Advocacy in Action: Giving the Profession a Strong, Credible Voice
Advocacy sits at the heart of Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa’s Vision 2030 and our commitment to acting in the public interest. Through structured, informed and principled engagement, FPI continues to represent the voice of professional financial planners in regulatory, policy and legislative developments that directly impact our profession and the consumers we serve.
The FPI Advocacy Committee
The FPI Advocacy Committee plays a critical role in this work. The committee brings together experienced professionals who actively monitor regulatory developments, engage with policymakers and regulators, and coordinate formal submissions on behalf of the profession. Importantly, this work is not reactive, it is strategic, forward-looking, and aligned to our professional standards and Code of Ethics.
Through the committee, FPI:
- Reviews draft legislation, conduct standards and discussion papers;
- Prepares and submits formal public comments and position papers;
- Engages with regulators and policymakers to clarify intent, highlight unintended consequences, and promote practical, consumer-centric outcomes; and
- Ensures that the professional financial planning voice is heard early and consistently in policy development processes.
What We Are Working On
Recent and ongoing advocacy work includes:
- Engagement on conduct-focused regulatory reform, including developments flowing from COFI;
- Input into policy and legislative proposals affecting financial planning and advice, financial institutions and consumers;
- Coordinating advocacy priorities across multiple regulatory workstreams to ensure alignment and consistency.
This work is carefully tracked and documented through the Advocacy Committee’s meeting programme and annual activity plan, ensuring transparency, accountability and continuity.
Call for Public Comment – Your Voice Matters
FPI is currently reviewing the General Laws Amendment Bill, 2025, as outlined in the recent media statement issued by National Treasury.
Public comments are open, and this legislation has important implications for the broader financial services regulatory framework. As always, FPI will prepare a considered submission informed by our professional standards and the practical realities faced by financial planners.
We encourage professional members and stakeholders to remain engaged in this process and to share insights that may assist FPI’s submission.
👉 View the National Treasury media statement and public comment notice here:
Advocacy as a Professional Responsibility
Advocacy is not just a regulatory function, it is a professional responsibility. By contributing to policy discussions, FPI ensures that regulation supports high-quality advice, protects consumers, and enables a sustainable, trusted financial planning profession in South Africa.
We will continue to keep members informed of advocacy developments and outcomes through FPI Times and our member communication channels.
Together, we strengthen the profession and protect the public it serves.