Chief executive of FPSB Noel Maye
The number of Certified Financial Planners has risen to almost 150,000 worldwide, according to the Financial Planning Standards Board.
The organisation, which owns the CFP mark, said over 8,000 people gained the certification last year, boosting total numbers to 147,822.
Strongest growth came from China and the USA where over 3,000 people in each country gained the certification. Other countries seeing a significant increase were Japan, South Africa, Hong Kong and Brazil.
In the UK there are 965 CFPCM professionals and the Institute of Financial Planning is hoping more will gain the certification in the future, especially as more advisers consider how to differentiate themselves post-RDR. Europe as a whole saw a growth rate of 4.6 per cent to a total of 4,617 CFP professionals.
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Noel Maye, chief executive of FPSB, said: "Consumers in territories worldwide are increasingly seeking the advice of competent and ethical Financial Planners, creating a demand for CFP professionals in both growth markets and more mature economies.
"While many markets continued to face economic uncertainty in 2012, overall support for the CFP certification programme remained strong and CFP professional numbers are on track to exceed 150,000 within the year.
"As regulators seek increased levels of competency from financial services practitoners and consumers seek qualified advisers, CFP certification has emerged as the symbol of excellence for those seeking Financial Planners globally."
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