The FPI Professionals Convention moves the financial service industry forward
More than 1000 delegates and exhibitors from the financial services industry, last week gathered at the FPI Professionals Convention, sponsored by Discovery, to discuss ways to advance the profession. The convention, themed ‘Growth through Innovation’ explored the role of technology in the financial planning sector and was aptly opened by Michael Jordaan, former FNB CEO – renowned for his role in innovation in the financial services sector.
Following the convention, Godfrey Nti, CEO of the Financial Planning Institute (FPI) commented, “The objective of this event is twofold, firstly we want to improve the level of professionalism and positively influence the quality of advice delivered by our professionals. Secondly, we use this opportunity to recognise and celebrate members who are advancing the profession through our various awards.”
Similar to previous conventions, this year’s event brought together a high calibre of speakers which included Max Moyo, the wealth creation expert and human transformation coach, Toby Shapshak, technology commentator and editor of Stuff Magazine as well as Helene Nicholson, founding member of the Professional Speakers Association of South Africa and director of The Networking Company, specialising in teaching people to master the art of networking by building the CFP® mark into their personal brand. International speakers included Sarah Harper, Oxford Professor of Gerontology and director of the Oxford Institute of Population Ageing, as well as Hal Ratner, Global Head of Research at Morningstar IM (Chicago).
“This year’s convention allowed our professionals to put themselves ahead of the financial services industry pack. The workshops and panel discussion sessions were on a variety of topics, including how to succeed in an ever changing business world – with special focus on ways in which professionals can use technology to achieve specific business outcomes, tips and strategies on networking, reaching new markets as well as introducing and running mentorship programmes,” said Nti.
In recognising and awarding excellence, Peter Hewett, CFP®, founder of Efficient Advise practice, was awarded the 2014 FPI Financial Planner of the Year title, and was joined in the awards ceremony by finalists Donovan Adams, CFP®, a retirement specialist at Chartered Wealth Solutions and Bruce Fleming, CFP®, Executive Head Private Clients at Consolidated. Alan McCulloch, CFP®, was awarded the Harry Brews’ Award (previously Chairman’s Award). Principal Wealth Manager of African interests, Gerald Mwandiambira, CFP®, was awarded the Media Award and Jacques Hodsdon, walked away with the Top Student in the CFP® Professional Competency Examination Award.
“The success of the convention is an indication that we are doing something right and I’m confident that future events will be just as successful. We will continue to partner with industry players to ensure that we create a platform for vibrant industry debates to encourage the progression of our profession,” concluded Nti.
