CityU holds Graduation Ceremony for IARFC Program Successfully

The Graduation and Conferment Ceremony of Registered Financial Consultant Certificate Program 2024 was successfully held at the City University of Macau (CityU) on July 5, 2025. The programme was jointly organised by the Faculty of Finance of CityU, the Macau Institute of Financial Services (IFS), and the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants (IARFC); supported by the International Training and Testing Center of CityU. 

Students were awarded the “Professional Certificate in Financial Planning” and the “Certified Financial Consultant” professional certificates. This international certification not only helps the Macao SAR Government to promote the development of an appropriately diversified economy and the cultivation of financial talents, but also further promotes the overall growth of financial professionals in Macao.

Cultivating Professional Financial Planning Talents to Promote the Development of Macao's Financial Sector

Professor Cheung Wai-kwong, Dean of the Faculty of Finance at City University, stated in his speech that he hopes participants can deepen their skills and knowledge in financial planning through this course, fully utilize their experience in financial management and planning, actively equip themselves, grasp more information about the development of the financial industry in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, seize opportunities, and strive to promote the development of the financial industry in Macau and the country.

Mr. Lo Chi Man, member of the Management Committee of Macau Institute of Financial Services (IFS), pointed out that the Macao SAR Government is actively promoting economic restructuring and diversification, and modern finance is an important component of the “1+4” strategy, with banking and insurance being the core of the financial system. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to cultivate professionally qualified financial advisors, and RFC, with its professionally recognized certificate, can provide more reliable financial planning services to clients. He encouraged the trainees to continue to work hard and contribute to the development of the financial industry in Macau.

Susan So, Chairperson of the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants (IARFC) Hong Kong and Macau Chapter, congratulated the newly certified RFC participants, emphasizing that the RFC is an international professional qualification issued by the US-based IARFC representing excellence in the field of financial planning. She noted that with increasing global economic uncertainties, the demand for professional and ethically standard financial advisors is rising. Macau and Hong Kong should strengthen cooperation to enhance professional standards, provide better financial services to the public, and promote high-quality financial development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

Student Sharing

Chan Hoi Yan, representative of the outstanding students, said that participating in the RFC program enabled her to follow the pace of Macao's financial talent cultivation policy, systematically master professional knowledge and core skills, and broaden her horizons and enhance her independent learning ability. She thanked her teachers and fellow students for their support and believed that this learning experience would become an important cornerstone for her to join the financial industry in Macao and contribute to the diversified development of the local economy.

Mr. Wong Fat Loi, representative of the outstanding trainees, expressed that he had benefited a lot from attending this RFC program. The course is divided into four modules, with contents ranging from simple to in-depth, both theoretical and practical, creating a good learning atmosphere. Through systematic learning, they have not only enhanced their professional knowledge in financial planning, but also obtained the international certification.This course has given him a deep understanding that only with professional financial planning skills can he provide more comprehensive and diversified advice to his clients and truly respond to market needs. In the future, he will continue to pursue further education and refine his professional skills to contribute to the development of the financial industry in Macau.

RFC is a professional designation awarded by the International Association of Registered Financial Consultants (IARFC) to financial advisors who meet high standards of education, experience, and ethics. In the ceremony, the graduates expressed the honour to have participated in the programme. They agreed that the programme not only helped them achieve professional standards but also broadened development spaces for their career.

Other guests attending the ceremony include: Associate Professor Kwong Yuen Wa, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Finance, City University of Macau; Ms. Wu Yao Fan , Acting Director of the International Training and Testing Centre, City University of Macau; Ms. Tam, Executive Director of the Macau Financial Services Institute.