Kaplan Financial

What Kaplan Financial does

Kaplan Financial is a UK-based professional education and training provider founded in 1958, delivering qualifications in accountancy, tax, banking, financial services, and — more recently — data and technology. The firm serves two principal customer groups: individual learners pursuing chartered professional certifications, and corporate clients (including apprenticeship levy-paying employers) requiring structured workforce training programmes. Delivery is multi-modal across OnDemand (self-paced online), Classroom (in-person at centres), Live Online, and Distance Learning, supported by a network of 15 UK training centres plus a Dublin location. Core products span ACCA, ICAEW, CIMA, AAT, and ATT preparation courses, alongside newer apprenticeships in Data & Technology, in-house corporate training offerings, and certificates in adjacent fields such as ESG/Sustainable Investing.

The underlying technology stack comprises content libraries and virtual classroom infrastructure for multi-modal delivery, an apprenticeship management function for cohort-based programme administration, and ISO 27001-certified information security controls covering learner and corporate client data. Curriculum content is produced in-house and aligned to the syllabi of each accredited professional body, with instructor-led and AI-augmented learning paths available. Recent product additions include Generative AI in-house training, AI Leadership courses, and AI-themed apprenticeship specialisms (AI Champion, AI and Automation Practitioner, AI-Enabled Data Engineer), reflecting an explicit extension from finance qualifications into emerging-skill vocational content.

The business model operates across three revenue streams: B2C course fees from individual learners (long-tail, priced per programme), B2B apprenticeship contracts funded via UK apprenticeship levies (multi-year, per-learner ticket sizes), and B2B in-house corporate training engagements (project-based, higher ticket). Headcount of 1001–5000 employees places Kaplan among the larger UK vocational training providers. Leadership is headed by CEO Kathy Walton. The firm holds ACCA Approved Learning Partner status, ICAEW Partner in Learning recognition, and has received industry recognition including PQ Awards 2024, Learning Technologies Gold 2023, and AAT Training Provider Awards 2025.

Name

Kaplan Financial

Legal name

Kaplan Financial Limited

Website

https://kaplan.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1958

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Kaplan Financial is a UK professional education provider founded in 1958, delivering accountancy, tax, banking, and financial services qualifications alongside newer AI and data apprenticeships across 15 UK centres and Dublin to individual learners and corporate clients.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Education and Training

NAICS

Educational Support Services (61171)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Finance, Accounting & Risk (CFA/CPA/FRM) Certifications (EDAAANAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Accounting & Finance Certification Prep (CPA, CMA, CFA, FRM) (EDANAIAD), Financial Services & Insurance (FINRA, CFP, IAR, Insurance CE) (EDAAALAJ), Financial Accounting & Reporting (GAAP/IFRS) (EDABAJAB), Securities & Investment Licensing Exam Prep (FINRA Series 7/63/65/66, SIE) (EDANAIAJ), Financial Services (Non-Banking) (EDABALAK)

Keywords

• Professional accountancy training
• Financial services education
• Tax qualification courses
• Apprenticeship programs
• Online learning platform

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices15 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Course Sales: Revenue generated from selling professional qualification courses to individual learners and organizations. Courses cover accountancy (AAT, ACCA, CIMA, ACA ICAEW), tax (CTA, ATT), banking and financial services (CFA, FRM, CAIA, IMC), and data & technology programs. Multiple study formats available at different price points.
2. Exam Booking Fees: Revenue from facilitating professional body examinations for AAT, ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, and other professional qualifications.
3. Apprenticeship Program Fees: B2B revenue from delivering apprenticeship programs to employers, funded through UK apprenticeship levy schemes and government funding agencies including the Education & Skills Funding Agency.
4. In-House Corporate Training: Tailored training programs delivered to organizations including accounting and tax updates, banking and capital markets, financial modelling and Excel, behavioral and business skills, and ESG training.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Kaplan Financial is a UK-based professional training provider that delivers preparation courses, apprenticeships, and in-house corporate training for accountancy, tax, banking, and financial services qualifications. It offers multiple study modalities — OnDemand, Classroom, Live Online, and Distance Learning — across qualifications awarded by bodies such as AAT, ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW, CIOT, ATT, CFA Institute, CAIA, and CISI. The company also operates a network of 15 UK training centres plus Dublin and serves both individual learners and corporate employers.

Product overview

Kaplan Financial is a UK-based education and training provider offering a multi-modal platform with course delivery via OnDemand, Classroom, Live Online, and Distance Learning methods. The core portfolio comprises professional qualification programs in accountancy (AAT, ACCA, CIMA, ACA ICAEW), taxation (CTA, ATT), banking and financial services (CFA, FRM, CAIA, IMC, CISI, ESG), and data & technology (Data Analytics, AI Leadership, Generative AI). Apprenticeship programs span Accountancy & Tax, Data & Technology, and Banking & Financial Services at various qualification levels. The product architecture combines standardized certification prep courses with tailored in-house corporate training options, unified by expert tutor support and flexible study method choices.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Kaplan Publishing: Publishing division offering accountancy, finance, and business books and study materials.

Products and services

• AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Courses Comprehensive accountancy qualification program offering certificates in bookkeeping and diplomas at Levels 2, 3, and 4, providing pathways from introductory to professional accounting competency for aspiring accountants.
• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants) Courses Professional accountancy qualification program covering Foundations, Applied Knowledge, Applied Skills, and Strategic Professional levels, with apprenticeship pathways available for aspiring chartered certified accountants.
• CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) Courses Management accounting certification program including Certificate in Business Accounting and Professional levels (Operational, Management, Strategic), plus the CGMA Finance Leadership Programme for aspiring management accountants.
• ACA ICAEW (Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales) Courses Chartered accountancy qualification covering Next Generation Certificate, Professional, and Advanced levels, including CTA Joint Programme and apprenticeship options for those pursuing chartered accountant status.
• CTA (Chartered Institute of Taxation) Courses Advanced tax qualification program covering Advanced Technical, Awareness, and Application & Professional Skills modules, with computer-based exam options and ATT-CTA Tax Pathway for tax professionals.
• ATT (Association of Taxation Technicians) Courses Taxation technician qualification providing foundational knowledge in tax compliance and professional skills with apprenticeship pathways for taxation technicians.
• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) Program Professional investment analysis certification at Levels 1, 2, and 3, including Core Elements, Mock Exams, and dedicated support for candidates who did not pass with other providers.
• FRM (Financial Risk Manager) Financial risk management certification covering Part 1 and Part 2 curricula, preparing candidates for GARP's FRM examination.
• CAIA (Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst) Alternative investments certification covering Levels 1 and 2, focusing on hedge funds, private equity, and other alternative asset classes.
• IMC (Investment Management Certificate) Foundational investment management qualification providing core knowledge of the investment industry and financial markets.
• CISI Capital Markets Programme Capital markets certification covering securities, derivatives, and market operations within the UK financial services industry.
• Sustainable Investing and ESG Certificate Environmental, social, and governance investment certification covering sustainable finance principles, ESG analysis, and responsible investment strategies.
• Data Analytics Program Data analytics training with Analyst and Management pathways, including Analytics in Power BI, designed for all sectors seeking practical data skills.
• AI Leadership Courses Executive-level AI training covering AI Delivery and Organisational Transformation, AI Strategy and Opportunity, and AI Adoption, Procurement and Governance.
• Procurement & Supply Chain Courses Professional development programs for procurement and supply chain professionals, aligned with Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply standards.
• OnDemand Study Method Self-paced online learning platform available for AAT, ACCA, and CIMA courses, allowing flexible study where and when learners prefer.
• Classroom Study Method Face-to-face learning delivery at training centers convenient to learners, offering interactive instruction from expert tutors.
• Live Online Study Method Scheduled online learning sessions combining real-time instructor interaction with the convenience of remote access.
• Distance Learning Study Method Flexible self-study option allowing learners to study at their convenience from any location with access to course materials.
• Accountancy & Tax Apprenticeships Apprenticeship programs ranging from Level 2 (Accounts/Finance Assistant) to Level 7 (Accounting & Taxation Professional), including Assistant Accountant, Professional Accounting Technician, and Internal Audit Technician pathways.
• Data & Technology Apprenticeships Technology-focused apprenticeship programs including AI Champion (Level 3), Data Analyst (Level 4), AI and Automation Practitioner (Level 4), AI-Enabled Data Engineer (Level 5), and Generative AI CertNexus Certification.
• Banking & Financial Services Apprenticeships Financial services apprenticeships including Compliance Risk Officer (Level 3) and Senior Compliance Risk Specialist (Level 6).
• In-House Corporate Training Tailored corporate training programs for organizations covering accounting and tax updates, banking and capital markets, financial modelling and Excel, behavioural and business skills, and sustainable investing and ESG.

Quantifiable outcome

• Outstanding pass rates across multiple professional qualifications
• +1 more outcomes

Segments2 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration1 record

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered core, regional and minor.

• Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAAT is a primary qualification body whose accounting technician qualifications are delivered by Kaplan. Kaplan is an AAT Approved Training Provider and won the AAT Training Provider Awards 2025. Programs include Level 2, 3, and 4 certificates and diplomas in bookkeeping and accounting.
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerACCA is one of the largest global professional accounting bodies, and Kaplan is an ACCA Approved Learning Partner. Kaplan delivers full ACCA qualification pathways from Foundations through to Strategic Professional level, including apprenticeship programs.
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCIMA is a global management accounting body. Kaplan is a CIMA Global Learning Partner and registered tuition provider, offering Certificate in Business Accounting and Professional level qualifications (Operational, Management, Strategic) plus CGMA FLP.
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerICAEW is a professional accountancy body for chartered accountants. Kaplan is an ICAEW Partner in Learning and delivers ACA qualification programs including Next Generation ACA syllabus, Certificate, Professional, and Advanced levels.
• Chartered Institute of Taxation (CIOT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCIOT awards the Chartered Tax Adviser (CTA) qualification. Kaplan delivers CTA programs including Advanced Technical, Awareness, and Application & Professional Skills modules, plus ATT-CTA pathways.
• Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerATT is the professional body for taxation technicians. Kaplan offers ATT qualification programs and combined ATT-CTA Tax Pathway for those pursuing both qualifications.
• CFA Institute (CFA, FRM, Sustainable Investing)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCFA Institute is the global body for investment professionals. Kaplan delivers CFA Program (Levels 1-3), FRM (Financial Risk Manager Parts 1 & 2), and CFA Institute Sustainable Investing Certificate. Kaplan is an official CFA Institute partner provider.
• Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCAIA Association awards the CAIA designation for alternative investment professionals. Kaplan delivers CAIA Level 1 and Level 2 preparation courses.
• Investment Management Certificate (IMC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerIMC is an introductory qualification for investment professionals administered by CFA UK. Kaplan delivers IMC preparation courses.
• Chartered Institute of Securities & Investment (CISI Capital Markets)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCISI is the professional body for securities and investment professionals. Kaplan delivers the CISI Capital Markets Programme.
• AICPA & CIMAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKaplan is an AICPA & CIMA registered tuition provider, delivering CGMA (Chartered Global Management Accountant) programs including the Finance Leadership Programme.
• Education & Skills Funding AgencycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK government agency providing apprenticeship funding. Kaplan is an approved provider for apprenticeship programs under ESFA funding mechanisms, including the UK apprenticeship levy system.
• OfstedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUK government education inspectorate. Kaplan has been rated as a Good Provider by Ofsted for apprenticeship and training quality.
• Dublin Business SchoolregionalChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDublin Business School partnership for Ireland region. Training centre location in Dublin operating under this partnership arrangement.
• CIPS OnDemandminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership success story referenced in Partner Success Stories section. CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) OnDemand content delivered through Kaplan platform.
• YMCA St Paul's GroupminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership success story referenced in Partner Success Stories section. YMCA St Paul's Group partnership for delivering training programs.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• BPP Professional Education: BPP is the most direct UK peer — long-standing Approved Learning Partner for ACCA, ICAEW, and CIMA offering classroom, online, and apprenticeship pathways for the same professional qualification market served by Kaplan. Operates a similar multi-channel UK-focused model and directly contests the same learner and employer accounts.
• First Intuition: First Intuition is a UK-focused accountancy and finance training provider delivering AAT, ACCA, ACA, CIMA, and tax qualifications through classroom and online channels. It is a direct competitor in the same accounting qualification prep market with overlapping course catalogs.
• Aldridge: Aldridge is a UK accountancy training specialist with AAT, ACCA, and CIMA course offerings across classroom and distance learning — a direct substitute for Kaplan's individual-learner course products.
• Reed Business School (RBS): Part of the Reed group, Reed Business School delivers professional qualifications, apprenticeships, and corporate training in the UK, directly overlapping Kaplan's B2B apprenticeship and corporate training channels.
• ICS Learn: ICS Learn is a UK distance-learning provider for AAT, ACCA, CIMA, and other professional qualifications, targeting the same self-paced learner segment as Kaplan's OnDemand and Distance Learning study methods.
• Financial Training (FT Knowledge): Financial Training is a UK specialist in banking, capital markets, and treasury qualifications — directly comparable to Kaplan's banking & financial services course portfolio and its CISI Capital Markets offering.
• LSBF (London School of Business and Finance): LSBF is a London-based professional training and education provider with ACCA, CIMA, and broader business courses, overlapping with Kaplan's London training centre footprint and individual-learner market.

Emerging players

• Mindful Education: Mindful Education is a digital-first UK apprenticeship provider focused on accountancy, tax, and bookkeeping — emerging in the same B2B apprenticeship and ESFA-funded channel where Kaplan competes.

Broad incumbents

• Pearson (UK operations): Pearson is a global education and assessment incumbent owning professional bodies like Edexcel/BTEC and operating broader workforce training solutions. It overlaps with Kaplan through publishing, assessment-adjacent content, and UK vocational qualifications at greater scale but lower accountancy specialization.
• Skillsoft: Skillsoft is a broad corporate digital learning platform covering compliance, leadership, and technology training. It is not a direct professional qualification competitor to Kaplan but competes for the same corporate training budgets via its enterprise self-serve platform.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/KaplanUK
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/KaplanChannelUK
• Facebooken-gb.facebook.com/KaplanFinancialUK
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kaplan_uk
• Instagraminstagram.com/kaplanuk
• TikToktiktok.com/@kaplanuk

Compliance7 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kaplan Financial