CAPE TOWN, South Africa – 16 October 2026 – The FPi Professionals Convention 2026 opened on 7 October with a celebration of World Financial Planning Day, as delegates waved South African flags and joined in the message, “Live your today. Plan your tomorrow.”
Olwethu Masanabo, CFP® MBA, Chairperson of the Board of the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPi), welcomed delegates to the two-day convention at the Century City Conference Centre in Cape Town. Her opening highlighted how financial planning helps people make informed decisions, work towards their goals and build confidence in their financial futures.
Held under the theme Build to Lead, the convention brought together local and international speakers to explore how financial planners can strengthen their practices, build client trust and prepare for a changing profession.
Day one focused on the human side of financial planning. Mike Handcock highlighted self-awareness and empathy, while Kim Potgieter, CFP® emphasised the importance of listening to clients and understanding their lives before developing financial plans. An international panel moderated by Lelané Bezuidenhout, CFP® with Kirsty Scully, CFP® and Markus Streule, CFP® explored global trends and the importance of professional standards and sound judgement.
The panel From advice to outcomes – measuring the real impact of financial planning, featuring Ian Beere, CFP®, Nicola Langridge, CFP®, Warren Ingram, CFP® and Wouter Fourie, CFP®, moderated by Ricardo Teixeira, CFP® examined how financial planning success should be measured by its impact on clients’ lives, not investment performance alone. Izak Smit also challenged delegates to look beyond money and consider how financial planning helps people live the lives they want.
Rianne Potgieter, CA, also addressed delegates during the convention, contributing to the discussions on the future of financial planning and the profession’s role in supporting clients. The AI and fintech panel, featuring Jen McKay, Francois du Toit, CFP®, Millie O’Brien, Business Operator and Henry van Deventer, CFP® and moderated by Lelané Bezuidenhout, CFP®, explored how technology is changing financial planning. The discussion highlighted the opportunities AI presents to improve efficiency and support financial planners, while highlighting the importance of responsible use, data protection, governance and accountability. Panellists also emphasised that technical skills must be balanced with critical thinking, professional judgement and the human connection that remains central to financial advice.
Day two on 8th October turned to leadership, business growth and the future of advice. Kobus Kleyn, CFP® led the FPi Trust Pledge encouraging delegates to support the FPi Education and Training Trust and its work to help bridge the gap to education and develop future financial planning professionals. The fundraising drive initially aimed to raise R300 000 and MC Ronald Matande announced on the final day that donations had reached R310 000. Donations have continued to come in following the activation led by Kobus, showing ongoing support for investing in the next generation of financial professionals.
Dr Sizakele Marutlulle challenged delegates to reflect on what it means to lead authentically during her session, Leading from Who You Are. Her message centred on self-awareness and the importance of understanding your values, strengths and character before trying to lead others. As she puts it in her published article on authentic leadership, “Before you lead a team or a strategy, you have to lead yourself.” Her session reinforced that effective leadership is not only about professional titles or results, but also about knowing who you are and allowing that understanding to guide how you lead. Sonya Lutter, CFP® explored the relationship between money, behaviour and mental wellbeing, while Mark Hedderman, CFP® shared insights into building a sustainable financial planning practice.
Kerrin Land encouraged financial planners to understand their strengths, build businesses around what they do best and remain open to learning. Technology and artificial intelligence (AI) were key themes across the convention. Stafford Masie explored the opportunities technology creates, while Dr Justin Cohen challenged delegates to think differently about AI and the pace of change. Discussions reinforced that technology could improve efficiency, but professional judgement, ethical responsibility and human connection remain essential to trusted advice.
Guy Holwill and Zeyn Ally added practical perspectives on building stronger businesses and company culture, improving client experiences and developing practices that can adapt to changing client needs.
The convention also celebrated excellence in the profession, with Brendan Dunn, CFP®, named FPi Financial Planner of the Year 2026 who also gave a presentation on the focus of young financial planners.
Through Build to Lead, FPi reinforced the importance of continuous learning, ethical practice and putting clients first. As the profession evolves, financial planners have an opportunity to use technology wisely, develop future talent and make a lasting difference in the lives of South Africans.
ENDS
About the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa
The Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa NPC (FPi) is the only professional body in Southern Africa authorised to offer the FSA®, RFP® and internationally FPSB-recognised CFP® professional designations. As a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) registered professional body, FPi ensures that its professional designations are listed on the National Learner Record Database (NLRD), affirming its commitment to educational and professional excellence. FPi is also approved by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) as a Recognised Controlling Body (RCB), further underscoring its role in upholding high standards in the financial planning profession.
