Blue Chip Issue 96

BLUE BLUECHIP CHIPFPI

BLUE BLUECHIP CHIPFPI UPDATES | CEO messageLelané Bezuidenhout, CFP®, CEO, FinancialPlanning Institute of Southern AfricaA time of growthand renewalThe CEO of the Financial Planning Institute ofSouthern Africa shares the FPI’s latest news.It’s winter – but you can feel spring around the corner. Thedays are getting longer, the nights shorter and there’s anunmistakable sense of renewed energy as we count down thelast five months of what has already been an incredible year.This is the perfect moment to pause, reflect and plan. Over thelast two months, the FPI has shared videos and updates across oursocial media channels – highlighting everything from ethical AIuse to the importance of professional standards and our vision forgreater consumer financial education. These recordings remindme just how committed our profession is to remaining clientcentred,ethical and adaptable in a world of constant change.I was also honoured to join the Rethinking Financial Advicepodcast (released on 2 July), where I spoke about bringing soulback into financial advice. That conversation was a powerfulreminder that while technology is changing how we work, ourreal value lies in building deep, trusting human relationships withour clients. To listen to the episode with Adam Holt and DerekNotman, both CFP® professionals, find the Rethinking FinancialAdvice podcast series on Spotify.You’ll see that same theme woven through this edition of BlueChip. Nici Macdonald, CFP®, contributes an excellent article onContinuing Professional Development (CPD) that drives homethe message that CPD isn’t just a compliance checkbox – it’s ourcommitment to lifelong learning, excellence and putting clientsfirst. Nici highlights emerging trends, from the huge uptake ofdigital, on-demand learning at the FPI to the need for greaterfocus on ethics, the psychology of advice and technologydrivenskills. At the FPI, we’re determined to ensure CPD remainsaccessible, high-quality and relevant so our profession can keepdelivering meaningful, ethical advice.10 www.bluechipdigital.co.za

FPI UPDATES | CEO messageBLUECHIPJodrey Rossouw, CFP®, writes an article on the Young FinancialPlanners Organisation (YFPO), which offers an inspiring lookat the next generation of planners who are redefining clientengagement with empathy, technological fluency and genuinecare. Whether it’s instant messaging, virtual meetings or socialmedia outreach, they’re meeting clients where they are whilestaying true to our timeless values of integrity, professionalismand client-first service. Through YFPO’s peer-learning sessions,student engagement and mentorship opportunities, we’rebuilding a more inclusive, diverse and sustainable profession.Our real value lies in buildingdeep, trusting humanrelationships with our clients.This issue also features an important contribution by DanteDe Gori, CFP®, and CEO of the FPSB, on AI’s growing role infinancial planning. His global perspective underscores that whileAI is transforming the profession – improving efficiency, qualityof advice and access – it doesn’t replace the financial planner.Instead, it empowers us to focus on what really matters: listeningto our clients, guiding their decisions and delivering advice builton trust. But with this opportunity comes responsibility: dataprivacy, ethical frameworks and continuous learning must remainat the forefront. At the FPI, we’re embedding these lessons intoour CPD programmes to ensure our members can use technologyresponsibly and effectively.And as we mark Women’s Month here in South Africa thisAugust, I’m especially proud to share that the FPI has beenrecognised as one of South Africa’s Top Gender-EmpoweredCompanies by Standard Bank Top Women Leaders. We were alsonamed a Top Female Employer. This recognition is more than justan accolade – it’s a testament to our commitment to inclusion,empowerment and creating opportunities for women in financialplanning. It speaks to the incredible work being done across ourindustry to ensure that everyone, regardless of gender, has thechance to thrive and lead in this profession.As we head towards spring, a time of growth and renewal,let’s carry this momentum forward. Let’s embrace technologywithout losing our human touch. Let’s champion lifelong learning,welcome new ideas and new voices and remain steadfast in ourpromise to put our clients first. That’s how we’ll make the rest ofthis year not just good, but truly great for financial planning inSouth Africa.Until next time.Lelané Bezuidenhout, CFP®, CEO, Financial Planning Instituteof Southern AfricaThe FPI has been recognised as one of South Africa’sTop Gender-Empowered Companies byStandard Bank Top Women Leaders.www.bluechipdigital.co.za 11