Apurva Singhi, CFP- founder of House of Financial Planners and Siddhanam Capital, sat down with us to discuss the professional journey that follows after obtaining the Certified Financial Planner® designation. With years of experience under his belt, Singhi offers valuable insights into the challenges, growth opportunities, and rewards that come with the CFP® title.
Q: Mr. Singhi, what was your initial realization after becoming a CFP®?
Mr. Singhi: The most immediate realization was that learning doesn’t stop with certification—it intensifies. I vividly recall a case early in my career involving a client seeking advice on cryptocurrency investments, a topic not covered in my CFP® curriculum. This experience prompted an intensive study of blockchain technology and digital assets, illustrating the dynamic nature of our field and the constant need for knowledge expansion.
Q: How important is trust-building in this profession?
Mr. Singhi: It’s absolutely crucial. While the CFP® designation confers credibility, trust is earned through actions, not just credentials. I learned this lesson profoundly when working with the Mehta family, who approached me during a period of financial distress following a failed business venture. Their initial skepticism was palpable, but through transparent communication and a tailored financial recovery plan, we gradually built a relationship of trust that has now spanned over a decade.
Q: Did you find it necessary to expand your skill set beyond traditional financial planning?
Mr. Singhi: Absolutely. A pivotal moment in my career came when I encountered a client with a complex family business succession issue. This case necessitated delving into areas of behavioral finance and family dynamics, far beyond traditional financial planning. The successful resolution of this case not only satisfied the client but also opened up a new specialization in my practice.
Q: Can you share an experience where you faced an ethical challenge?
Mr. Singhi: Oh, absolutely. You know, there was this one time that really sticks out in my mind. I had this client, right? We’d been working together for years, so we had a pretty good relationship.
One day, they came to me with this investment product they wanted me to recommend. Now, if I’m being honest, the commissions on this thing were crazy good. I mean, we’re talking serious money here.
But here’s the thing – I knew deep down it wasn’t the right move for them. It just didn’t fit their financial situation or goals at all.
So, I had to make a tough call. I sat them down and explained why I couldn’t recommend it. Let me tell you, that conversation was not fun. They weren’t happy, and for a while there, things were pretty tense between us.
But you know what? In the long run, it actually made our relationship stronger. They realized I was looking out for their best interests, not just trying to make a quick buck.
It’s moments like these that remind me why ethics are so important in what we do. Sure, it might cost you in the short term, but it pays off in trust and respect. And at the end of the day, that’s what this job is really all about.
Q: You’ve mentioned a passion for mentoring. Can you elaborate on how this led to the creation of the House of Financial Planners?
Mr. Singhi: Absolutely. Throughout my career, I’ve observed a significant gap between academic knowledge and practical skills required in the financial planning profession. This realization became a driving force in my professional life.
Early in my career, I found myself informally mentoring junior colleagues and interns. I noticed that while they had strong theoretical foundations, they often struggled with real-world application of concepts, client communication, and managing complex financial scenarios.
One particular instance stands out. I was working with a bright young professional, Rahul, who had excellent grades but was struggling with client interactions. We spent months working together, role-playing scenarios, and analyzing case studies. Watching Rahul transform into a confident advisor was incredibly fulfilling and made me realize the impact structured mentorship could have.
This experience, coupled with similar ones over the years, fire up a passion in me to bridge this skill gap on a larger scale. I envisioned an institution that could provide not just theoretical knowledge, but also practical skills, ethical training, and real-world exposure to aspiring financial planners.
This vision culminated in the creation of the House of Financial Planners. We designed it to be more than just an educational institution – we wanted it to be a nurturing ground for future financial planning professionals. We incorporated case studies, internship programs, and mentorship opportunities into our curriculum.
Becoming an authorized education provider was a natural progression. It allowed us to offer CFP® certification courses while integrating our practical, skill-focused approach. Our aim is to produce CFP®s who are not just academically proficient, but also industry-ready from day one.
The journey hasn’t been without challenges, but seeing our graduates excel in their careers, like Priya whom I mentioned earlier, makes it all worthwhile. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that we’re contributing to raising the overall standard of financial planning in India while helping individuals achieve their career aspirations.
At the House of Financial Planners, we’re not just teaching financial concepts; we’re shaping the future of financial planning by bridging the crucial gap between education and professional practice.
Q: How has your CFP® background influenced your entrepreneurial ventures?
Mr. Singhi: Founding Siddhanam Capital allowed me to apply financial planning expertise in a broader context. A defining moment came when we successfully structured a complex cross-border investment strategy for a multinational corporation, showcasing how CFP® skills can be scaled to address sophisticated institutional needs.
Q: How do you balance professional demands with personal well-being?
Mr. Singhi: I learned this the hard way after a period of burnout that affected both my health and client relationships. Implementing a strict regimen of daily meditation and weekly unplugged nature walks not only improved my well-being but also enhanced my clarity and effectiveness as a financial planner.
Q: What advice would you give to newly certified CFP’s?
Mr. Singhi: Approach this journey with a mindset of enjoying continuous learning and growth. I’m reminded of a recent graduate whom I advised, who initially felt overwhelmed by the vastness of the field. By encouraging her to view each client interaction as a learning opportunity, she has grown into a confident and competent professional in just a few years.
Q: How do you see the role of CFP’s evolving in the future?
Mr. Singhi: The financial landscape is becoming increasingly complex. The recent surge in sustainable and impact investing, for instance, has required a rapid adaptation of our knowledge base and client advice frameworks. CFP®s will need to stay ahead of these trends and continually elevate the standards of our profession.
Q: Any final thoughts on the CFP® journey?
Mr. Singhi: The journey of a Certified Financial Planner® is one of continuous intellectual growth, building ethical, and meaningful impact. It demands rigorous commitment but offers commensurate rewards in terms of professional fulfilment and the opportunity to positively influence others’ financial well-being. As I look back on my own journey, from a newly certified planner to the founder of two financial institutions, I am reminded that each client, each challenge, and each success has been an integral part of this rewarding professional odyssey.
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