Category: Business

DENVER, COLO – 24 March 2026 – The global community of CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER professionals continued its upward trajectory in 2025, closing the year with 236,300 CFP professionals across 29 territories. This represents a net increase of 5,652 CFP professionals over the previous year and a global year-over-year growth rate of 2.5%.

Since 2004, when Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB) was founded, the number of CFP professionals worldwide has continued to grow each year, reflecting the global commitment to rigorous professional standards and the value that competent, ethical financial planners bring to consumers and markets.

“The strength of the global CFP professional community reflects a worldwide commitment to excellence in financial planning,” said FPSB CEO Dante De Gori, CFP. “As more professionals pursue CFP certification and more consumers seek objective, client-first advice, we’re seeing global standards strengthen public trust and confidence in the profession.” 

Building a Younger, More Diverse Global Profession

As the profession grows, its demographic profile is also evolving. In 2025, the CFP certification continued to attract a new generation of financial planners:

• 62.1% of those who achieved CFP certification in 2025 were under the age of 40

• 37.9% of those who achieved CFP certification in 2025 were female

These trends highlight the increasing appeal of CFP certification among younger and more diverse talent entering the profession.

“It’s encouraging to see younger professionals and women choosing to pursue CFP certification,” added De Gori. “A diverse, next generation community of CFP professionals is essential to meeting the evolving needs of clients around the world. The momentum we’re seeing today will shape the future of the profession for decades to come.”

More than 32,500 candidates sat for CFP certification exams around the world in 2025, reflecting strong interest in pursuing the credential that upholds professionalism in the practice of financial planning.

Across FPSB’s global network representing more than 500,000 financial planning professionals, nearly half hold the CFP certification, underscoring the certification’s standing as the global symbol of excellence in financial planning.

“In territories like Hong Kong, where there is one CFP professional for every 1,679 adults*, we’re seeing how markets with strong certification adoption can meaningfully expand access to competent and ethical advice,” noted De Gori.

2025 Highlights

The United States and Japan recorded the largest absolute gains in the number of CFP certification holders in 2025, with net increases of 4,436 and 805, respectively.

Five territories achieved double digit growth rates in their CFP professional populations:

• Italy: 79.2%
• Chinese Taipei: 23.3%
• Brunei: 21.4%
• Malaysia: 10.5%
• Thailand: 10.1%

The five territories with the highest number of CFP professionals were:

1. United States: 107,529
2. People’s Republic of China: 32,599
3. Japan: 27,786
4. Canada: 17,446
5. Brazil: 11,425

Other notable milestones:

• Chinese Taipei exceeded 4,000 CFP professionals
• Italy surpassed 100 CFP professionals, significant progress after launching CFP certification in that market in 2023
• San Marino became FPSB’s 29^th territory, strengthening the global footprint of the CFP professional community

For more information on the global CFP professional community as of year-end 2025, view FPSB’s infographic.

Jukebox Ventures will host an accelerator programme worth up to £1m for music and tech startups and offering investment in the most exciting new projects via funding, marketing and launch strategy.

The international B2B gathering connecting leaders across music, entertainment and technology returns to the Adriatic coast in Croatia on 27th-29th May for its highly anticipated second edition.

Building on the resounding success of its debut in Croatia, this year’s edition will see Jukebox Ventures curate the music tech strand of the programme and host an accelerator session offering the chance to secure funding up to £1m for exciting new projects. Successful applications for the programme will get 50% discounted tickets for attending the conference.

Hosted at the exclusive Petram Resort and Residences, the conference provides a distinctive and intimate setting where executives, entrepreneurs, artists and investors can explore the evolving relationship between music, technology and culture. With 80% of last year’s attendees holding executive-level roles, including CEOs, directors and senior decision makers from leading European agencies, promoters and festivals, Bridge has already established itself as a unique addition to the global music industry calendar, combining high-level conversations, curated networking and world-class Istrian hospitality.

World-Class speakers across music, technology & entertainment

Bridge 2026 will once again bring together an exceptional lineup of speakers, executives and innovators from across the global music, entertainment and technology landscape, with a carefully curated programme exploring the future of music through the intersection of technology, AI, investment, artist development and the rapidly evolving relationship between culture and digital innovation.

Confirmed speakers include industry leaders such as Maria May (Head of Electronic, Creative Artists Agency), Steve Hogan (Agent & Partner, WME), Greg Parmley (Managing Director, International Live Music Conference), Holger Jan Schmidt (General Secretary, YOUROPE), Fruzsina Szép (Festival Director, SUPERBLOOM and Lollapalooza Berlin), Sara Bazian (Strategic Partnerships Manager, YouTube Music), Ivan Milivojev (Co-Founder, EXIT Festival) and others, with many more speakers set to be announced soon.

Dušan Kovačević, co-founder of EXIT Festival, whose long-standing work at the intersection of music, culture and social impact helped inspire the creation of Bridge as a platform for forward-thinking industry dialogue, says, “Bridge was born from the idea that the future of music will be built at the intersection of creativity, technology and human connection. With Jukebox Ventures joining us this year, we are creating a space where bold ideas, industry leadership and real investment can come together to help shape what comes next. Because for real business success, even the best ideas need direct access to the right people, and that is exactly what Bridge is designed to provide.”  

Jukebox Ventures to host accelerator programme for emerging tech startups

Bridge 2026 will also host a startup accelerator programme in partnership with Jukebox Ventures, an investment platform that is all about face-to-face meetings and making real connections. As part of the initiative, selected early-stage startups working across music, technology and entertainment will have the opportunity to present their ideas directly to investors and industry leaders attending the conference. Successful participants will receive investment support alongside mentorship from members of the Jukebox Ventures network and other industry figures present at the event.

Alex Jukes, founder of Jukebox Ventures says, “At Jukebox Ventures, we believe the next wave of innovation in music and entertainment will come from founders who have traditionally been shut out of the room. Bridge is exactly the kind of platform that changes that, and we believe the best way to achieve it is through close contact, in-person meetings and building real world relationships. By bringing together the brightest minds in the industry with a genuine commitment to backing overlooked talent, we are not just investing in startups, we are investing in the future of the entire sector. We couldn’t be more excited to be part of this.”

Further speakers and programme details will be announced in the coming weeks. A full schedule, including panel discussions, keynote sessions, and the Jukebox Ventures pitch competition, will be published at bridgeconference.net.

Gurugram, India, Mar 23: Livpure, one of India’s most trusted and customer-centric brands committed to enhancing consumer well-being, today announced the extension of its partnership with Gujarat Titans, the Ahmedabad-based IPL franchise, for the upcoming 2026 season. Continuing as the team’s Exclusive Water Purifier and Kitchen Appliance Partner, Livpure will leverage the scale and cultural relevance of cricket to strengthen its brand visibility and deepen engagement with younger, urban consumers.

The extended association marks a strategic move in Livpure’s growing presence within the sports ecosystem. As the brand accelerates its expansion into the kitchen appliances category, the partnership will serve as a key platform to build salience for its evolving portfolio of smart, efficient, and design-led home solutions among aspirational audiences.

Speaking about the partnership, Mr. Rakesh Kaul, Managing Director of Livpure, said, “Cricket in India is far more than a sport, it is a shared cultural emotion that brings millions of people together and shapes conversations across the country. For Livpure, this makes it a powerful platform to build deeper and more meaningful connections with consumers. Extending our association with Gujarat Titans allows us to tap into this high-engagement ecosystem while strengthening our relevance among new-age consumers. As we continue to evolve into a more holistic consumer brand, this partnership will play an important role in reinforcing Livpure’s positioning as a modern, dynamic brand aligned with the needs of today’s India.” 

Together, Livpure and Gujarat Titans aim to build on the momentum of their partnership, bringing it to life through dynamic digital campaigns, engaging television integrations, and immersive on-ground activations. By connecting with millions of cricket fans across the country, Livpure looks to strengthen its presence as a trusted name in water and kitchen solutions while driving deeper consumer engagement.

Nathdwara, Rajasthan  Mar 23: A monumental spiritual landmark is set to be unveiled at the sacred land of Nathdwara with the inauguration of a 131-foot-tall statue of Lord Hanuman, designed and sculpted by internationally acclaimed sculptor Shri Naresh Kumawat. The grand inauguration ceremony will take place on 25–26 March 2026, with the statue being officially opened for public darshan on 26 March 2026 at Giriraj Parvat, Nathdwara. The ceremony will be graced by revered spiritual and public figures including Shri Rakesh Prabhu Ji, Shrimad Rajchandra Mission, Shri Vishal Baba Ji, Head Priest of Shrinath Ji Temple.

Prominent dignitaries such as Shri Madan Paliwal Ji, Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji, and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Rajasthan have also been invited to mark this auspicious occasion.

The statue depicts Lord Hanuman in a humble and devotional “Seva Bhav” posture, symbolising his eternal service to Shrinath Ji Bhagwan. Rooted in sacred belief, it is said that when Lord Shrinath Ji arrived in Nathdwara, both Lord Shiva and Lord Hanuman accompanied Him.

This spiritual continuity finds expression in the present creation. Shri Naresh Kumawat, who earlier sculpted the iconic Statue of Belief (Vishwas Swaroopam)—the world’s tallest statue of Lord Shiva—now completes this divine narrative with the consecration of Hanuman Ji at Nathdwara.

The statue features a gentle, welcoming smile, embodying devotion, humility, and a sense of divine presence—symbolically greeting Lord Shiva and Shrinath Ji.

Located opposite the Shrinath Ji Temple, atop Giriraj Parvat, the statue stands at an elevation of approximately 500 feet above road level. The site presented extraordinary challenges due to its steep terrain and limited working space, making this achievement both engineeringly remarkable and spiritually significant.

Engineering Excellence & Craftsmanship

•  Height: 131 feet
•  pprox. Weight: 170 tons
•  Construction Period: 2023 – March 2026 (Approx. 3 years)

The statue has been constructed using a specialized metallic composition integrated with a robust steel framework and glass fibre reinforcement, ensuring both strength and longevity.

Structural design and wind analysis were meticulously carried out under the guidance of renowned structural engineer Shri Sharad Gupta Ji, who has contributed to several of Shri Kumawat’s global projects.

A custom-developed coating and finishing system, researched and sourced internationally (including materials from Thailand), has been applied to ensure durability against extreme weather conditions while maintaining aesthetic brilliance.

The project brought together:

• A core team of 40 skilled artisans and sculptors led by Shri Naresh Kumawat
• Engineering expertise under Shri Sharad Gupta Ji
• Over 40 technical specialists and workers

One of the most significant challenges was transporting materials to the hilltop site. To overcome this, a custom track-based transport system was designed and implemented—an innovation that stands as a testament to the team’s ingenuity and determination.

This installation enriches the spiritual journey of devotees visiting Nathdwara by offering a more complete experience of Sanatan Dharma, where the presence of Shrinath Ji, Lord Shiva, and Lord Hanuman converges in one sacred geography.

Beyond its religious importance, the statue is expected to:

• Enhance pilgrimage tourism in Nathdwara
• Generate economic opportunities for the local community
• Further establish Nathdwara as a global spiritual destination

Drawing parallels with iconic sites like Jakhu Temple in Shimla, this Hanuman Ji statue is poised to become a defining identity of the region.

 

 

 

Mumbai, Mar 23 — Renowned jewellery designer Farah Khan Ali unveils her flagship boutique in South Mumbai’s historic Fort district, marking a significant new chapter in her three-decade journey in fine jewellery. Set within the heritage building Chemco House, the 1,100-square-foot boutique is conceived as an immersive world of craft, design, and timeless elegance — a space where jewellery is not merely displayed, but deeply experienced.

Framed in the brand’s signature apricot-amber hue and softened by delicate blooms, the boutique opens like a sanctuary within the city — intimate, atmospheric, and quietly luxurious. Designed as an extension of Farah’s creative language, the space brings together sculptural display, architectural detail, layered materiality, and emotional storytelling.

“I wanted to create more than a boutique — a world where design, craftsmanship, and story could be experienced in their fullest expression,” says Farah Khan Ali. “Every corner, every surface, every detail has been thoughtfully considered to allow the jewellery to breathe and speak for itself. The space is meant to evoke intimacy and wonder, where light, texture, and atmosphere guide the visitor through each collection as though moving through a gallery of emotions. Here, the pieces are not merely displayed; they are invited to live, to tell their stories, and to connect with the wearer on a deeply personal level. This boutique is a celebration of craft, memory, and beauty — a place where the essence of Farah Khan jewellery comes alive.”

The interiors balance old-world romance with contemporary refinement. A palette of soft champagne, ivory, and warm sand is layered with silken lacquered furniture, sculptural accents, and carefully modulated lighting, creating an environment in which the jewellery remains the true focal point.

“When I first began speaking with Farah about the boutique, it became clear that she envisioned something far more evocative than a conventional jewellery store — a space that would feel almost like a gallery of jewels,” says Usama Patel, Founder of Studio Nineteen, who designed and executed the space alongside Farah’s creative vision. “I approached the interiors in that spirit, allowing them to unfold in gentle layers, where refined tones, delicate motifs, rich textiles, and carefully selected stone surfaces reflect the poetic world of her jewellery. The brand’s Aayat motif quietly guided the flow and composition of the boutique, lending the experience a sense of rhythm, symmetry, and understated grace.”

A design-forward haven, the boutique houses some of Farah Khan Ali’s most distinctive and sought-after collections, each presented within a setting that allows its narrative to unfold with intimacy and clarity.

Among them is Zarine — The Golden One, a collection created in memory of Farah’s late mother and first muse, Zarine Sanjay Khan, whose instinctive style and love for adornment shaped Farah’s understanding of jewellery. Richly layered in emotion and expression, the collection draws on animal-inspired jewels that carry strength and symbolism, roses that whisper of romance and nostalgia, and Victorian forms steeped in history. The palette moves from delicate blush tones of morganite and kunzite to deeper hues of emerald green, ruby red, tanzanite blue, and amethyst purple, all accented with diamonds set in 18kt gold.

“This collection is a tribute to my mother, Zarine — The Golden One — a legacy of strength, romance, and enduring elegance,” says Farah. “It is for a woman who believes jewellery is meant to be lived in — to gather memories and become part of who she is.”

Another featured collection, The Rose, is an ode to romance, memory, and timeless beauty. Crafted in 18kt gold and rose gold, it brings together poetic hues of soft blush, velvety red, and luminous tones reminiscent of Mughal gardens and Renaissance art. Each piece embodies tenderness and strength, celebrating the modern woman who is ever-blooming and ever-evolving.

Every element of the boutique has been conceived as part of a larger sensory narrative. Angel chandeliers, sculptural dragonfly wing lamps, and a triangular central display adorned with birds and floral motifs create a lyrical environment in which each jewel feels alive. A Private lounge with the brands monogram Aayat-inspired brass mesh, sculptural furnishings, and layered lighting invite moments of reflection and slow luxury, while a Wall of Memories honours Farah’s design journey and her mother’s lasting influence.

With this flagship, Farah Khan Fine Jewellery continues to define a deeply personal vision of contemporary luxury — one rooted in design, craft, emotion, and meaning. Ultimately, this is a space where jewellery is not simply purchased, but experienced; where beauty unfolds slowly, conversation becomes part of the ritual, and every detail lingers like the memory of a rare jewel.

 

 Today’s markets analysis on behalf of Tony Sage, CEO of Critical Metals 

Gold extended its decline on Monday, retreating to its lowest point in several months as rising Treasury yields and a firmer dollar are driving the selloff. Disruptions to critical energy supply routes in the Middle East continued to push oil prices higher, reigniting inflation fears and forcing markets to reprice the trajectory of global monetary policy.

Major central banks held rates steady last week but signalled a readiness to tighten if price pressures persist. Interest rate cuts are no longer expected in the US, while other central banks are seen as likely to hike interest rates in their upcoming meetings, weighing down on non-yielding assets like gold.

The metal could remain exposed to short-term risks, and could see its trajectory driven primarily by developments in the Middle East and their impact on inflation expectations. However, the market could continue to find some support over the long term as tensions remain elevated in Eastern Europe, and central banks continue to accumulate gold, which could help limit losses. At the same time, a return to normal conditions in the oil market could help gold rebound.