A new chairman for the FPI Board

Lelané Bezuidenhout, CFP®

First, I’d like to give a warm welcome to Navin Ramparsad, the new board chairman. Navin brings extensive legal, business and technical knowledge to the table, he’s a natural strategist with an unimpeachable ethical standard, and he’s known to his colleagues as an exceptional team player. I’d also like to congratulate Kirsty Scully on her nomination as vice chairman. 

I’d like to thank the outgoing chairman, Advocate Ntai Phoofolo, for the work he has done on various FPI board committees since 2012, and for his chairmanship since June 2017. During this tenure, Ntai helped the FPI refine a bold new strategy: Instead of merely adding more and more services, we want to simplify and deepen the value proposition for members.

Ntai’s sound leadership and his unwavering commitment to our members has enabled the FPI to remain as the sole licensee of the CFP^® trademark in South Africa and to maintain strong relationships with all the other governing bodies in the industry including the FSCA, SAQA and National Treasury.

Be the change
One of the greatest challenges we face in the industry is the lack of diversity and inclusion. Our new board chair intends to weave this thread through all FPI operations, to enhance our employees’ commitment to their roles, to improve their performance, and to strengthen our brand.

Our membership statistics tell a story that needs to be addressed: Only 16% of members are black, and only 36% are women. Of those women, only 20% are black. More than half of our members are older than 55. South African financial planners are leaders in many ways, but there’s a critical need for an industry succession plan, alongside the succession plans of individual businesses.

Major change only happens when lots of people make small changes in the way they do things. If the financial planning profession is to remain robust and sustainable, all FPI members must stand together to address this challenge. 

Save the date – and celebrate excellence 
Our 31st annual convention in Sandton on the 8th and 9th of June is going to be our best ever. The theme is Future Proof, and you can look forward to a line-up of world-class speakers who will share practical tips about how to ensure that your business stays relevant and profitable in an ever-changing environment.

Next year also marks the 20th anniversary of the most prestigious accolade in the industry: the Financial Planner of the Year award. Launched in 2000, it recognises the top CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER^® – a person who has demonstrated innovation, professionalism and commitment to their clients. The award is a goal that all our members can work towards. Entering takes hard work, but the process offers exceptional scope for personal and business growth. Entries open in January. Good luck!

Better together 
I want to take this opportunity to thank my staff and all FPI members for a tremendous year. We’ve turned the ship around, renewed our dedication to the industry, and there’s so much good stuff to come.

I wish you a safe and happy holiday, 

Lelané Bezuidenhout, CFP^®
CEO, Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa