"Financial planning and digital finance converge as FPSB India and IIM Ranchi launch executive programme"
On March 12, 2026, a significant collaboration was announced between FPSB India, the Indian subsidiary of the Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd., USA, and the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ranchi. This partnership aims to integrate financial planning with digital finance, creating a comprehensive learning pathway for working professionals in the financial sector.
Overview of the Executive Programme
The newly launched Executive Program in Advanced Financial Planning and Digital Finance is designed to cater to professionals who are looking to enhance their skills in financial planning while also gaining expertise in digital finance and advisory capabilities. The programme includes a CFP Fast Track Pathway, enabling participants to pursue the globally recognized Certified Financial Planner (CFP) certification.
Curriculum Highlights
The hybrid programme combines the CFP curriculum with IIM Ranchi’s focus on financial analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), sustainable finance, and digital transformation. Participants will explore a variety of topics, including:
- AI-driven wealth planning
- Behavioural finance
- Alternative investments
- Sustainable finance and ESG frameworks
- Global regulations and compliance
- Digital finance strategy
- Portfolio engineering
Objectives of the Programme
The primary objective of this executive education initiative is to equip professionals with future-ready competencies that blend ethics, technology, and client-centric advisory excellence. Chandrakant Sureka, CEO of FPSB India, emphasized the importance of this partnership in strengthening the financial planning ecosystem in India. He stated, “By integrating global CFP standards with advanced digital finance capabilities, we aim to equip professionals with future-ready competencies.”
Insights from Leadership
Prof. Deepak Kumar Srivastava, Director of IIM Ranchi, shared his insights on the collaboration, highlighting the commitment to developing leaders who can navigate complexity with competence and integrity. He remarked, “This collaboration with FPSB India reflects our focus on integrating academic excellence with professional standards.”
According to Prof. Srivastava, the programme is designed to prepare professionals to lead the next phase of innovation and responsibility in wealth management and financial advisory.
Importance of Financial Planning Education
The collaboration between FPSB India and IIM Ranchi is particularly timely, as the financial advisory profession is undergoing significant transformations. Changing client expectations, regulatory complexities, and the rapid advancement of technology necessitate a new approach to financial education.
By placing financial planning education alongside digital finance, analytics, and AI, the programme aims to address these evolving challenges and prepare professionals for the future of financial advisory services.
About FPSB India and IIM Ranchi
FPSB India serves as the Indian subsidiary of the Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd., USA, and is responsible for administering the CFP certification programme in India in accordance with international professional standards. Established in 2009, IIM Ranchi focuses on management education, research, executive learning, and interdisciplinary engagement.
Conclusion
The Executive Program in Advanced Financial Planning and Digital Finance represents a significant step forward in the integration of financial planning and digital finance education. By combining rigorous academic standards with practical application, this programme aims to produce well-rounded professionals equipped to meet the demands of the modern financial landscape.
Note: This article is based on information available as of March 2026 and may be subject to change as the programme develops.

