14 November 2023
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LARA WARBURTON, CFP®, CLAIMS TOP HONORS AT FPI 2023 GALA AWARDS
Johannesburg, 14 November 2023 – The Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI) recently hosted its highly anticipated annual Gala Awards evening, a prestigious event recognising excellence in the financial planning industry. The culmination of the evening saw Lara Warburton, CFP®, emerge as the distinguished recipient of the FPI Financial Planner of the Year award.
The FPI Financial Planner of the Year competition is renowned for its rigorous evaluation process, comprising three challenging rounds that showcase the exceptional skills and abilities of the finalists. The announcement took place at a gala dinner attended by esteemed financial luminaries, adding an element of glitz and glamour to the event. The Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg served as the backdrop for this industry flagship event.
Lara Warburton, CFP®, stood out among a group of finalists, including Thomas Brukman, CFP®, and Noel de Kock, CFP®, to secure the coveted title of FPI Financial Planner of the Year.
In addition to Lara’s triumph, the evening celebrated other notable achievements within the financial planning community:
FPI Approved Professional Practice of the year: Crue Invest stood the test of time and are crowned FPI Approved Professional Practice of the year. The finalists were Crue Invest, Veritas Wealth and Integral Wealth Management.
Diversity and Inclusion Award: Olwethu Masanabo, CFP® received this accolade for tireless efforts in fostering diversity within the financial planning profession.
Harry Brews Award: Robert Macdonald, CFP®, was honoured for outstanding and dedicated service to both the FPI and the financial planning profession.
It Starts with Me Award: Kim Potgieter, CFP®, received recognition for her unwavering dedication to promoting the CFP® certification and global standards.
Top Candidate Award: Stephan Lombaard, earned the prestigious title for surpassing all others in the FPI’s CFP® Professional Competency Examination.
FPSB 25 Year award: Dante de Gori, CEO of the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) presented the 25 year award to FPI – FPI celebrating 25 years of CFP certification in South Africa.
The apex of the evening came with Lara Warburton, CFP®, being announced as the 2023 Financial Planner of the Year. The selection process involved a comprehensive evaluation, including the submission of a detailed financial plan based on a given case study, a thorough FPI Code of Ethics and Practice Standards panel audit, and a final panel interview assessing expertise on legislation, industry trends, and technical information.
Lelané Bezuidenhout, CEO of the FPI, commended all participants for their dedication and hard work, emphasizing that success in the industry is a result of commitment, professionalism, and hard work rather than luck.
For high-resolution photos of the evening or to arrange interviews with the winners, please contact the FPI’s Media Office at marketing@fpi.co.za
About the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa:
The Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa is a leading professional body for financial planners, promoting high standards of professionalism, ethical conduct, and technical expertise within the financial planning industry.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Lelane Bezuidenhout and/or Adele Whyte
lelane@fpi.co.za and marketing@fpi.co.za
Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa
