2026 Convention Speakers

Dr. Sizakele Marutlulle is a globally experienced executive, strategy advisor, and creative practitioner with a multi-sector career spanning advertising, corporate leadership, entrepreneurship and education. He has held senior roles including Deputy MD at HerdBouys-McCann, CEO of Grey Advertising SA, COO at South African Tourism, and Head of Marketing at Barclays Africa, where she was the architect of the award-winning “Here to Help You Prosper” campaign.

As founder of her own strategy and ideation practice, Dr. Marutlulle works with C-suite leaders to build purpose-led brands rooted in creativity, culture, and commerce. Currently a lecturer at the Gordon Institute of Business Science, she holds a PhD in Critical Diversity and has completed executive programs at Harvard and NYU.

Mark Hedderman is the former President of the LIA, Ireland’s leading professional education and development body for financial services, representing more than 12,000 professionals. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Financial Planners of Ireland, supporting and promoting CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® professionals nationwide.

A practising CFP^® professional and CEO of Hedderman Financial Solutions, Mark leads the second-generation family firm founded by his parents in 2007. Since assuming leadership in 2021, he has continued to build its reputation for clear, structured and highly personalised financial planning.

Dr. Sonya Lutter is a CFP^® Professional and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She is the Executive Director of the Institute for Systemic Financial Professionals™ and Director of Financial Health and Wellness at Texas Tech University.

Dr. Lutter’s expertise lies at the intersection of finance and psychology. Her work focuses on how financial behaviors are influenced by emotional and relational factors. She has authored or co-authored over 100 publications and contributes to the CFP Board’s Financial Planning Longitudinal Study.

Zeyn has been married to his wife, Gina for two decades. They share an adult son, a few dogs and cats, and a miniature Daxxie, Zoe, affectionately known as “His Princess.” Outside of work, he enjoys spending time in the bush, sport shooting, watching soccer as a die-hard Tottenham Hotspur fan, and collecting luxury watches and knives as an amateur hobbyist.

Zeyn joined Fairbairn Consult in late 2023, and is now the Chief Operating Officer leading operational excellence and advisor-first innovation across the business. With over a decade of experience in financial services and operational strategy, he combines analytical insight with a people focused leadership style. Zeyn holds an MBA from GIBS, a PGDip in Financial Planning Law from UFS, and completed a Management Advanced Programme through WITS.

Joni Peddie has spent more than 33 years helping leaders and organisations unlock human potential-especially when pressure is high and change is relentless.

She is a globally recognised keynote speaker, behavioural strategist, and author of “From CAN’T to CAN DO – The 9 Human Capabilities AI Can’t Replicate”. Joni’s work focuses on strengthening the capabilities that no algorithm can replace: clarity of thinking, emotional agility, adaptability, trust, and sustainable energy.

Known for her high-energy presence and refreshingly practical, no-fluff style, Joni translates neuroscience and behavioural science into tools leaders can apply immediately. She challenges leaders to examine how they show up under pressure, and equips them to lead with greater focus, resilience, and consistency in fast-moving, AI-driven environments.

At the Financial Planning Institute Conference, Joni will explore what it truly means to be Built to Lead-not just through strategy and expertise, but through the inner capacity required to sustain clear thinking, sound judgement, and trusted leadership!

Keynote Session: “Built to Lead: The Inner Architecture of Sustainable Performance”

Chris Axelson started his career as an economic researcher at Genesis Analytics and then worked in various positions at HM Revenue and Customs in the UK. He joined the National Treasury in 2012 and is currently the Deputy Director-General: Tax and Financial Sector Policy where he is responsible for providing policy advice to the Minister of Finance on the tax and financial sector proposals contained in the Budget Review. He has a MCom in Economic Science, a Bachelor of Economic Science Honours (Cum Laude), and a Bachelor of Economic Science, majoring in Economic Science and Mathematical Statistics, all from Wits. He is also a CFA charter holder.

Guy Holwill is the Founder and Chief Executive of Fairbairn Consult. A former civil engineer and chartered accountant, he has worked in financial services since the early 2000s. He’s passionate about helping financial advisers build more financially sustainable businesses while elevating their client experience. Guy has spoken on the business of financial planning at events including Humans Under Management, Collaborative Exchange, and PROpulsion. He considers his proudest achievement to be building a company that people love – driven by a strong, values-led culture.

Kim is an author, speaker, coach, and lifelong learner with a passion for the psychology behind money. With a professional background in psychology and financial planning, Kim believes that true financial planning starts with life planning understanding what matters most so that money becomes a tool to enable a meaningful and fulfilled life.

As Managing Director and Head of Life Planning at Chartered Wealth Solutions, Kim combines business expertise with a deep understanding of personal growth. She partners with clients to align their money with their purpose, values, and goals guiding them through life transitions and helping them embrace new chapters with clarity and confidence. Her ability to facilitate courageous money conversations has helped many reframe their relationship with money and empowered them to live their best possible lives.

Kim is the author of two books – RETIREMEANT: Get More Meaning from Your Money (2015) and Midlife Money Makeover (2021) – as well as several eBooks and practical resources on our relationship with money, mindset, life transitions, and intentional living. Her global perspective is shaped by continuous learning and collaboration with thought leaders around the world. Kim’s passion is to inspire people to be intentional with both their lives and their money.

Nicola Langridge, CFP^® is the current South African FPI Financial Planner of the Year™, awarded by the Financial Planning Institute of South Africa, recognising excellence in holistic financial planning, technical expertise, and client impact.

Nicola joined Private Client Holdings in 2016, transitioning into wealth management from a strong foundation in unit trust operations at a local asset manager. She holds a Bachelor of Business Science (Honours in Finance) from the University of Cape Town, a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning from the University of the Free State and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® professional.

She is passionate about delivering comprehensive, professional advice and has a particular focus on empowering women to take control of their financial futures. Nicola follows a goals-based, family office approach to wealth management, helping her clients structure their wealth to achieve long-term security, clarity and sustainable growth.

Lelané has been part of the financial services industry for nearly three decades, serving in diverse leadership roles and contributing to numerous committees—many of which she continues to support today, including key regulatory committees.

She is the Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa, a SAQA-recognised professional body and the sole affiliate of the Financial Planning Standards Board in Southern Africa. She holds Postgraduate Diplomas in Financial Planning and Investment Planning from the University of the Free State and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® professional as well as an affiliate member of the Compliance Institute of South Africa (CISA).

As a leader, Lelané is recognised for her strengths in leadership, mentoring, coaching, and relationship-building. She is a servant leader who thrives on connecting people, solving complex challenges, and driving systemic improvements. Known for being focused, firm, yet compassionate, she approaches challenges with a commitment to the greater good.

Warren Ingram has been a financial planner since 1996 and a CFP^® professional since 2005. He co-founded Galileo Capital with Theo Vorster in 2005. The company has six offices across South Africa and employs more than 30 staff members. Warren was named the FPI Financial Planner of the Year in 2011.

He hosts the Honest Money podcast, where he discusses various personal finance topics, and is a regular guest on the 702 Radio/CapeTalk Money Show. He has written many articles on financial planning for publications such as Blue Chip, Citywire, Daily Maverick.

As an author, he has written several books on personal finance, including Small Changes for Big Results, Global Investing Made Easy, How to Make Your First Million, and Become Your Own Financial Advisor. Warren’s work emphasises practical strategies for attaining financial freedom, and he often draws on his experiences to connect with readers. The proceeds from his books fund education for young people at schools and universities through his charity, the Serendipity Trust.

Markus Streule, CFP®, is the founder, owner, and CEO of mcstrew group llc, which was established ten years ago, in 2016. Prior to that, he held management positions at various asset management companies in Switzerland and Germany. He completed a postgraduate program in financial planning in 2004 and has been a CFP® since then.

Until his departure in 2025, he was a board member of the Swiss Financial Planners Organization (SFPO), which is an affiliate of the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB). He was responsible for liaising with education providers and represented SFPO at the FPSB Global Member Meetings. In addition, he has been working as a tutor in adult education for over 25 years, including in the training of new CFP®. Markus Streule is married, the father of two adult children, and lives in St. Gallen (Switzerland).

Wouter Fourie, CFP® is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Ascor® Independent Wealth Managers, one of South Africa’s leading independent financial planning and wealth management practices. He is also a director of Assetmix Solutions (Pty) Ltd. With more than 27 years of experience, Wouter is a recognised authority in retirement planning, investment strategy, taxation, and estate planning. He is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional and a Professional Accountant (SA), with multiple postgraduate qualifications.

Wouter has been widely recognised for professional excellence, including being named 2015’s FPI Financial Planner of the Year and leading Ascor to FPI Professional Practice of the Year for 2025/2026. He is the co-author of the best-selling The Ultimate Guide to Retirement in South Africa and has written more than 110 articles for Moneyweb. He is a respected industry leader, speaker, and commentator, known for his strong focus on ethics, governance, and long-term client outcomes.

Kirsty Scully CFP® is the Chairperson of the Financial Planning Standards Board Council, a role that reflects her significant influence in the international financial planning profession. With 37 years of experience in financial planning, Kirsty is widely respected for her leadership, strategic insight, and commitment to advancing professional excellence and ethical financial advice globally.

Based in Cape Town, Kirsty serves as Senior Investment Specialist at Core Wealth Advisory Services where she provides tailored investment advice to high-net-worth individuals. Her extensive leadership experience includes serving as Chair of the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa, where she played a key role in strengthening the profession and promoting trusted financial advice.

A passionate advocate for women in leadership and the development of future professionals, Kirsty is deeply committed to mentoring younger Certified Financial Planner® professionals and helping them build meaningful client relationships and successful careers. She is also a sought-after speaker on radio and television and was a finalist in the Businesswomen’s Association Regional Achiever Awards.

Kirsty’s industry expertise is further reflected through her role as a judge for the FPI Financial Planner of the Year competition and the Krutham Top Private Banks and Wealth Manager Awards, providing her with valuable insight into industry best practice and emerging talent. She also chairs the Clara Business Network, a group of senior professionals focused on collaboration and business growth.

In 2025, Kirsty launched Empowher, a women’s networking initiative designed to connect and support businesswomen through mentorship, collaboration, idea-sharing, and professional development.

Her lifelong contribution to the profession was recognised in 2025 when she received the Harry Brews Award, honouring her outstanding commitment to promoting the profession and upholding the principles of integrity, objectivity, fairness, professionalism, competence, confidentiality, diligence, and client-first financial planning.

Izak Smit has served as the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Professional Provident Society (PPS), the financial services firm that serves graduate professionals, since July 2016. His career of more than 30 years includes notable roles at Sanlam, Citadel and Absa. At Absa, he was the managing executive of Absa Life from 2008 to 2011 and of financial services (non-banking) distribution from 2011 to early 2016.

He is a qualified actuary and holds honours degrees from the universities of Stellenbosch and Pretoria, alongside a Post Graduate Diploma in Strategy and Innovation from Oxford. He is a respected business leader in the insurance industry.

Olwethu Masanabo has over 18 years of experience in financial services. She is a CFP® professional and a registered member of the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI). Throughout her career, she has held various roles in the banking and insurance sectors of South Africa, with a focus on financial planning. Her background includes leadership and client advisory positions, highlighting her dedication to providing trusted financial guidance.

Olwethu is the Chairperson of the Board at the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI) and has previously served as Chairperson of the Diversity & Inclusion Sub-Committee, the Nominations and Compliance Review Committee, and the Human Capital Committee at FPI.

Additionally, she is an Independent Trustee of the Old Mutual Black Distributor’s Trust (BDT) and a Non-Executive Director of the Old Mutual Black Distributors SPV (BDSPV), registered in the United Kingdom. As an international speaker, Olwethu regularly participates in industry events and thought-leadership panels and was awarded the FPI Diversity and Inclusion Award in 2023. She is widely recognised for her passion for transformation and her leadership in financial services.

Millie leads Business Operations at Marloo, the AI partner for financial advisers and planners, now used by 700+ firms across 7 markets. She joined early and has helped scale the company through its growth phase, leading work on AI rollout across multiple regulatory environments – exactly the challenge of making the technology work in practice rather than in theory.

A former financial adviser with an MBA from Oxford, Millie has lived the inefficiencies of the advice process firsthand and now builds the tools to fix them. She has worked hands-on with many firms to implement AI inside their businesses, learning what advisers actually adopt, where AI earns trust, and what changes day to day on the desk. She is passionate about moving past the hype of AI to the practical realities of embedding it into client-facing practice across different markets and regulatory environments to empower advisers to give great advice.

Dr. Justin Cohen is a Hall of Fame Speaker, bestselling author, and global authority on human transformation. With over two decades of experience across 40+ countries, he applies cutting-edge psychology to drive measurable results in leadership, sales, and performance. Known for his practical, high-energy style, he demonstrates this approach live on stage by engaging directly with AI to show how it can be used as a powerful tool for human growth. A former CNBC Africa prime-time talk show host, Dr. J has worked with world-class organizations including Microsoft, Google, HSBC, and BMW.

I believe that when financial planners build great practices, they change lives at scale. That is what drives everything I do. I also believe we must grow the entire profession so that everyone benefits. When we lift each other up, share what works, and raise the standard together, the whole industry gets stronger. That is why I am so committed to community and collaboration. Every day, I wake up to help financial planners feel supported, equipped, and proud of the practices they are building. Because when you thrive, your clients thrive. And when your clients thrive, their families and communities benefit too.

What I Do: PROpulsion is a community where financial planners come to belong, grow, and thrive. We run practical training sessions, webinars, and some of the top events in the profession. Whether you want to sharpen your technical skills, get better at connecting with clients, or learn how to use the latest technology, we have got your back.

I host two shows I am really proud of:

• PROpulsion LIVE on YouTube, where I chat with amazing guests about what is working in financial planning. We have added a special AI segment to help you stay ahead.
• PROpulsion Podcast, a more relaxed space where we explore all things financial planning, technology, and the future of our profession.

Jen McKay is co-founding director of both Linktank and Hadeda Technologies, with over 25 years of experience at the intersection of financial services and technology. She specialises in strategy, innovation, and digital transformation, helping financial advice businesses navigate technology selection, implementation, and adoption to deliver practical, human-centred outcomes. Jen also leads a longstanding, independent annual advice technology research programme that tracks trends in advice technology adoption, experience, and practice efficiency, providing evidence-based insight into how tech-related levers, including new technologies like AI, are reshaping the financial advice value chain.

Alongside her work in advice technology, Jen serves as a subject matter expert for FreeUKGenealogy, contributing to the development of services broadening access to UK probate data in support of democratised genealogical research. She is also the founder of Intle Art, a Cape Town-based non-profit supporting emerging artists and creative entrepreneurs in underserved communities.

Shaped by personal and professional experience, Jen advocates for neuro-inclusive, human-centred approaches to system and technology ecosystem design.

Ian Beere is Chairman of the Netto Invest Group, one of the earliest professional practices in South Africa to offer independent lifestyle financial planning, investment management and estate planning services.

He was FPI Financial Planner of the Year in 2007 and is widely respected for the level of professionalism and the high quality client outcomes — now spanning three generations for some client families — delivered by the Netto Invest team.

While Ian’s entry into the profession 26 years ago was initially built on his strong technical background in finance and taxation, he soon became passionate about the benefits of incorporating behavioural finance principles into every financial planning journey.

The success of this integrated approach has resulted in a business which now provides bespoke advice to more than 2,500 clients. This growth has been supported by a highly competent team including 15 Certified Financial Planner (CFP)® Professionals.

Rianné is a Chartered Accountant (SA) and Compliance Professional (SA). She is currently the CEO of the International Federation of Compliance Associations (IFCA).

With a 27-year career in banking across business, finance, risk management and compliance, she brings an end-to-end perspective of how organisations operate. Over the past 11 years in professional body leadership, her focus has been on advancing the professionalisation of compliance and AML, ensuring it works for and by humans, and more recently, exploring how it evolves alongside and is impacted by AI and other developments such as crypto and fintech.

She is endlessly curious and driven by a mindset of continuous learning. Fascinated by the pace of change, she finds herself energised by the new era we find ourselves in.

Is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI), where he leads the organisation’s core operational functions, including Finance, Human Capital Management, Information Technology, and Facilities.

With a strong background in accounting, taxation, and organisational operations, Ronald works closely with the Chief Executive Officer and executive team to strengthen governance, enhance operational efficiency, and drive FPI’s strategic priorities. His focus includes financial stewardship, digital transformation, and building a high-performance, people-centred workplace culture.

Ronald also serves as an Executive Director on the FPI Board, contributing to the FPI’s strategic direction and long-term sustainability.

Ricardo Teixeira, CFP®, is the Managing Director of BDO South Africa’s Wealth Advisory business and brings a unique blend of technical expertise, leadership experience and human understanding to the world of financial planning.

A Chartered Accountant (SA) by background, he later completed his postgraduate diploma in financial planning and earned his CFP® designation, combining strong financial acumen with a deep appreciation for the human side of money and life transitions. In 2022, Ricardo was awarded the FPI ‘It starts with me’ award, which recognises CFP® professionals who actively promote the CFP® certification through their work and personal brand.

Over the past 13 years Ricardo has led the growth of BDO Wealth into a professional firm that today is financial guide to 3,000 families and 12,000 retirement fund members across South Africa. In 2020, BDO Wealth was recognised as the FPI Approved Professional Practice of the Year.

Ricardo believes financial planning should feel practical, personal and relevant to real life. His approach is centred on helping people navigate some of life’s biggest transition points and money moments. This thinking led him to pioneer the concept of Life Qs™, an approach that places life experiences such as marriage, career changes, entrepreneurship, illness, retirement and succession planning at the centre of financial guidance.

Known for his relatable and down-to-earth style, Ricardo combines technical insight with a genuine understanding of the emotional and behavioural factors that often influence financial decision making.