The Estate Planning Practitioners Limited Hong Kong (EPPLHK) is honoured to invite one of our distinguished designees, Gifford Chen (Class of 2022), to share his inspiring success story and the invaluable impact of the AEPP® Programme on his career.
“I majored in Food and Nutrition,” Gifford Chen begins, “but I soon found my calling in finance.” He transitioned from banking to insurance, where he serves entrepreneurs and professionals, helping them earn passive income through wealth protection, risk management, and financial solutions. In addition to his AEPP® designation, he also possesses the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and Certified Trust Practitioner (CTP®) designations.
His Journey with AEPP and Programme Experience
“When I heard about the AEPP® Programme,” Gifford recalls, “I was immediately motivated to join. The comprehensive curriculum and practical resources were exactly what I was looking for.” He learned about the programme through industry connections and had high expectations from the start.
Gifford’s overall experience with the AEPP® Programme was, in his words, “fantastic.”
“The eLearning modules were a lifesaver during the pandemic,” he explains. “We could study at our own pace without interrupting our personal schedules. The most valuable aspect for me was learning about entrepreneurial legacy or second-generation succession. This knowledge is essential in the financial planning industry.”
He appreciated the opportunity to review and deepen his understanding of estate planning. “Estate planning isn’t something everyone can grasp easily. The programme helped me revisit and solidify what I’ve learned.”
Gifford also praised the post-course seminars organised by EPPLHK. “The seminars are very helpful and practical. They provide up-to-date information on tax and wealth succession trends, specifically tailored for local practitioners.”
Support and Challenges
“The study notes provided by EPPLHK were sufficient for exam preparation,” Gifford states. “If additional readings are needed, EPPLHK could include links to relevant websites for more information.”
“Balancing work, study, and personal life can be challenging,” Gifford admits. “But the flexibility of the eLearning modules helped me manage my time effectively.”
Advice for Future Participants
“Make your own notes to summarise key points and deepen your understanding,” Gifford advises. “The AEPP® exam is open book, so you need to search for appropriate sections quickly. I’m confident that AEPP® participants, who are often required to take licensing exams, will be capable of this technique.
What is the Impact on Gifford’s Career Development?
“The AEPP® Programme has significantly influenced my career,” Gifford shares. “I’ve been able to host various seminars in mainland China using the knowledge I gained.
It’s made it easier to find appropriate partners for collaboration and organise content effectively for clients.”
He adds, “The solid understanding of estate planning boosted my confidence in working with my Accountant partner, who’s not from the financial planning field. It’s become easier to connect and collaborate with other professionals.”
Gifford hopes that EPPLHK will enhance public awareness of the AEPP® credential. “It would be great if more people recognise the value of this certification,” he says.
Personal Reflections and Future Aspirations
From his participation in the AEPP® Programme, Gifford learned the importance of estate planning in achieving financial freedom and legacy succession for clients. “My
perspective on my career has evolved. I now recognise the value of this knowledge in supporting clients’ goals.”
“My long-term professional goal is to help entrepreneurs with estate planning for the next generation,” Gifford says. “Equipping myself with estate planning knowledge enables me to support clients in achieving financial freedom and legacy succession.”
Gifford runs his own consultancy firm, assisting clients with Hong Kong residency and setting up family offices. “The AEPP® Programme enriched my knowledge from family legacy planning to trust planning approaches, allowing me to better serve my clients.”
Final Thoughts
Hong Kong is renowned as a global financial centre, boasting a robust legal and financial infrastructure that provides an advantageous environment for businesses and investors. The city’s financial services encompass a wide range of sectors, including banking, insurance, asset management, and securities trading. These opportunities create a fertile ground for professionals to thrive.
“From a middle-class perspective, they need to deal with estate planning for their next generation as early as possible, otherwise achieving financial freedom is difficult,” Gifford remarks.
Legacy planning has gained significant importance in Hong Kong, as increasing wealth drives individuals to ensure their assets are smoothly passed down to the next generation. Effective management of taxes and legal matters is crucial in this process, making estate planning an essential service for many.
“I highly recommend the AEPP® Programme to my friends and colleagues who want to enhance their knowledge in legacy planning,” Gifford concludes. “The programme provides invaluable skills and insights for professionals in the financial planning industry.”
This article was first published in our newsletter, The Custodian Issue 33. Click here to access our latest newsletter.
