Frequently Asked Question
1. What is the CLPA?
The Certified Legacy Planning Associate (CLPA) program is a comprehensive certification for financial
planners and intermediaries who seek to provide estate planning for their family, SME and foreign
clients.
CLPA graduates have undergone rigorous education, and meet ongoing CPD requirements by
attending expert workshops on emerging and essential topics.
2. Who are the creators of CLPA?
The creator is Riverside Training Pte Ltd (RT), formerly known as Legasy Planners Pte Ltd, an established training company in estate planning and life skills.
Mr Keon Chee, the founder of RT, oversaw the creation of CLPA. He obtained critical inputs from a group of highly experienced practitioners that include (by category in alphabetical order):
-Accountants
• Lionel Lau ACCA, Director of First Business Advisory
-Financial Planners
• Michael Seow, Senior Financial Services Director of Prudential
• Victor Tang, Personal Wealth Manager of AIA
• Louise Gan, Branch Director of Finexis Advisory
• Damien Ong, Business Director of Bancassurance at Aris Prime Partners
-Lawyers
• Angelina Hing LLB, Managing Director of Integro Law Chambers
• Masagoes AK LLB, Managing Director of Aureus Law Corporation
• Patrick Tan LLB, CEO and Founder of Fortis Law
-Trustees
• Linda Wong ACCA, Managing Director of Kensington Trust Singapore Limited
• Keon Chee LLB MBA, Executive Director of Riverside Trustees Limited
3. Is CLPA Recognised?
CLPA is recognised by the Asia Estate Planning Association (AEPA), a not-for-profit society registered
in Singapore. (https://aepa.asia/courses/)
4. How is CLPA different from other Programs?
CLPA was designed with these strong convictions:
• Broad-based to reflect our modern lives – Our topics cover the basic documents that
everyone should have to special needs, divorce, cross-border planning, business succession
and many others.
• Relevant to Financial Planning – Every estate plan has to be well funded.
• Plain English – We make complex concepts easy to understand and digest.
• Authoritative – Our trainers and course developers are well-recognised practitioners in their
respective fields.
5. What is the CLPA Curriculum About?
The full curriculum has 11 one-day modules, divided into 5 practice areas:
A. Family Situations
B. Business Situations
C. Insurance Applications
D. Trust Applications
E. Electives
For the latest information on CLPA and its modules, please visit https://riversidetraining.sg/
For a brief brochure, you can view it here
Here is a brief description of the modules:
A. Family Situations
- MEP1 (Modern Estate Planning – Module 1) – covering Wills for Locals & Foreigners, LPA Form 1/2, Professional Doneeship
- MEP2 (Modern Estate Planning – Module 2) – to be updated.
- MEP3 (Modern Estate Planning – Module 3) – covering Divorce, Special Needs, Muslims.
B. Business Situations
- BIZ1 (Business Situations – Module 1: Starting the Business & Keyman Insurance) – covering Business Structures, Keyperson Protection, Buy-Sell Agreements, Family Constitution & Office.
- BIZ2 (Business Situations – Module 2: Protecting Shareholders) – to be updated.
C. Insurance Applications
- PIP1 (Practical Insurance Planning – Module 1) – covering Distribution Options, Planning Situations (blended family, divorce, singles, Muslims & others), VUL, PPLI.
- PIP2 (Practical Insurance Planning – Module 2) – to be updated.
D. Trust Applications
- PTP1 (Practical Trust Planning – Module 1) – covering Most commonly used trust structures – Testamentary, Standby, Insurance and Active Trusts, Private Trust Companies, Family Office.
- PTP2 (Practical Trust Planning – Module 2) – to be updated.
E. Electives
- ELE1 (Legacy Planning & Real Estate) – covering Residential Property Ownership, Inheritance Rules, Divorce, Property Trusts, Stamp Duties.
- ELE2 (Probate & Estate Administration) – covering Estate Admin for Singaporeans & Foreigners.
6. How Can I Get the CLPA Certification?
You can attain CLPA in 4 modules:
| Level | Modules |
|---|---|
|
CLPA |
MEP1, PTP1, BIZ1, PIP1 |
|
CLPA Advanced |
To be updated |
|
Electives |
MEP3, ELE1, ELE2 |
7. Are there Exemptions for CLPA Modules?
Yes, exemptions can be provided.
Please speak to us. RT can review the course materials and assessment result to determine whether
an exemption can be granted.
Note: The estate planning courses you have attended by another training provider may cover similar
topics or may even be very technically sound and rigorous. For example, if you have taken a course
in trusts and seek an exemption for PTP1, we need to ensure that the course you have taken
emphasises the practical aspects of trust planning for a typical Singapore family, which is what PTP1
focuses on.
8. How Much Does CLPA Cost?
The cost per module is:
| • $280 per person for online training | $84 nett for Singapore Citizens aged 40 and above $196 nett for Singapore Citizens aged below 40 and all Permanent Residents regardless of age* |
|---|---|
| • $300 per person for in-person training | $90 nett for Singapore Citizens aged 40 and above $210 nett for Singapore Citizens aged below 40 and all Permanent Residents regardless of age* |
|---|---|
IBF subsidy is currently 70% for Singapore Citizens aged 40 and above and 30% for Singapore Citizens
aged below 40 and all Permanent Residents regardless of age, capped at $500 per course*
*Terms & conditions apply. Valid from January 1, 2024 till further notice.
9. How Can I Find Out More?
Please visit www.RiversideTraining.sg for latest information.
