AI and behavioural finance take centre stage at FPAM’s annual symposium, shaping the future of Malaysia’s financial planning industry.
THE Financial Planning Association of Malaysia (FPAM) has highlighted the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI), behavioural finance and digital innovation in shaping the future of the financial planning industry during its Annual Signature Financial Planning Symposium 2026.
Held at M World Hotel in Bandar Utama, Petaling Jaya, the full-day event carried the theme “Bridging the Gap: From Blueprint to Reality” and brought together industry leaders and professionals from financial planning, fintech, wealth management and behavioural finance sectors.
The symposium was officially opened by FPAM President Alvin Tan Chin Cherng, followed by a keynote address by Securities Commission Malaysia director of market development Shahrul Amry Abd Malek.
In his address, Alvin stressed that the industry must focus not only on developing strong frameworks and qualifications but also on ensuring financial plans deliver meaningful outcomes.
“As a profession, we have built strong frameworks, developed rigorous qualifications and refined the art of crafting comprehensive financial plans. But the harder question is whether those plans are truly being translated into outcomes that make a real difference in people’s lives.
“That gap between what we plan and what we actually deliver is where I believe our profession must direct its focus and its energy,” he said.
The symposium featured five sessions covering issues considered increasingly important to the future of financial planning.
Among the topics discussed was private wealth planning and the challenges involved in preparing for future generations.
Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP) Malaysia chairperson Farah Deba highlighted uncertainties and variables that can complicate even well-designed financial strategies.
Attention also turned towards the rapidly evolving digital landscape, with discussions on asset tokenisation, real-world assets (RWA) and decentralised finance (DeFi) within Malaysia’s regulatory environment.
VeriBridge Sdn Bhd co-founder and technology expert Anthony Leung provided insights into emerging financial technologies, while Fintech Association of Malaysia president Anil Singh Gill addressed potential risks associated with AI in financial planning.
Anil emphasised the importance of ensuring technology complements rather than replaces human relationships between financial planners and their clients.
The role of psychology in financial decision-making was also explored during the event, with Institute for Capital Market Research Malaysia senior research analyst Nadhirah Ibrahim discussing behavioural factors that influence financial choices and practical approaches advisers can adopt.
The symposium concluded with a panel discussion moderated by Dr Selina Dang, featuring Kenanga Investors Berhad chief executive officer and executive director Datuk Wira Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Whitman Independent Advisors vice-president Teh Jiansheng, IPP Wealth Managers director and country economist Mohd Sedek Jantan, and Buffalo Investment Agency founder Terence Ng.
A recurring theme throughout the discussions was the role of AI as an enabling tool rather than a replacement for human judgement.
Participants generally agreed that AI should be used to help advisers navigate increasingly complex financial environments while ensuring services remain personalised and centred on clients’ long-term goals.
Alvin said FPAM remained committed to supporting professionals and strengthening the industry’s role in helping Malaysians achieve sustainable financial security.
“Bridging the gap from blueprint to reality is not a slogan. It is the work we are all here to do,” he said.
