Business – Finance Program (B133)

Program Description

Program Overview

The Business – Finance diploma program at George Brown College in Toronto provides students with the knowledge and skills to work in the financial services sector. The financial services sector continues to grow and adapt to the needs of clients through the use of technology. People with customer service skills and knowledge of financial planning, call centre operations, investments and risk management are needed in this fast-paced environment.

Full Description

The Business – Finance diploma program provides students with the knowledge and skills to work in the financial services sector. The financial services sector continues to grow and adapt to the needs of clients through the use of technology. People with customer service skills and knowledge of financial planning, call centre operations, investments and risk management are needed in this fast-paced environment.

Upon completion of this program, you will be able to:

  • Help clients take steps to achieve their life goals through an integrated approach to the management of all their financial affairs, including such areas as:
    • Financial Management – assess the client’s current and future financial position, based upon their cash flow, budget and net worth.
    • Investment Management – assess the nature of the client’s assets based on their risk tolerance, time horizon and expected rates of return.
    • Retirement Planning – compare the client’s expected lifestyle in retirement to their current retirement assets and planned savings.
    • Tax Planning – assess the client’s current and future tax obligations and strategies employed to minimize or defer taxation.
    • Insurance and Risk Management – manage the client's exposure to an unexpected financial loss due to death, health issues, property damage and other risks.
    • Estate Planning – assess how the client can meet their objectives upon death in the most efficient and cost-effective manner.

This Centre for Business program is part of our School of Accounting and Finance.

ACBSP Global Business Accreditation logoEarn Your College Credential from a Business School Accredited by ACBSP

George Brown College's Centre for Business programs has earned international recognition from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP). Centre for Business diplomas, advanced diplomas, and degree programs, 14 in total, have been accredited globally at our Schools of Accounting & Finance, HR, Management, and Marketing. George Brown is now one of only two colleges in Ontario to have earned ACBSP accreditation. 

Note: George Brown College has adopted a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) initiative. As a result, Centre for Business students registered in this program are required to bring their own laptops. Our Library Learning Commons offers open access computers, as well as equipment that can be borrowed on a short-term basis. For more information, please contact the Centre for Business at business@georgebrown.ca.  

Your Field Education Options

George Brown College endeavours to provide field education opportunities with real-world challenges and clients. Find out more about field education at the Centre for Business.

Career & Postgraduate Study Opportunities

Career Options

In this program, students obtain the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue careers in the financial services sector. Graduates of the program may be able to find employment as:

  • financial advisor
  • financial services representative
  • customer service representative
  • investment advisor

Educational Pathways

Core Designations

The two-year B133 diploma is an approved program through FP Canada, and covers the core curriculum required for you to pursue the QAFP™ examination at the time of your choosing and at your own cost. For more information on the QAFP™ designation, please visit the FP Canada website.

Degree Transfer Option

This two-year diploma has a direct pathway to the B302 Honours Bachelor of Commerce degree program at George Brown College.

This two-year diploma has a direct pathway to the Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Services) with a specialization in Financial Planning (B302). Individuals starting in B133 after Winter 2021 semester that have graduated from their program may be eligible to transfer into Semester 5 of B302. Eligibility is determined based off a Program GPA of 3.0 or higher.  This is known as a “2+2” model and is ideal for candidates wishing to pursue degree studies or the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation. Individuals may also transfer prior to finishing the B133 program, though eligibility will be assessed based courses completed and/or Program GPA.

For more information, please contact either:

Katherine Friesen kfriesen@georgebrown.ca
Tracey Britt  tbritt1@georgebrown.ca
Carolyn Fallis cfallis@georgebrown.ca

B302 is also an approved program through FP Canada. For more information on the CFP® designation, please visit the FP Canada website.

Note: effective April 1, 2022 CFP® Certification requires a minimum bachelor’s degree. Individuals wishing to pursue a QAFP™ Certification require a minimum 2-year college diploma, which includes B133.

For more information on the degree program, please visit the B302 Honours Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Services) program.

Other Certifications

Graduates of this program may wish to pursue the following additional credentials or certifications in the financial services sector.

  • Canadian Securities Course (CSC) may be obtained through the Canadian Securities Institute.
  • Life License Qualification Program (LLQP) may be obtained through Oliver’s Learning (or another approved provider) followed by the Provincial Licensing exam.

Note: The requirements for each designation/certification are set by the granting body, not George Brown College. This includes the QAFP™ and the CFP®. In order to qualify for any of these designations/certifications, you need to follow the process listed on its website and meet all the requirements applicable to you.

Future Study

For information on additional future study options, see our transfer guide.

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