Financial Services - Canadian Context
Thrive in the financial services industry in Canada.
- One of the few programs in Canada offering certification education for the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation, recognized by FP Canada as the gold standard in financial planning worldwide
- Specifically designed to support students transitioning into the Canadian work environment, providing pathways to several designations
- Highly qualified professors with extensive experience in financial planning share their knowledge, expertise, and passion for the industry with students
Program Availability and Schedule
Availability
Open
Closed
Waitlisted
Start Term
Availability
International
Availability
Competitive?
Winter 2025
No
Fall 2025
No
Schedule
Program Summary
Credential
Program Delivery
Program Code
Area of Interest
School
Campus
Work Integrated Learning
If you are looking for a comprehensive pathway to a rewarding career in the Canadian financial services industry, this program is designed for you.
The two-year Financial Services - Canadian Context Ontario College Graduate Certificate program is specifically designed to support students transitioning into the Canadian work environment in the financial planning, financial advising, and customer sales and service areas of:...(read more)
Overview
Thrive in the financial services industry in Canada.
If you are looking for a comprehensive pathway to a rewarding career in the Canadian financial services industry, this program is designed for you.
The two-year Financial Services - Canadian Context Ontario College Graduate Certificate program is specifically designed to support students transitioning into the Canadian work environment in the financial planning, financial advising, and customer sales and service areas of:
- banking
- insurance
- financial planning
- wealth management
In this program, you build knowledge and skills to evaluate and recommend financial products and services based on clients` individual needs. You develop techniques to collect and analyze client information to create and present customized financial plans. Sales strategies and relationship building techniques are applied while adhering to legal and ethical practices and industry standards. Throughout the program, you develop a professional competencies portfolio to document marketable skills. The fourth semester of the program includes experiential learning within a variety of real-world scenarios.
Through your learning, you develop financial advising strategies to facilitate clients` short- and long-term financial goals. Topics include:
- saving and borrowing for major purchases . postsecondary education and retirement planning
- insurance for risk management and wealth protection
- tax planning for choosing the tax efficient financial strategies
- investing for diversification, growth and tax efficiency
- estate planning for succession and wealth transfer
Students are eligible to write the Canadian Securities Course Exams upon successful completion of their CSC courses. Algonquin College collaborates with the Canadian Securities Institute (CSI), and FP Canada to offer the Financial Services - Canadian Context Graduate Certificate Program, which meets FP Canada’s end-to-end educational requirements for CFP certification. The program includes Technical Education (Fundamental and Advanced) requirements as well as CFP Professional Education Program for CFP certification. Algonquin College also collaborates with Chartered Institute of Financial Planning (CIFP) to offer education for Chartered Financial Planner designation.
The program provides a pathway to the following credential and designations upon completion of their additional requirements and exams:
- Canadian Securities Course (CSC credential) (see CSI website for additional requirements)
- Qualified Associate Financial Planner (QAFP) designation (see FP Canada website for additional requirements)
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation (see FP Canada website for university degree and additional requirements)
- Chartered Financial Planner designation (see CIFP website for additional requirements)
You may find employment as a personal financial or investment advisor in a broad range of financial institutions. These might include:
- banks
- credit unions
- financial planning offices
- insurance companies
- brokerage firms
SUCCESS FACTORS
This program is well-suited for students who:
- Possess customer-focused communication skills, both written and oral.
- Thrive in a dynamic team-based work environment.
- Possess an analytical and mathematical aptitude.
- Are detail-oriented and able to follow complex instructions.
- Are outgoing and have strong interpersonal skills.
Courses
Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.
Code:
ENL2101
Course Name:
Applied Professional Communication
Course Description:
The application of advanced communication skills, specific to the Canadian workplace, plays a principal role in career success and in the sm... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FIN2339
Course Name:
Introduction to the Canadian Financial System
Course Description:
The Canadian financial system and regulatory system is unique in its operations, government oversight, and relationships with neighbouring c... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
FIN2344
Course Name:
Spreadsheets for Financial Services
Course Description:
Spreadsheets are increasingly used in workplaces to organize and analyze personal and financial data for client relations. Using spreadsheet... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
HRM4100
Course Name:
Introduction to Organizational Behaviour in Canada
Course Description:
Organizational behaviour is the study of how people and teams interact in the workplace from both practical and theoretical perspectives. St... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
LFS0016
Course Name:
Professional Skills in Canada
Course Description:
In addition to technical skills, professional skills are critical for professionals to effectively adapt and contribute to highly competitiv... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
MGT2229
Course Name:
Business Fundamentals in Canada
Course Description:
Organizations are comprised of various interrelated functional areas. Through the perspective of both the Canadian and international busines... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FIN2311
Course Name:
Financial Planning Fundamentals
Course Description:
The thought of managing savings, selecting the right insurance, planning for a major purchase, as well as preparation for retirement can oft... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FIN2313
Course Name:
Canadian Securities Course 1
Course Description:
In-depth industry knowledge is highly regarded in the financial workplace. A framework for analyzing Canadian financial markets, institution... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
FIN2314
Course Name:
Behavioural Finance
Course Description:
Behavioural finance is a growing area of study in the field of financial planning. Managing the client's emotions as well as their money is ... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FIN2319
Course Name:
Income Tax Planning
Course Description:
A major concern for financial clients is minimizing the amount of tax payable to preserve wealth for the future. One way to gain peace of mi... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
FIN2327
Course Name:
Risk Management and Estate Planning
Course Description:
Advanced knowledge of retirement, risk, estate, tax, and investment strategies is required to remain relevant in the financial services indu... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
MKT2111
Course Name:
Relationship Selling
Course Description:
Developing a foundation and practice in sales and communications skills vital to an individual's success within the financial services indus... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Code:
FIN2111
Course Name:
Consumer Credit
Course Description:
Financial freedom for most clients comes from understanding, then leveraging and managing household debt. Professionals must develop marketa... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
FIN2302
Course Name:
Registered Savings and Retirement Planning
Course Description:
The Federal Government provides tax-sheltered options for Canadians to save for a child's education, major purchases and retirement. Student... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
FIN2323
Course Name:
Professional Competencies Portfolio
Course Description:
Professionals use reflection to identify gaps and develop strategies to bridge the gaps in pursuit of professional development and career ad... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
FIN2326
Course Name:
Canadian Securities Course 2
Course Description:
The Canadian Securities Course (CSC) is a highly sought credential in the financial workplace. Students develop a framework for analyzing Ca... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
FIN2328
Course Name:
Advanced Financial Planning
Course Description:
Professional financial planners appreciate that human psychology and behaviour may affect financial decisions. They also employ engagement ... + Read More
Hours:
56.0
Code:
FIN2324
Course Name:
Financial Services Project Seminar
Course Description:
The needs of clients evolve year over year, subject to personal circumstances and market conditions. Students apply financial knowledge and ... + Read More
Hours:
70.0
Code:
FIN2346
Course Name:
Financial Services Applied Project
Course Description:
The key to successful financial interactions is the ability to translate complex financial issues and goals into manageable concepts for cli... + Read More
Hours:
84
Code:
FIN2347
Course Name:
Professional Education Program
Course Description:
Behavioural factors affect clients' decisions and being aware of these factors will help professionals handle highly complex client cases. P... + Read More
Hours:
84
Code:
LFS0017
Course Name:
Career Development in Canada
Course Description:
Developing and managing a career in Canada requires an intentional and proactive approach. Students identify the difference between career d... + Read More
Hours:
42.0
Careers & Pathways
Careers
Graduates may find employment opportunities as a personal finance specialist in a broad range of financial institutions such as: banks, credit unions, financial planning firms, mutual fund companies, insurance companies, and brokerage firms. Roles include: personal financial or investment advisor, financial sales representative, and financial officer.
Pathways
Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.
Learning Outcomes
The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:
- Complete all work according to professional regulations, provincial legislation and ethical standards required by the financial services industry and its regulators.
- Develop a financial plan based on a client`s capacity for investing, personal needs and risk tolerance.
- Recommend financial instruments including, fixed income securities, common and preferred shares, mutual funds and others that meet a client`s investment and financial needs.
- Develop and present marketing and communication strategies that include selling and client relationship management techniques suitable to prospect and retain clients.
- Evaluate financial planning strategies for tax management, insurance coverage, wealth accumulation and retirement and estate solutions to determine which would best meet a client`s needs.
- Develop and use personal/professional strategies and plans to improve future professional growth, job performance, and working relationships in a Canadian context.
- Evaluate the financial performance of a business by analyzing financial statements and business transactions to advise clients on potential investments.
- Model professional practice according to industry standards, such as client-focused communication.
- Apply industry skills, attitudes and knowledge in a variety of Canadian workplace settings to support client goals.
- Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.
Tuition & Fees
Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.
2024/2025 Academic Year
Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.
Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.
Fees are subject to change.
Additional program related expenses include:
Books and supplies cost approximately $500.
Admissions Requirements
Program Eligibility
- Ontario College Diploma, Ontario College Advanced Diploma, Degree or equivalent.
- Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
- IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; Writing 22; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.
Application Information
FINANCIAL SERVICES - CANADIAN CONTEXT
Program Code 1318X01FWO
Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:
ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, ON N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228
Applications are available online at www.ontariocolleges.ca.
Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.
International Student Application Form at https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/ or by contacting the Registrar`s Office.
For further information on the admissions process, contact:
Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College
1385 Woodroffe Ave
Ottawa, ON K2G 1V8
Telephone: 613-727-0002
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 613-727-7766
Fax: 613-727-7632
https://www.algonquincollege.com/ro
Additional Information
Program Resources
The CSC, QAFP, CFP, Chartered Financial Planner are not awarded by Algonquin College. For more information refer to the following websites:
- FP Canada - https://www.fpcanada.ca/become-a-financial-planner
- Certified Financial Planner Certification - https://www.fpcanada.ca/about-our-certifications/cfp-certification
- Canadian Securities Institute Course - https://www.csi.ca/en/learning/courses/csc
- CIFP Chartered Institute of Financial Planning - https://www.charteredinstitute.ca/WebPage.aspx?ID=494&SID=2
Contact
Ali Pahlavani
Program Coordinator/Professor
Ali is a full-time professor of finance, teaching since 2016 in the Financial Services – Canadian Context, and Business Administration – Finance Programs.
In addition to holding an MBA from Carleton University, Ali has earned a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s Degree in Geotechnical Engineering from his native country of Iran.
Ali is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), a Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU), and a Certified Health Insurance Specialist (CHS).
He is licensed for Life and Accident/Sickness Insurance, General Insurance, and Mutual Fund Investments in Ontario.
Ali has over 15 years of experience in the financial planning field. Ali serves on the board of directors of Ottawa Chapter of Advocis (Financial Advisors Association of Canada).
He previously served at the national level on Chapter Leadership Council of Advocis and GAMA Canada.
Gord Henley
Professor
Gord Henley works as part-time faculty in the hopes of sharing his passion and some of the knowledge he has accumulated during his 17+ years in the financial services industry. 15+ of those years have been spent running a independent financial planning practice providing a broad array of financial planning and services to his clients.
Studying finance was always his career ambition choosing it as his focus for an undergraduate degree in business administration. Like most students in the program, he chose to study abroad for his graduate degree before returning to Canada to work. His journey at Algonquin College started when he took preparatory courses in the evenings to help prepare for successfully completing his CFP and CIM exams.
Arpita Jahan
Professor
Arpita has been teaching in the BUAD – Finance Program and the Financial Services – Canadian Context programs at Algonquin College since 2016.
Arpita has earned her Chartered Financial Planner® designation and holds an MBA degree from Hawaii Pacific University, USA. She has an undergraduate degree in Business Administration – concentrating in the fields of Marketing and Accounting.
She was employed as a Professor for 3 years at Independent University, Bangladesh (http://iub.ac.bd/), whose curriculum and education practices follow the North American liberal arts education model.
She later joined the financial services industry and was active in the Financial Advisory and Investment Consultant roles at TD Canada Trust for 10 years.
Arpita is very passionate about teaching and is committed to providing quality education and creating a positive learning environment for all students, as well as fostering their future career growth.
Maryam Mahdavian
Professor
At Algonquin College, my role as a Part-Time Professor allows me to impart practical financial knowledge, honed over 1.5 years as Assistant Branch Manager at BMO, where I developed a robust expertise in mortgage lending and financial advisory. Our team’s efforts contributed to enhancing customer financial literacy and fostering inclusive banking practices.
My core competencies lie in delivering complex financial concepts with clarity and developing strategic solutions to meet diverse client needs. With a deep commitment to diversity and sustainability, I integrate these values into my teaching methodology, equipping the next generation of financial professionals to drive positive change in our industry.
Dan Stewart
Professor
Dan Stewart FMA, CFP, TEP has been a part-time faculty professor at Algonquin for the past 23 years, teaching various financial services courses including the CFP, PFP, and Canadian Context programs.
Dan also works full-time with CI Private Client wealth planning services providing consulting advice to advisors and their high net worth clients of Assante Private Client.
Shawn Sutton
Professor
Shawn brings over 25 years of financial and management experience to the college.
He holds the Certified Financial Planner designation. He received a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Ottawa and an honours bachelor of commerce degree from McMaster University. Shawn holds a Chartered Accountant designation and is also a member of the Institute of Corporate Directors and holds the ICD.D. designation.
In his spare time, Shawn is active in his community, where he serves on a variety of not-for-profit boards and coaches youth basketball.
Yuham (Jessie) Zhang
Professor
Jessie holds an MBA from University of Ottawa and a BBA from the City University of Hong Kong.
She currently works at Business Development Bank of Canada, the only Canadian bank devoted exclusively to entrepreneurs, her role involves financing and advisory services, where she passionately supports Canadian businesses.
Jessie brings 20 years’ experience in business development and partnership, project management and stakeholder engagement. Her expertise spans diverse industries, including financial services, pharmaceuticals, supply chain solutions, consulting, and education.
Beyond her corporate roles, Jessie is a teacher, a Certified Integral and Resilience Coach. She teaches business subjects at Algonquin College, also teaches Mandarin Chinese language and culture to professionals including Foreign Service Officers at Global Affairs of Canada.
Jessie’s passion lies in entrepreneurship, bridging cultures, learning, growth, and making a difference in every endeavor she pursues.