Lara Warburton CFP® has been named the FPI Financial Planner of the Year for 2023.
Warburton was bestowed this top honour at the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI) Awards Ceremony Gala Dinner on 14 November at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The annual event recognises excellence in the financial planning industry.
Watch: Video interview: 2023 Financial Planner of the Year
The FPI Financial Planner of the Year competition is known for its rigorous evaluation process, comprising three rounds that showcase the skills and abilities of the finalists. The selection process involves a comprehensive evaluation, including the submission of a detailed financial plan based on a given case study, a thorough FPI Code of Ethics and Practice Standards panel audit, and a final panel interview assessing expertise on legislation, industry trends, and technical information.
Besides Warburton, this year’s group of finalists included Thomas Brukman CFP® and Noel de Kock CFP®.
Lelané Bezuidenhout, the chief executive of the FPI, commended all participants for their dedication and hard work, emphasising that success in the industry is a result of commitment, professionalism, and hard work, rather than luck.
The evening celebrated other notable achievements within the financial planning community:
Crue Invest was crowned FPI Approved Professional Practice of the Year. The finalists were Crue Invest, Veritas Wealth. and Integral Wealth Management.
Diversity and Inclusion Award: Olwethu Masanabo CFP® received this accolade for tireless efforts in fostering diversity within the financial planning profession.
Harry Brews Award: Robert Macdonald CFP® was honoured for his outstanding and dedicated service to both the FPI and the financial planning profession.
It Starts with Me Award: Kim Potgieter CFP® received recognition for her dedication to promoting the CFP® certification and global standards.
Top Candidate Award: Stephan Lombaard earned the title by achieving top marks in the FPI’s CFP® Professional Competency Examination.
FPSB 25-Year Award: Dante de Gori, chief executive of the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB), presented the 25-year award to FPI. The professional body celebrates 25 years of CFP certification in South Africa.
The gala dinner formed part of the Professionals Convention held from 14 to 15 November. The 34th instalment of the convention saw a total of 27 local and international speakers and guests share their experiences and insights.
Moonstone editor Mark Bechard was on the ground at the Sandton Convention Centre for the duration of the conference.
Read Day 1 Live from the 2023 FP Professional’s Convention and Day 2 Live from the 2023 FP Professional’s Convention for a recap of Bechard’s posting.
