Honoured As India’s No. 1 Financial Planner: My Highest Personal Financial Recognition Of 16 Years

Thursday night, 6th Nov ’25, was one of those moments that made me pause, smile, and look back with gratitude.

Out of about 2 Lakh such practitioners in India, I being recognised as the No. 1 Financial Advisor in the country with the award of ‘Practising CFP® Professional of the Year 2024–25’ by FPSB India — the Indian arm of global gold standard of Financial Planning, the Financial Planning Services Board — is deeply humbling.

For me, this isn’t just a personal milestone; it’s a collective recognition of everyone who believed in the vision called Hum Fauji Initiatives.

Sixteen years ago, I took premature retirement from the Indian Army after serving there for 27 years, aaa while already approved for Brigadier rank, and my wife Bindu left her job at a very prestigious Delhi school to start this mission — to bring world-class, ethical financial planning exclusively to our armed forces community.

Back then, we were nobodies in a financial desert, but many of our fauji friends trusted us. Those early clients, most still with us, placed their faith and savings in our hands and that trust became our foundation.

To our incredible team — past and present — you are the heart of this dream. You turned a small idea into a movement. This award truly belongs to all of you.

Our dream has only begun.

Together, with your trust and our determination, we’ll keep pursuing our mission of financially empowering each and every Indian armed forces family across the country and the rest of the world.

By the Faujis, For the Faujis — Always.

Jai Hind.

The announcement speech of Mr. Chandrakant Surekhs, CEO, FPSB India, at the Annual FPSB Awards at Hyderabad on 6^th Nov 2025

It is with great pleasure that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on being awarded the ‘CFP Professional of the Year 2024-25 (Practising) Award’ at the FPSB India Awards 2024-25.

This prestigious recognition is a testament to your exceptional dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to excellence in the field of financial planning.

Your achievement not only highlights your personal and professional accomplishments but also sets a benchmark for others in the industry. Your innovative approach and client-centric focus have undoubtedly contributed to this well-deserved honour.

We are incredibly proud to have you as a part of our community and look forward to witnessing your continued success and contributions to the financial planning profession.

[CFP – Certified Financial Planner; This Certification Mark is considered global Gold Standard in the profession of financial planning across the world]

[FPSB India – It is the Indian subsidiary of the US based Financial Planning Services Board]