Our Story: Inception and Evolution
Founded in 2021, the Accredited Financial Planners’ Association (AFPA), Nigeria was established at a time when the financial planning profession was in urgent need of standardized, high-caliber credentials. Recognizing that a robust framework based on Nigeria’s National Occupational Standards (NOS) was essential, our founders set out to create an organization that would offer rigorous, comprehensive certification programs and ongoing professional development.
The Founding Vision and Core Values
AFPA was born from the conviction that financial planning is both an art and a science. Our founders envisioned an organization that would combine academic rigor, practical experience, and ethical standards to elevate the profession. Our core values include:
- Integrity: Commitment to transparency, ethical behavior, and accountability in all our activities.
- Excellence: A relentless pursuit of high standards, ensuring that every certification and training module reflects the best in the industry.
- Innovation: Embracing technological advancements and modern methodologies to continually improve our offerings.
- Collaboration: Fostering a spirit of teamwork among professionals, educators, regulators, and industry experts.
- Adherence to Standards: Anchoring all our programs in the NOS guidelines and maintaining strict oversight by bodies like the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Financial Planning Skills Institute.
Certifications
Milestones and Key Achievements
Since our establishment, AFPA has reached several critical milestones:
Our Role in the Broader Financial Ecosystem
AFPA is not just an accrediting body—it is an integral part of the financial planning ecosystem. Our initiatives extend beyond certification to include:
- Advocacy: Working with policymakers and industry stakeholders to promote ethical practices and high standards in financial planning.
- Education: Collaborating with academic institutions and industry experts to design curricula that are both theoretically robust and practically relevant.
- Networking: Building a vibrant community of professionals who share experiences, exchange ideas, and drive innovation in the field.
- Continuous Learning: Offering a range of workshops, seminars, and online courses to ensure that our members remain at the forefront of industry trends and regulatory developments.
The Impact of Our Partnership with FPSI
The signing of the Memorandum of Acceptation with the Financial Planning Skills Institute in 2023 marked a watershed moment for AFPA. FPSI’s endorsement and partnership provide our certification programs with an additional layer of credibility and ensure that our training methods are up to par with international standards. This collaboration has also paved the way for joint events such as the 2025 MCPW, where our members and industry experts gathered in Abuja for a day of intensive learning and professional networking.
Looking Ahead
As we move forward, AFPA remains committed to expanding our influence and enhancing our offerings. Our focus is on:
- Digital Transformation: Expanding our online learning platforms and virtual event offerings.
- Global Partnerships: Engaging with international bodies to benchmark our practices against global standards.
- Enhanced Member Services: Launching new initiatives in mentorship, career guidance, and personalized training solutions.
AFPA Nigeria stands as a symbol of excellence in financial planning. Our journey, marked by key milestones and strategic partnerships, is a testament to our unwavering dedication to professional development and industry advancement. We invite you to join us as we continue to shape the future of financial planning in Nigeria and West Africa.