Since February 2026, FPI’s Advocacy Committee has been actively engaged in advancing priority regulatory, policy and professional standards issues affecting financial planners and consumers.
Strengthening the profession and Vision 2030 alignment
The Committee reviewed and refined FPI’s eight Advocacy Goals, aligning wording and focus more closely with Vision 2030, while retaining the long‑standing objective of strengthening the professional standing of financial planners as the benchmark for financial advice in South Africa.
Regulatory engagement and public policy submissions
Significant time has been dedicated to monitoring and responding to regulatory developments, including:
- Draft Conduct Standards with discussion around proportionality, qualifications and ethics requirements.
- Ongoing developments relating to the COFI Bill, including anticipated timelines, transitional arrangements and implications for advisers and firms.
- Review of the Draft National Consumer Financial Education Policy, with coordinated input from FPI due to its role on the NCFEC (National Treasury) committee.
- Active consideration on the Draft Capital Flow Management Regulations, particularly where consumer protection and crypto‑asset regulation intersect.
- Responses to various FIC updates and regulations.
Guidance on emerging risks and standards
The Committee identified areas where further professional guidance is needed, including:
- The ethical and responsible use of AI in financial planning.
- Reviewing and updating FPI’s due diligence framework, especially around referrals and accountability, to help protect consumers and mitigate involvement in illegitimate schemes.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the advocacy committee and competency committees, comprised of FPI professional members who generously contribute their pro-bono time in support of the profession.