The certification program is an example of how financial firms can encourage military personnel to improve their money management or even move to wealth management careers when they are out of uniform.

Ameriprise Financial is creating what it says is its first-to-market Certified Military Financial Advisor™(CMFA) certification, highlighting the work that wealth firms do to encourage military personnel to shift to financial sector careers or handle money and wealth management while in uniform.

The New York-listed group has partnered with Dalton Education to develop the program, it said in a statement yesterday. Dalton Education, a Leeds Equity Partners and CeriFi portfolio company, provides education solutions for financial services professionals.

The certification is earned through a mix of training and learning development modules typically completed over the course of 40 to 50 hours. Advisors who earn the certification are equipped with knowledge and expertise to help military members maximize resources and achieve their financial goals, Ameriprise said.

“Each and every day, Ameriprise advisors deliver personalized advice to our clients, and we are excited about helping our advisors tailor their approach to serve the unique needs of those who have honorably served and sacrificed for our country,” Mike Greene, former officer in the US Army and senior vice president, Financial Advice and Advisor Business Group at Ameriprise Financial, said. 

In the past, this news service has written about the trend of former military personnel making a living in the wealth sector. Serving personnel also have specific financial needs. The country honors those who serve and have served on Veterans Day, November 11.

CMFA is available exclusively to Ameriprise advisors through June 2024. After that point, the certification will be available to all qualifying advisors in the industry.

Among other Ameriprise programs, the organization has a veteran’s employee group called VETNET, which provides a forum for professional development, networking, and community involvement.

The Ameriprise Advisor Handbook for Military Clients, which was created by VETNET in partnership with advisors who specialize in working with military clients, helps advisors learn about a range of topics that are specific to military clients.