Program Empowers Financial Planners with Essential Cybersecurity Skills to Protect Their Practices and Clients
DENVER (April 2, 2025) – In response to the growing challenges in cybersecurity and regulatory compliance in financial services, the Financial Planning Association® (FPA®), the leading membership organization and trade association for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals, partnered with FCI Cyber and Buckler, LLC., to launch of the new Cybersecurity for Financial Planners: An FPA Certificate Program.
This comprehensive course is designed for financial planning professionals operating practices of all sizes. It equips them with crucial knowledge and skills to navigate today’s complex cyber landscape. As cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated and regulatory demands rise, security responsibility often falls on professionals who may lack formal cybersecurity training.
“The launch of the Cybersecurity for Financial Planners certificate program reflects FPA’s commitment to equipping financial planners with the necessary tools to safeguard their practices and clients in an ever-changing modern world,” said 2025 FPA President Paul Brahim, CFP®, CEPA®. "With this certificate program, participants will not only enhance their understanding of cybersecurity but also ensure the integrity and trustworthiness of their practices."
The Cybersecurity for Financial Planners program addresses this gap by providing participants with the tools to protect sensitive data while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards set by organizations such as CFP Board of Standards (CFP Board), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and the New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS).
The program features six 30-minute modules encompassing key foundational elements of a robust cybersecurity framework tailored to various practice sizes. Participants learn how to align their strategies with regulatory requirements, implement best practices, and foster a security culture within their organizations. By the end of the course, participants clearly understand how to secure their firms and navigate the challenges posed by cyber attackers and regulators.
"This program equips them with practical strategies to protect client data and meet regulatory requirements. FCI is proud to support FPA in strengthening cybersecurity across the industry,” said Brian Edelman, chief executive officer of FCI.
"Cyber compliance is key to trust and regulatory success. Buckler is honored to collaborate with FPA and FCI in advancing cybersecurity education," added Vincent Guyaux, chief information security officer of Buckler.
The self-paced, on-demand Cybersecurity for Financial Planners program combines essential knowledge with real-world applications and self-assessments, enabling financial planners to manage the complexities of cybersecurity and compliance.
“FPA is honored to have the support of our friends and partners at FCI Cyber and Buckler, LLC, to make this modernized program available to our members. Brian Edelman and Vincent Guyaux are among the most respected authorities on cybersecurity in financial services, and we are excited to share their thought leadership with everyone in our community,” added Brahim.
The program is now available and qualifies for 3.5 CFP® CE credits. FPA members can enroll for $199, and nonmembers can enroll for $329. For more information about the program or to enroll, visit financialplanningassociation.org.
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About the Financial Planning Association
For 25 years, the Financial Planning Association® (FPA®) has been the leading membership organization and trade association for CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professionals and those engaged in the financial planning process. FPA is the CFP® professional’s partner in planning by helping them realize their vision of professional fulfillment through practice support, learning, advocacy, and networking. Learn more about FPA at financialplanningassociation.org.
About FCI Cyber
FCI is a NIST-Based Managed Security Service Provider (MSSP) offering Cybersecurity Compliance Enablement and IT Services to CISOs and security personnel of organizations with prescriptive cybersecurity regulatory requirements. FCI blends best-of-breed technologies, cybersecurity best practices, expertise, and innovation to deliver Endpoint, User, Network, and Cloud App Security as well as Security Assessments. Learn more at fcicyber.com.
About Buckler, LLC
Buckler provides Cyber Compliance Management Solutions to Financial Services organizations, ensuring robust compliance with SEC, FINRA, NAIC, NYDFS, and other cyber regulations. Continuously updated to reflect regulatory changes, Buckler assists firms in achieving and surpassing regulatory requirements while enhancing security programs. Buckler’s platform covers critical areas such as risk and governance, business continuity planning, security incident response, information security policy enforcement, and vendor risk management. With predefined, customizable policies matched across applicable regulations, Buckler streamlines compliance processes. Learn more at buckler.app.