Terms & Conditions

Introduction

These Terms and Conditions ("Terms") govern your participation in educational programmes and use of services provided by Ascend ("we," "our," or "us"). By enrolling in programmes or using our website, you agree to be bound by these Terms.

Please read these Terms carefully before enrolling in any programme. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, please do not proceed with enrollment or website use.

Last Updated: December 2024
Effective Date: December 2024

Definitions

• "Services" refers to all financial education programmes, learning materials, platform access, and related educational services provided by Ascend.
• "Participant" means any individual enrolled in our educational programmes.
• "Programme" refers to structured educational pathways including Financial Fundamentals Programme, Investment Knowledge Pathway, and Financial Planning Progression Series.
• "Content" includes all educational materials, workbooks, platform resources, and programme information.
• "Agreement" means these Terms together with our Privacy Policy and any programme-specific terms.

Programme Enrollment

Eligibility

• Participants must be 18 years or older at the time of enrollment
• Enrollment is subject to programme availability and capacity
• We reserve the right to decline enrollment where programme requirements are not met

Enrollment Process

Enrollment becomes binding upon payment confirmation. Participants will receive confirmation via email including programme details, schedule, and access information. All information provided during enrollment must be accurate and complete.

Programme Prerequisites

Certain programmes have knowledge prerequisites. The Investment Knowledge Pathway assumes basic financial understanding, while the Financial Planning Progression Series requires intermediate knowledge. Participants are responsible for ensuring they meet programme prerequisites before enrollment.

Payment Terms

Programme Fees

• All fees are stated in Singapore Dollars (SGD)
• Payment is required in full before programme commencement unless alternative arrangements are made
• Fees include all programme materials, platform access, and stated services
• No additional charges apply for materials or resources included in the programme

Payment Methods

We accept payment via bank transfer, credit card, and PayNow. Payment processing is handled through secure third-party payment processors. We do not store credit card information directly.

Fee Changes

Programme fees may be adjusted periodically. Enrolled participants are charged the fee applicable at enrollment time. Fee changes do not affect existing enrollments.

Taxes

All fees include applicable Singapore Goods and Services Tax (GST) where required. Tax rates are subject to Singapore government regulations.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Participant-Initiated Cancellation

• More than 14 days before programme start: Full refund minus 10% administrative fee
• 7-14 days before programme start: 50% refund
• Less than 7 days before programme start: No refund
• After programme commencement: No refund for remaining sessions

Programme-Initiated Cancellation

If we cancel a programme due to insufficient enrollment or other operational reasons, participants receive a full refund or the option to transfer to an alternative programme date. We will provide at least 7 days notice of cancellation where possible.

Refund Processing

Refunds are processed within 14 business days using the original payment method. Participants must request refunds in writing to [email protected].

Participant Responsibilities

• Attendance: Participants are expected to attend scheduled sessions. Attendance patterns affect programme completion status.
• Participation: Active engagement in discussions and exercises supports effective learning.
• Materials: Programme materials are for personal use only and may not be reproduced or distributed.
• Respect: Participants must maintain respectful conduct toward educators and fellow participants.
• Confidentiality: Personal information shared by other participants during sessions must remain confidential.
• Account security: Participants are responsible for maintaining learning platform account security.

Intellectual Property

Our Content

All programme materials, workbooks, platform content, and educational resources are protected by copyright and remain our intellectual property. Participants receive a limited, non-transferable license to use materials for personal educational purposes during and after programme participation.

Restrictions

• Materials may not be reproduced, distributed, or sold
• Content may not be modified or used for commercial purposes
• Recording of sessions requires prior written permission
• Platform access credentials may not be shared

Educational Disclaimers

Our programmes provide financial education, not financial advice. Content is designed to develop financial understanding and capabilities but does not constitute:

• Personal financial advice or recommendations
• Investment advice or suggestions
• Legal, tax, or accounting guidance
• Guarantees of specific financial outcomes

Participants are responsible for their own financial decisions. We recommend consulting qualified professionals for personalized advice on specific financial matters. Past participant outcomes do not predict future results for other individuals.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by Singapore law:

• We provide educational services on an "as is" basis
• We do not guarantee specific learning outcomes or financial results from programme participation
• Our liability is limited to the fees paid for the specific programme in question
• We are not liable for indirect, consequential, or incidental damages
• We are not responsible for financial decisions made by participants

Nothing in these Terms excludes liability for fraud, gross negligence, or matters that cannot be excluded under Singapore law.

Programme Modifications

We reserve the right to modify programme content, schedules, or delivery methods where necessary to improve educational quality or respond to unforeseen circumstances. Material changes will be communicated to enrolled participants with reasonable notice. Participants may withdraw with partial refund if modifications substantially alter the programme.

Termination

By Participant

Participants may withdraw from programmes subject to the cancellation and refund policy stated above.

By Ascend

We may terminate participation if:

• Participant conduct violates these Terms or disrupts learning
• Payment obligations are not met
• Participant account security is compromised

Termination for conduct violations results in forfeiture of fees without refund. Termination for non-payment may include partial refund at our discretion.

Dispute Resolution

Informal Resolution

Participants with concerns should first contact us at [email protected] to seek informal resolution. We commit to responding to concerns within 7 business days.

Mediation

If informal resolution is unsuccessful, parties agree to attempt mediation through the Singapore Mediation Centre before pursuing legal action.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms are governed by Singapore law. Any disputes that cannot be resolved through mediation will be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of Singapore courts.

General Provisions

Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and programme-specific terms, constitute the entire agreement between participants and Ascend.

Severability

If any provision of these Terms is found unenforceable, remaining provisions continue in full effect.

Waiver

Our failure to enforce any right or provision does not constitute a waiver of that right or provision.

Assignment

Programme enrollment is personal and may not be transferred or assigned without our written consent.

Notices

Official notices will be sent to the email address provided during enrollment. Participants are responsible for maintaining current contact information.

Changes to Terms

We may update these Terms periodically. Material changes will be communicated to enrolled participants via email. Continued participation after changes constitutes acceptance of updated Terms. The "Last Updated" date indicates the most recent revision.

Contact Information

For questions about these Terms or to address concerns: