Number of Jobs, 2018 271,700
Job Outlook, 2018-28 7% (Faster than average)
Employment Change, 2018-28 19,100

 

Here are the Top Financial qualifications that are backed by accredited education:

 

  1. MFP Master Financial Planner ® awarded by the International Board of Standards which is a TUV Accredited and  ISO Certified 9001 and EU Accredited Body.   Anyone with a business school degree from an ACBSP or AACSB accredited school can apply for MFP if they have 5 or more courses in investments, finance, tax or economics with a GPA of 3.0 www.GAFM.org    Accreditation:  TUV Accredited and ISO Certified 29990 and ISO Certified 9001.  This body is a Charter Member of the CHEA quality standards.
  2. CWM Chartered Wealth Manager ®  awarded by the International Board of Standards which is a TUV Accredited and  ISO Certified 29990  and EU Accredited Body.    www.GAFM.com  This certification can be obtained by attending an ACBSP or AACSB Business School and taking the exams and courses or by taking the required courses at an accredited law school.  Accreditation:  TUV Accredited and ISO Certified 29990 and ISO Certified 9001. This body is a Charter Member of the CHEA quality standards.
  3. RIA Registered Investment Advisor license:  If you work in a brokerage firm, the investment division of a bank or in an insurance company, you may be required to hold a Series 7 Stock Broker license or a Series 65 or 66 so that you can charge a fee for financial planning.
  4. CRA Certified Risk Analyst ®  awarded by the GAFM International Board of Standards which is a TUV Accredited and  ISO Certified 9001 and EU Accredited Body.  www.FinancialAnalyst.org  This certification can be obtained by attending an ACBSP or AACSB Business School and taking the exams and courses or by taking the required courses at an accredited law school.  Accreditation:  TUV Accredited and ISO Certified 29990 and ISO Certified 9001. This body is a Charter Member of the CHEA quality standards.
  5. Attorney or Law License – State License – Typically somebody who has experience in Tax, Retirement Law, or Estate Planning.  www.americanbar.org
  6. Chartered Financial Manager (ChFM) awarded by the Global Academy, LA, USA.  www.FinancialCertified.com  This certification can be obtained by attending an ACBSP or AACSB Business School and taking the exams and courses or by taking the required courses at an accredited law school.  Accreditation:  TUV Accredited and ISO Certified 29990 and ISO Certified 9001. Recognized by the Arab Academy of the Arab League.  This body is a Charter Member of the CHEA quality standards.
  7. CPA Certified Public Accountant – Regulated by State Government  or AICPA https://nasba.org/licensure/gettingacpalicense/
  8. AFA Accredited Financial Analyst ®  awarded by the International Board of Standards which is a TUV Accredited and  ISO Certified 9001 and EU Accredited Body.   www.FinancialAnalyst.org  This certification can be obtained by attending an ACBSP or AACSB Business School and taking the exams and courses or by taking the required courses at an accredited law school.  Accreditation:  TUV Accredited and ISO Certified 29990 and ISO Certified 9001. This body is a Charter Member of the CHEA quality standards.
  9. Certified Financial Planner ®  awarded by the CFP Board.  No GPA requirements. www.cfp.com  Must pass the assessment.
  10. AMA Accredited Management Accountant ®  awarded by the GAFM International Board of Standards which is a TUV Accredited and  ISO Certified 9001 and EU Accredited Body.   www.GAFM.org  This certification can be obtained by attending an ACBSP or AACSB Business School and taking the exams and courses or by taking the required courses at an accredited law school.  Accreditation:  TUV Accredited and ISO Certified 29990 and ISO Certified 9001. This body is a Charter Member of the CHEA quality standards.

When hiring a financial planner, you should know exactly what services you need, what services the planner can deliver, and any limitations on what he or she can recommend. In addition, you should understand what services you’re paying for, how much those services cost, and how the planner gets paid. See a list of Top Financial Designations  Financial planners charge for their services in different ways: some charge either a fixed fee or an hourly fee for the time it takes to develop a financial plan, but don’t sell investment products; some are paid by commissions on the products they sell; and others use a combination of fees and commissions.

It is always best to seek certification from an accredited body that has either TUV or ISO certification.  Also, check if your certification body is part of the CHEA quality standards protocols.

 

Matthew Ronald grew up in Chicago. His mother is a preschool teacher, and his father is a cartoonist. After high school Matthew attended college where he majored in early-childhood education and child psychology. After college he worked with special needs children in schools. He then decided to go into publishing, before becoming a writer himself, something he always had an interest in. More than that, he published number of news articles as a freelance author on apstersmedia.com.

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AI Startup Anthropic Nears $3.5 Billion Funding Round

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AI Startup Anthropic Nears $3.5 Billion Funding Round

Anthropic, a leading AI startup, is on the verge of securing $3.5 billion in a fresh funding round that could push its valuation to $61.5 billion, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The company, known for developing the Claude chatbot, is reportedly attracting investments from major venture capital firms, including Lightspeed Venture Partners, General Catalyst, and Bessemer Venture Partners.

This funding round surpasses the $2 billion target Anthropic was previously reported to be seeking last month. The surge in investor interest highlights the growing appeal of AI-driven enterprises, with nearly half of all U.S. venture funding in 2023 flowing into artificial intelligence startups.

The strong financial backing also emphasizes the dominance of U.S. AI firms, even as Chinese alternatives like DeepSeek emerge with cost-efficient models that have caught the attention of some investors.

Meanwhile, OpenAI—the company behind ChatGPT—is also in discussions for a substantial funding round that could elevate its valuation to as much as $300 billion, as reported by Reuters.

Anthropic, co-founded by former OpenAI executives Dario and Daniela Amodei, had previously achieved a valuation of around $18 billion following a funding round led by Menlo Ventures last year.

In addition to its fundraising efforts, the company recently introduced Claude 3.7 Sonnet, an advanced AI model designed to enhance response speed and improve step-by-step reasoning. This move aims to strengthen Anthropic’s position in the competitive generative AI landscape.

The funding round was first reported by the Wall Street Journal, while Anthropic has yet to comment on the ongoing investment discussions.

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Level Up Your Digital Game with DigiRoads – Training, Strategy, and Success

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Jaipur, India – February 24, 2025 – In the ever-evolving digital world, staying ahead requires more than just theoretical knowledge—it demands hands-on expertise, strategic execution, and real-world application. Recognizing this need, DigiRoads has emerged as a leading force in digital marketing education, offering cutting-edge training programs designed to equip learners with industry-driven skills. Whether you are an aspiring marketer, a business professional, or an entrepreneur, DigiRoads empowers individuals to master digital marketing strategies that drive tangible success.

DigiRoads: Where Learning Meets Real-World Implementation

With the rapid expansion of the digital economy, the demand for skilled digital marketers has skyrocketed. Companies are constantly looking for professionals who can optimize campaigns, analyze data, and execute marketing strategies effectively. DigiRoads was founded with a mission to bridge the gap between conventional education and real-world application, ensuring students not only understand marketing concepts but also implement them through practical training and live projects.

From Humble Beginnings to a Digital Powerhouse

Laying the Foundation: Building Expertise & Delivering Results

DigiRoads was founded in 2015 by two visionary BITS Pilani alumni, who sought to revolutionize digital marketing education. The early years were focused on helping businesses enhance their digital presence through SEO, PPC, and social media marketing.

During this period, DigiRoads achieved:

  • SEO Excellence: Ranked over 200+ websites on the first page of Google, boosting organic traffic for businesses across industries.
  • PPC Mastery: Created high-performing ad campaigns that tripled ROI for startups and established enterprises.
  • Social Media Growth: Launched viral marketing campaigns that increased audience engagement by 150%.

These achievements positioned DigiRoads as a trusted digital marketing partner for businesses seeking data-driven strategies and measurable growth.

The Rise of DigiRoads Classes

As the demand for skilled digital marketers surged, DigiRoads took a significant step in 2023 by launching DigiRoads Classes, a career-focused training institute designed to provide hands-on learning experiences. Unlike traditional training programs that focus only on theory, DigiRoads Classes ensures students actively implement strategies on live projects, preparing them for real-world marketing challenges. The institute offers specialized courses, including SEO Course, PPC Course, Social Media Marketing Course, Performance Marketing, Content Marketing, and Web Analytics. Each program is tailored to industry standards, equipping students with the most in-demand skills.

Since its inception, DigiRoads Classes has successfully trained over 500+ students, many of whom have secured high-paying jobs, internships, or started their own digital marketing agencies. The impact of the courses extends beyond professional growth—students experience enhanced critical thinking, analytical skills, and creative problem-solving abilities. The positive side effects include improved confidence, strategic mindset development, and the ability to adapt to fast-changing digital trends. With expert mentorship, industry-recognized certifications, and job placement assistance, DigiRoads Classes continues to be the top choice for digital marketing aspirants looking to excel in this competitive field.

Shaping Careers with Industry-Driven Projects

DigiRoads has transformed businesses while providing students with the best digital marketing course in Jaipur for real-world marketing exposure. Some of its most impactful projects include:

1. E-Commerce Brand Success

  • Boosted website traffic by 400% within six months using SEO and targeted PPC campaigns.
  • Increased online sales fivefold through performance-driven marketing strategies.

2. Real Estate Digital Expansion

  • Designed a lead-generation strategy for a real estate firm, resulting in a 200% increase in customer inquiries.
  • Leveraged Facebook & Google Ads to drive high-intent leads and improve retention rates.

3. Healthcare Digital Growth

  • Developed an SEO-driven content strategy that ranked a healthcare startup in the top three search results for competitive keywords.
  • Achieved a 60% increase in patient bookings through advanced digital advertising.

Key Achievements

✔ 80%+ job placement rate for DigiRoads Classes students.
✔ Trained 500+ professionals, equipping them with real-world marketing expertise.
✔ Helped businesses generate 2+ million organic visitors through advanced SEO.
✔ Executed social media ad campaigns that reached millions of users, significantly boosting brand engagement.

Why Choose DigiRoads?

Unlike traditional training programs, DigiRoads focuses on real-world execution. Students don’t just study digital marketing—they apply it through live projects, hands-on mentorship, and performance-driven learning.

What Sets Us Apart?

✅ Live Digital Marketing Projects – Gain direct experience running SEO, PPC, and social media campaigns.
✅ Industry-Curated Curriculum – Learn from seasoned marketing experts who bring the latest industry insights.
✅ Expert Mentorship & Personalized Training – One-on-one guidance from professionals with years of practical experience.
✅ Internship & Placement Support – Strong industry connections that help students secure internships and job placements.
✅ Industry-Recognized Certifications – Boost career credibility with certifications that employers value.

DigiRoads is committed to producing skilled digital marketers who can excel in the competitive job market. Our structured digital marketing course in Jaipur ensures learners develop a strong foundation in SEO, PPC, content marketing, web analytics, and more.

Start Your Digital Marketing Journey Today!

Whether you are looking to start a career in digital marketing, upgrade your skills, or enhance your business’s online presence, DigiRoads offers the best digital marketing course in Jaipur tailored to industry demands.

At DigiRoads, we don’t just teach marketing—we help you implement strategies that drive real results. Join us and take the next step towards becoming a digital marketing expert.

Visit www.digiroadsclasses.in or email us at info@digiroadsclasses.in for inquiries. Call us at +91-8971129995.

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Flipkart Offers Huge ₹26,000 Discount on Google Pixel 9—Grab the Deal Now!

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Flipkart Offers Huge ₹26,000 Discount on Google Pixel 9—Grab the Deal Now!

Tech enthusiasts looking for a high-end smartphone upgrade can now grab the Google Pixel 9 at an unbelievable discount on Flipkart. The e-commerce giant is offering a massive price cut on the flagship Pixel 9, making it a great opportunity for buyers to own this premium device at a much lower price.

Google Pixel 9 Discount Details on Flipkart

The Google Pixel 9 was originally priced at ₹79,999, but Flipkart is now offering the device for ₹74,999, giving an instant discount of ₹5,000. However, additional offers can further lower the price by a significant margin.

Additional Bank Offers

Flipkart is providing additional discounts through select bank offers:

  • HDFC Bank Credit Card EMI Transactions: Customers using HDFC Bank credit cards for EMI purchases can avail an extra ₹4,000 discount, bringing the effective price down to ₹70,999.

Exchange Offers: Get Up to ₹38,150 Off

One of the biggest attractions of this deal is Flipkart’s exchange offer, allowing users to trade in their old smartphones for an additional discount. Depending on the model and condition of the exchanged device, buyers can get a discount of up to ₹38,150. If the maximum exchange value is applied, the effective price of the Google Pixel 9 can drop to as low as ₹32,849.

Google Pixel 9 Specifications

For those considering the Pixel 9, here’s a quick look at its top features:

  • Display: 6.3-inch OLED with high refresh rate
  • Processor: Google Tensor G4 for enhanced performance
  • RAM & Storage: 12GB RAM, 256GB internal storage
  • Rear Camera: 50MP (main) + 48MP (ultrawide) dual-camera setup
  • Front Camera: 10.5MP for high-quality selfies
  • Battery: 4700mAh with fast charging support
  • Software: Runs on the latest Android 15 with guaranteed updates for 7 years

The Pixel 9 is available in multiple color variants, including porcelain, obsidian, Peony, and wintergreen, giving users stylish options to choose from.

How to Avail This Offer on Flipkart?

To grab this deal, follow these steps:

  1. Visit Flipkart: Go to Flipkart’s official website or app.
  2. Select the Google Pixel 9—choose your preferred color and variant.
  3. Check for Bank Offers: Ensure you apply the HDFC Bank discount if eligible.
  4. Opt for Exchange (if applicable): If you have an old smartphone, select the exchange option and check the discount available for your device.
  5. Proceed to Payment: Complete the transaction and enjoy your new Google Pixel 9 at a heavily discounted price.

Is This the Right Time to Buy?

With a massive discount of up to ₹26,000, this Flipkart deal makes the Google Pixel 9 an irresistible buy for those wanting a premium smartphone with flagship-level performance, AI-powered cameras, and Google’s software experience. If you have been considering an upgrade, now is the perfect time to grab the Pixel 9 at its lowest price yet.

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