All posts by Neel Achary

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.

Medical Imaging equipment provider receives Samsung rebrand

BOSTON (March 23, 2026)- Samsung Medison today announces that its U.S. medical imaging businesses, previously operating as Neurologica and Boston Imaging, will unify under a new corporate identity, Samsung HME (Healthcare and Medical Equipment) America. This transition brings the company’s U.S. ultrasound, digital radiography, and computed tomography (CT) operations under one integrated structure that reflects the global Samsung brand behind its technology. 

The unification underscores Samsung’s continued strategic investment in advancing medical imaging innovation and strengthening its presence in the United States healthcare market. By aligning its brand structure with its expanding portfolio and growing U.S. footprint, Samsung reinforces its long-term commitment to delivering cutting-edge imaging solutions, deep clinical collaboration, and sustained operational excellence.

“This milestone represents more than a name change,” said Kyu Tae Yoo, CEO of Samsung Medison and Division Head of Samsung HME at Samsung Electronics. “It reinforces Samsung’s long-term commitment to healthcare providers nationwide and reflects the growth and maturity of our U.S. medical imaging organization. Our growth has been powered by listening closely to our customers and translating real clinical challenges into innovation at a pace rarely seen in healthcare; and we will continue along this path.”

The announcement follows a period of significant growth across Samsung’s U.S. medical imaging portfolio, marked by expanded product innovation, organizational investment, and deeper engagement with health systems nationwide. As demand for advanced imaging solutions continues to evolve, the company is scaling its U.S. presence to meet the needs of a rapidly transforming healthcare environment. 

“This new chapter as Samsung HME America strengthens how we connect with customers and partners while giving us the flexibility to innovate and advance medical imaging for the future,” said Tracy Bury, Chief Commercial Officer. “With a unified organization, we can deliver greater consistency, deeper collaboration, and a more streamlined experience across ultrasound, digital radiography, and CT. This alignment positions us to move faster, support our partners more effectively, and continue building long-term relationships grounded in trust and performance”.

Recent advancements within Samsung HME America include the Samsung R20 and Z20 ultrasound systems, designed to deliver enhanced image quality and AI-powered tools that support more confident clinical decision-making. The company has also continued to expand its AI capabilities through the Samsung acquisition of Sonio, a French AI-powered prenatal ultrasound startup specializing in early-stage fetal abnormality detection. In addition, Samsung is advancing and expanding its Digital Radiography portfolio with innovations focused on dose reduction and workflow enhancements.

Samsung HME America remains the global headquarters and manufacturing center for the CT business, advancing point-of-care platforms and pushing the boundaries of medical imaging with photon counting detector technology.

The rebrand decision aligns with Samsung HME America’s mission of improving patient care by developing outstanding, customer-centric imaging solutions quickly and with passion. Under the newly established branding, the company looks to new AI technology releases, strategic partnerships, along with upcoming innovative product introductions into 2026. For more information on Samsung medical imaging products and technology, please visit: https://usa.samsunghealthcare.com/. 

New Delhi, March 23 (BNP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday raised serious concerns in the Lok Sabha over the escalating conflict in West Asia, cautioning that the prolonged crisis is exerting pressure on global economic stability and directly impacting India’s strategic and humanitarian interests.

Addressing Members of Parliament, the Prime Minister observed that the ongoing conflict, now stretching beyond three weeks, has disrupted international trade flows and heightened uncertainty worldwide. He emphasized that there is a growing global consensus calling for an immediate and peaceful resolution.

Underscoring India’s deep linkage with the region, Modi noted that a large Indian diaspora—estimated at nearly one crore—resides in Gulf countries, while Indian seafarers constitute a considerable share of crew on commercial shipping routes passing through the affected zone. In this context, he stressed that India’s concerns are both natural and significant, warranting a united national voice.

The Prime Minister highlighted the strategic importance of the region for India’s energy security, pointing out that critical supplies such as crude oil, natural gas, and fertilizers transit through the Strait of Hormuz. He acknowledged that shipping operations in the corridor have become increasingly difficult due to the conflict, but assured that the government is taking proactive steps to maintain steady fuel supplies and shield citizens from major disruptions.

Reiterating India’s long-standing diplomatic position, Modi said that dialogue remains the only sustainable path forward. He affirmed that India is actively engaging with relevant international stakeholders to promote de-escalation and ensure that tensions do not spiral further.

On the safety of Indian nationals, the Prime Minister informed the House that extensive support mechanisms have been activated, including continuous coordination through Indian missions, helplines, and evacuation measures where required.

Highlighting the government’s preparedness, Modi said authorities are closely tracking developments and implementing both immediate and long-term strategies to mitigate economic fallout and safeguard supply chains. He called for collective vigilance and cooperation across sectors to navigate the evolving situation.

Concluding his remarks, the Prime Minister reiterated India’s commitment to peace and humanitarian principles, asserting that protecting human lives must remain paramount and that all efforts should be directed towards an early resolution of the conflict.

PAN India, Mar 23: Healthy, educated and capable youth will form the foundation of a Viksit Uttar Pradesh. To realize this vision of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the state government has taken consistent and concrete steps over the past 9 years. 

As a result, significant transformation has been witnessed in the fields of youth empowerment and employment generation. Through transparent government initiatives, the youth of the state are becoming economically stronger and self-reliant. 

The government aims not to limit youth to jobs alone, but to connect them with skills, technology and entrepreneurship so that they can drive the state’s economy forward. 

Large scale training programmes are being conducted to link skill development with employment. More than 25.80 lakh youth have been trained in various trades through ITIs and the Skill Development Mission. A majority of them have already secured employment. 

Under the Chief Minister Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme, more than 1 lakh youth have been registered and are being trained in industries and institutions. This initiative is helping align youth skills with industry requirements. 

Considering the rapidly evolving global economy, efforts are also being made to train youth in modern technologies. Training in emerging sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, advanced computing and robotics is being provided to prepare students in line with Industry 4.0. This will enable the youth of the state to compete at the global level in the future. 

Experts believe that the large youth population of Uttar Pradesh is its greatest strength. The government aims to equip youth with skills that provide opportunities not only at the national level but also internationally. 

Through the convergence of investment, skill development and technical training, efforts are being made to develop the state as a global skill hub. If this momentum continues, Uttar Pradesh can emerge as the largest youth workforce and a major centre of industrial growth in the coming years. 

Before 2017, youth in Uttar Pradesh faced several challenges. The unemployment rate was high and local employment opportunities were limited. In February 2016, the unemployment rate was around 18 percent. Recruitment in government jobs was marked by nepotism and corruption. 

These recruitments often remained pending for years, and there was a lack of focus on training youth according to industry needs. Industrial investment was either stagnant or too slow, leading to a growing number of unemployed youth. As a result, many had to migrate outside the state in search of jobs. 

The Yogi Government is also focusing on making youth technologically empowered. Under the Swami Vivekananda Yuva Sashaktikaran Yojana, more than 49.86 lakh tablets and smartphones have been distributed. The target is to provide digital devices to 2 crore youth. Access to digital resources is helping youth connect with new opportunities in education, training and employment.

Under the strict directives of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, several reforms have been implemented to ensure transparency and fairness in government recruitment. More than 9 lakh youth have been provided government jobs through various commissions and recruitment boards. To maintain the integrity of examinations, the Public Examination Unfair Means Prevention Law has been implemented. 

Additionally, a One Time Registration system has been introduced in the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission to simplify the application process. Interviews have been eliminated for direct recruitment to Group B non gazetted and Group C posts, further strengthening transparency. 

The impact of increased employment opportunities is reflected in the unemployment rate. While it was around 18 percent in February 2016, it has now declined to 2.21 percent. This reduction indicates that the policies related to employment generation and skill development in the state have been effective.

ELIVAAS, backed by Peak XV Partners, Vertex Ventures, and 3one4 Capital, Wins ‘Brand of the Year 2026’ at MakeMyTrip Homestays Awards

New Delhi, March 23: ELIVAAS, a rapidly emerging name in India’s premium villa hospitality segment, has been recognised as the Brand of the Year 2026 at the MakeMyTrip Homestays Awards, marking a significant milestone in its growth journey within just its second financial year of inception.

The brand was nominated across multiple categories, including Traveller’s Choice – Brand, India’s Favourite Villa, India’s Favourite Farmhouse, and India’s Favourite Pet-Friendly homestays award. The team also extends its gratitude to MakeMyTrip for its continued partnership and support in building the homestays ecosystem.

“Being recognised as Brand of the Year is a strong validation of the trust our guests and home owners have placed in ELIVAAS in a relatively short period of time. Our focus has always been on delivering consistently high-quality, experience-led stays, and this recognition encourages us to further strengthen our presence across India while continuing to elevate the villa hospitality segment,” said Ritwik Khare, the Founder and CEO of ELIVAAS.

Backed by Peak XV Partners, Vertex Ventures, and 3one4 Capital, ELIVAAS has rapidly scaled its operations and strengthened its position in the premium villa category.

This recognition places ELIVAAS alongside some of the most established names in the hospitality sector, underlining its rapid rise as a category leader in the luxury villa space. Founded just three years ago, the brand has already hosted over 3 lakh guests across more than 40 cities, while maintaining a consistently high 95 percent 5-star review rating.

ELIVAAS has built its positioning around curated, experience-led stays that combine privacy, comfort, and personalised service. Its offerings extend beyond accommodation, with thoughtfully designed guest experiences such as private dining setups, wellness therapies, and bespoke celebrations, aimed at creating memorable stays.

The award also reflects the brand’s evolution from individual property excellence to a more holistic hospitality offering across markets. It builds on earlier recognitions, including category wins at previous editions of the MakeMyTrip Homestays Awards.

With this recognition, ELIVAAS aims to expand its footprint further while continuing to refine its offerings for the evolving preferences of premium travellers.

 

Mumbai, India Mar 23: Amazon MX Player, India’s leading free premium streaming service, today announced the launch of Fatafat, a new micro-drama destination designed for mobile-first audiences who enjoy quick, engaging stories. With Fatafat, Amazon MX Player enters the rapidly growing micro-drama category — making premium, serialized micro–dramas available completely free, for the first time in India. The launch further strengthens Amazon MX Player’s commitment to bringing high-quality entertainment to audiences across the country free of cost. 

Micro–dramas have emerged as a fast-growing global format, offering short, fast-paced episodes designed for quick viewing moments. While most micro-drama platforms today operate behind paywalls, Fatafat removes that barrier, expanding access to this format for millions of viewers across India.

Designed for today’s mobile-first viewing habits, Fatafat features a growing catalogue of serialized micro–dramas across romance, drama, thrillers and youth-led narratives. Episodes are short, fast-paced and instantly bingeable, allowing audiences to dive into compelling stories anytime, anywhere.

To support the launch, Amazon MX Player has rolled out a new brand campaign featuring Munawar Faruqui. Built on a simple and relatable insight, the campaign playfully highlights how the small spends audiences typically make on micro-drama apps could be better used elsewhere. Through humorous situations, Munawar brings alive the idea that viewers no longer need to pay for bite-sized entertainment — with Amazon MX Player’s Fatafat.

Karan Bedi, Head of Amazon MX Player, said: “At Amazon MX Player, our vision has always been to make premium entertainment accessible to everyone, free of cost. With Fatafat, we are extending that promise to the rapidly growing micro-drama category. These are stories designed for how audiences consume content today — quick, engaging and mobile-first — while remaining completely free for viewers across India.”

Amogh Dusad, Head of Content, Amazon MX Player, added: “Micro–dramas open up exciting creative possibilities for storytelling. With Fatafat, we are building a diverse slate of serialized stories across genres while keeping the experience fast, engaging and accessible to viewers everywhere.”

Speaking about being a part of the campaign, Munawar Faruqui shared, “It has been an absolute delight to collaborate on this campaign. Today’s entertainment landscape is defined by content that is fast, engaging, and instantly accessible and Amazon MX Player captures this seamlessly with Fatafat. Shooting for the campaign was a thoroughly enjoyable experience, especially as the scenarios felt incredibly authentic and relatable. What truly stands out is how Fatafat introduces a refreshing storytelling format with crisp, compelling narratives across genres, allowing audiences to immerse themselves effortlessly, anytime. The fact that this entire experience is available for free on Amazon MX Player makes it even more compelling for viewers.” 

Fatafat will continue to expand its catalogue with several new titles in the coming months, building a growing library of micro–dramas for audiences across India.

Audiences can stream Fatafat for free on Amazon MX Player’s mobile app.

The Government of Odisha has announced a focused investment aimed at improving maternal health and nutrition across the state, reinforcing its commitment to ensuring comprehensive care for pregnant and lactating mothers.

A total allocation of approximately ₹320 crore under Mamata Yojana and ₹180 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) has been directed toward strengthening maternal welfare programs and enhancing health security at every stage of motherhood.

The initiative is designed to improve nutrition support, promote better healthcare access, and ensure timely assistance for expectant and new mothers. Officials stated that these schemes play a crucial role in supporting safe motherhood and improving overall maternal and child health outcomes.

Under these programs, financial assistance and nutritional support are provided to eligible women, helping reduce health risks during pregnancy and the postnatal period. The focus is also on encouraging regular health check-ups and improving awareness about maternal care practices.

The government emphasized that maternal health remains a key priority in its broader public health strategy. By investing in these welfare schemes, Odisha aims to reduce maternal and infant health risks while ensuring better nutrition and care for mothers across rural and urban areas.

Officials further highlighted that strengthening maternal healthcare systems is essential for building a healthier future generation and improving overall community well-being.

With this investment, the state continues to reinforce its commitment to inclusive healthcare and social security, ensuring that every mother receives the care and support she needs during one of the most important stages of life.