5 Financial Planners of the Year

By Martin Hesse

Each year, at its annual convention, the Financial Planning Institute (FPI), the professional body of financial planners in South Africa, announces its Financial Planner of the Year from among its members, holders of the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) accreditation. This is a supreme accolade for these dedicated men and women, who can be proud to be recognised as the top practitioners in their profession. The competition is a gruelling one, and it includes an on-site visit by the judges to the planner’s practice.

HESTER VAN DER MERWE CFP

Hester van der Merwe is the current Financial Planner of the Year, having won the title in 2020. She will hand over the title to the next Financial Planner of the Year at the FPI’s annual convention this month. She has a law degree from the University of Pretoria, the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning from the University of the Free State, and a Certificate in Advanced Trust Law from the University of Pretoria. Hester is a financial planner at Ultima Financial Planners in Pretoria.

HARDI SWART CFP

Hardi won the Financial Planner of the Year title in 2019. He has a BCom from the University of Stellenbosch, an International Certificate in Entrepreneurship, Business Consulting and Mentoring from Syracuse University, and holds the Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning from the University of Stellenbosch. Hardi is managing director of Autus Private Clients, a family wealth and investment advisory firm in Paarl, Western Cape.

JANET HUGO CFP

Janet won the Financial Planner of the Year title in 2018. She holds the Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning from the University of the Free State, with a focus on investment management and estate planning. She is director of Sterling Private Wealth, with offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Hermanus, where she has her practice. Janet is a passionate advocate in the media for financial literacy and wealth management.

MARK MACSYMON CFP

Mark won the Financial Planner of the Year title in 2017. He has a Master of Commerce degree from the University of Stellenbosch (majoring in economics) and holds the Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning from the University of the Free State (majoring in estate planning, asset types and investment instruments). He has been a wealth manager at Private Client Holdings in Cape Town for over 11 years.

BRUCE FLEMING CFP

Bruce won the Financial Planner of the Year title in 2016. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce and LLB from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and in 2000 attained the Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning from the University of the Free State. He has been involved in the financial services industry for 24 years, having started out as a legal adviser at Old Mutual. Bruce is currently a financial planner at Private Wealth Management in Cape Town.