Younger CFP cohort grows as AI reshapes advice

Binaya Dahal

Journalist

6 July 2026

The financial planning profession has seen a renewed inflow of younger entrants, with the latest report suggesting a shift in the industry’s workforce profile after years of concerns about ageing advisers.

New figures released by the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB), the global standards-setting body for financial planning, show almost two-thirds (62.1%) of people who achieved the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification globally in 2025 were under the age of 40.

It also points to a more diverse pipeline, with women accounting for 37.9% of new CFP professionals worldwide.

FPSB chief executive Dante De Gori said the organisation employed a range of measures to support the next generation of CFP professionals.

“To build a younger, more diverse profession, FPSB supported emerging talent through global programming, including webinars on ‘How to Build Your Career as a Young Financial Planner’,” he said.

“Interest in CFP certification also remained strong, with more than 32,500 candidates sitting for CFP certification exams worldwide in 2025.”

FPSB Board Chair Caroline Dabu said the report demonstrated the strength of the organisation’s global network.

“From reinforcing standards and supporting the growth of the global CFP professional community to fostering collaboration across territories, the progress outlined in this report underscores the important role FPSB and its network play in shaping a strong and future-ready profession,” Dabu said.

Alongside the demographic shift, the profession is seeing a rapid technological change as well.

FPSB’s online survey of more than 6,200 financial planners in 24 territories, found two in three financial planners reported that their firms are using AI or planning to do so within the next 12 months.

More than three-quarters (78%) of financial planners surveyed believe AI will help them better serve clients, while 60% say it will enhance the quality of financial advice.

Nearly six in ten see AI as a tool to help reduce the cost of financial planning services, and 60% believe it will increase access to financial planning for underserved populations.

Despite the positive outlook, financial planners also identified risks associated with AI. Almost half (47%) cited data privacy and cybersecurity concerns, while 42% were concerned about the accuracy and reliability of AI outputs.