Professional financial advice in South Africa sits at the intersection of statutory regulation and self‑regulation. My licence to practise and my professional designation are regulated by:
| Area | Regulator / Body | Source |
| Rendering financial advice & planning | FSCA | FAIS Act, soon replaced by the Conduct of Financial Institutions Act |
| Market conduct & licensing | FSCA | Conduct Standards |
| Professional financial planning designation | FPi | SAQA‑registered designation |
| Professional Ethics | FPi | FPi Code of Ethics and Practise Standards incorporating the FPi Rules of Professional Conduct https://fpi.co.za/membership/member-policies-and-guidelines |
Financial advice means providing an ongoing, customer-centric service in terms of which financial customers’ financial circumstances, as measured against their lifestyle goals, needs and priorities are assessed that culminates in delivering financial solutions and/or financial product advice which is implemented, monitored, and adjusted from time to time
The term “financial advisor” is not protected in statute as the FSCA regulates the activity, not the job title. But to give advice and render intermediary services I must and am FSCA licensed. Using that title when not so licenced may be misleading and unlawful.
I am, furthermore, a FINANCIAL SERVICES ADVISOR® / FSA® Professional which represents a professional benchmark for financial advice. I am professionally certified by the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPi), the professional body to which I belong.
My professional designation references are protected trademarks owned by FPi in South Africa that are limited for use by FPi members.
To lawfully call myself a FINANCIAL SERVICES ADVISOR® or FSA® Professional, I currently meet all of the following requirements:
- Hold an NQF 7 or other FPi‑approved qualification.
- Completed a competency assessment or recognition of learning process.
- Have attained requisite practical experience in rendering financial advice.
- Am up to date with continuing professional development requirements.
- Am in good standing from both an FPi compliance and FPi Code of Ethics perspective.
View my professional designation confirmation by PrivySeal on my LinkedIn page.