RFP Module 4

The Registered Financial Planner is a designation awarded by the Malaysian Financial Planning Council (MFPC), an independent self-regulatory body. MFPC states the designation is recognised by Bank Negara Malaysia for Financial Adviser licence applications and by the Securities Commission Malaysia for Capital Markets Services Licence applications. It is not a university degree; it is a professional qualification built on professional education and practice excellence.

MFPC states the entire RFP programme comprises 7 modules, each requiring a minimum of 42 lecture hours. The modules run from Fundamentals of Financial Planning through Risk Management & Insurance Planning, Investment Planning, Zakat & Tax Planning, Estate Planning and Retirement Planning, ending with Applications in Financial Planning. Treat 42 hours as a minimum classroom requirement, not a study-time estimate.

Yes. MFPC allows two methods of study: self-study with examination, or course with lectures and examination. On enrolment for either method you receive a complete set of textbooks and course materials for each module. Self-study lets you work at your own pace; the lecture route adds interaction, discussion and case studies, delivered by MFPC-approved education providers using certified lecturers.

Start with Module 1, Fundamentals of Financial Planning, because later modules assume its framework and terminology. A sensible order is Modules 1 to 3, then Zakat & Tax Planning and Estate Planning, then Retirement Planning, saving Applications in Financial Planning for last. MFPC itself describes Module 7 as the final step towards completing the RFP journey, so it works as a capstone.

MFPC states candidates are tested on both the academic and practitioner aspects of each module, so memorising definitions is not enough. The usual failure modes are weak numerical work in investment and retirement calculations, shaky grasp of Malaysian tax and zakat rules, and treating estate planning as pure law without applying it to a client scenario. Practise full case questions under time pressure.

Yes. MFPC offers the Shariah Registered Financial Planner (Shariah RFP) as a separate qualification alongside the RFP. The two are listed separately among MFPC's qualifications and have separate capstone programmes. If your practice serves Islamic financial planning clients, check the Shariah RFP requirements and syllabus directly with MFPC before choosing which route to register for.

MFPC states the designation was approved by Bank Negara Malaysia in March 2005 as a qualification to apply for the Financial Advisers' Licence and Financial Advisers' Representative Licence under the Insurance Act 1996, and by the Securities Commission Malaysia in November 2005 as a qualification to apply for the Investment Advisers Licence, later extended to the Capital Markets Services Licence.

MFPC introduced the Affiliate RFP designation in September 2007 to recognise the commitment and work of students undertaking the RFP programme and to foster closer relations with individual members. It is a student or intermediate status, not the full RFP designation. It also gives professionals an entry point into the financial planning profession while they complete the modules.

Confirm everything directly with MFPC. Its site publishes entry requirements and application, class schedules, examination schedules, examination guidelines and procedures, and the method of examination for physical and virtual sittings, and directs enquiries to its Education Department at 03-62035899 or [email protected]. This page is independent study material and is not affiliated with MFPC.