Blue Chip Issue 90

FPI UPDATES | CEO message
BLUE
CHIP
• Harry Brews Award: Robert Macdonald, CFP®
• It Starts with Me Award: Kim Potgieter, CFP®
• Top Candidate Award: Stephan Lombard
• Top Student Financial Plan winners: University of Johannesburg
(MSK Financial Services)
• FPSB 25 Year Award: The FPI for celebrating 25 years of
CFP certification
2024 will bring challenges,
but it is also packed with
growth opportunities.
Membership Renewal
As we start the new year, we extend our gratitude to the more than
2 500 members who renewed their memberships by 15 December
2023. Membership renewal is open until 31 March 2024 and CPD
compliance is due by 31 May 2024.
Annual Refresher
Looking ahead to 2024, we invite you to join us for the Annual
Refresher (AR2024). Scheduled from the end of February to mid-
March across various regions (Cape Town, Johannesburg and
KwaZulu-Natal) this event features a stellar lineup of speakers,
including Andrew Bradley, Errol Meyer, Wessel Oosthuizen, Lelane
Bezuidenhout and the 2023 Financial Planner of the Year, Lara
Warburton. See our website for more information.
Professional Competency Examination
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 76 candidates who
demonstrated competence in the September 2023 examination
sitting. Your success is a testament to your commitment to
excellence, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming you as official
FPI professional members in the near future.
Welcome Q1 2024!
The FPI is gearing up for an exciting start, featuring the online
Budget Speech event on 21 February and the Annual Refresher, both
not to be missed.
But that’s not all. We have got big plans for the year ahead. Four PCEs
are lined up to ensure that as many candidates as possible get the
chance to take FPI’s PCE exam in the “old” format before the transition
to the NextGen Certification Standards in 2025. For more details, dive
into Nici Macdonald’s article in this publication or visit our website.
Our commitment doesn’t stop there. We’re on a mission to localise
the latest global financial planning standards during 2024 as released
by the FPSB in April 2023.
Consumer education takes centre stage, especially with the
anticipated two-component (pot) system, whether it rolls out in
September or March 2024. We believe education is key to steering
consumers away from potential financial pitfalls.
As we navigate through 2024, keep these key areas in mind:
• Two-Component (Pot) System. Be prepared to manage client
expectations and communicate potential delays. Adaptability is
the name of the game.
• Compliance Documentation and Risk Management. Prioritise
compliance documentation, adopt a meticulous approach to risk
management and align with the looming COFI horizon. It’s a crucial
aspect of the journey.
• Continued Professional Development. It is imperative! Focus on
personal development plans, align CPD hours with defined learning
outcomes and stay informed. As financial professionals, take
responsibility for your role as the primary “product” clients invest in.
Yes, 2024 will bring challenges, but it is also packed with growth
opportunities. Let’s embrace the year, tackle the challenges
head-on and make the most of every opportunity – especially in
this election year.
Wishing you all the best until next time,
Lelané Bezuidenhout, CFP®, CEO, Financial Planning Institute
of Southern Africa
www.bluechipdigital.co.za
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