Wealth Vantage Advisory (WVA) is a licensed financial planning firm in Malaysia, regulated by the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM). We provide holistic financial advisory services, covering investment planning, estate planning, risk management (insurance/takaful), retirement planning, tax and cashflow management, business and succession planning, and Islamic wealth planning for Shariah-compliant clients. WVA operates under a fee-based advisory model, focusing on independent, client- centric financial planning.

You can join WVA either full-time or part-time. Part-time is allowed if you meet regulatory requirements and do not have any conflicts of interest (e.g., working in banks, financial institutions, or government regulatory bodies). Full-time is ideal for those who want to transition into financial planning as their primary career.

Yes, many financial planners start part-time while still working in their current jobs. However, time management is crucial as you will need to attend training and exams for licensing, build your client base gradually, and allocate time for advisory work outside your job hours.

To get the CFP (Certified Financial Planner) certification in Malaysia: Enroll in a CFP program via FPAM-approved institutions (e.g., IBFIM, FPAM, Rockwills). Complete four (4) CFP modules covering financial planning, investments, estate planning, and risk management. Pass the CFP exams conducted by FPAM (Financial Planning Association of Malaysia). For more details, visit the FPAM website: www.fpam.org.my.

Not necessarily. You can still pursue RFP/CFP certification while being a UTC, IEP, or MR. However, if you transition to a Licensed Financial Planner/Financial Advisor, you must give up your insurance/takaful/UTC agency licenses to comply with SC’s & BNM regulations. For Financial Advisors, you can still service your existing clients under your new license but must follow SC’s guidelines for financial planning services.

Transitioning requires a shift from product sales to holistic financial advisory, learning a fee-based model instead of purely commission-based selling, gaining expertise in multiple areas beyond insurance/unit trust (e.g., estate planning, tax planning), and adapting to compliance and fiduciary responsibilities under SC’s regulations.

It depends on your financial situation, but as a general rule, 6–12 months of expenses should be saved before going full-time. Consider family obligations, monthly living expenses, and business startup costs (e.g., licensing fees, training, client acquisition). Some advisors start part-time first while building their client base before making the transition.

LFPs can earn income through financial planning fees (clients pay fees for advisory services), assets under administration (AUA) fees (fees from managing client investment portfolios), commissions (limited to certain products under SC guidelines such as unit trusts and insurance via FA firms), and corporate & business advisory services.

At WVA, financial planners are expected to generate their own leads but receive marketing support & branding, referral networks through collaborations with other professionals, and lead generation strategies & training to help advisors build a sustainable business.

No. Financial planning is for everyone. WVA serves young professionals starting their careers, middle-income families managing expenses, investments, and savings, high-net- worth individuals requiring wealth management and estate planning, business owners seeking tax-efficient financial structures, and retirees looking for financial security.

You can start by helping middle-income professionals with budgeting and cashflow planning, debt management, and retirement and investment planning. Many clients grow wealth over time, leading to larger portfolios and referrals.

Obtain a recognized financial planning certification (CFP, RFP, IFP). Join a Licensed Financial Planning Firm like WVA. Apply for a Capital Markets Services Representative’s License (CMSRL) from the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC). Complete onboarding, compliance training, and licensing requirements. Start building your client base and advisory practice.

You can visit: Financial Planning Association of Malaysia (FPAM): www.fpam.org.my Islamic Banking & Finance Institute Malaysia (IBFIM): www.ibfim.com Malaysian Financial Planning Council (MFPC): www.mfpc.org.my

Financial planning offers multiple growth paths: Licensed Financial Planner (build your own client base), Specialist Roles (estate planning, takaful, business advisory/succession, Shariah wealth planning), and Management & Leadership (train and coach new advisors, or become a director in a firm).

At WVA, we provide a structured career pathway from advisor to partner, training, coaching, and mentorship, and a strong support system to build a long-term career.