South african appointed to Financial Planning Standards Board

Directors from Eight Nations Will Benefit and Protect Public By Enhancing CFP Certification as Global Mark of Excellence for Financial Planning

Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB), the nonprofit association that owns and manages the CFP certification program outside the United States, today announced the names of three individuals who will join FPSB's nine-member board of directors for three-year terms, starting next year.

On 01 January 2007, Selwyn Feldman, CFP, Executive Consultant and Actuary for South Africa-based Old Mutual Actuaries and Consultants; Shailesh V.B. Haribhakti, CFP, Managing Partner and CEO of Mumbai-based Haribhakti Group; and Stephen J. OConnor, CFP, Managing Director of New Zealand-based investment advisory firm Broadbase Southland will join directors from Australia, Canada, Chinese Taipei, France and Japan to guide FPSBs efforts to internationalize the CFP certification program.

"Financial Planning Standards Board is committed to attracting the best and brightest volunteers from around the world to assist us in leading the development of professional financial planning standards that will benefit consumers seeking competent, ethical advice, said Elaine E. Bedel, CFP, FPSB Chairperson. 

"We are pleased to have people of the caliber, commitment and passion of Selwyn Feldman, Shailesh Haribhakti and Stephen O'Connor join our board. Their diverse viewpoints, depth of governance experience and leadership roles in their national financial planning communities will enrich our decision-making and support FSPB in its efforts to have CFP certification recognized as the global mark of excellence for professional financial planners, Bedel added.

Speaking on behalf of the Financial Planning institute of Southern Africa (FPI) a founding member of the FPSB, member of the FPSB Council and the custodian of the CFP accreditation process locally - Chairperson Andrew Bradley said recognition at this level was an indication of the high regard in which the FPI and members are held by the global community. "The appointment of Selwyn Feldman to the FPSB board of directors is further recognition of the contribution the FPI has made to setting the standards locally and globally for the financial planning profession. We know that Selwyn will serve the profession with distinction in this new role and wish him every success for his term of office."