The evening recognised professionals, students and organisations contributing to the financial planning profession, with several awards presented across the evening.
Brendan Dunn was named the 2026 FPi Financial Planner of the Year, the profession’s most prestigious award, recognising excellence in financial planning, professional standards, ethics and client service. The winner was selected from three finalists following a rigorous three-stage assessment process.
Dunn said “It hasn’t quite set in yet, it’s such an honour and a dream come true, something I’ve been working towards for more than a decade. It means so much to me, my family, friends and colleagues. Looking ahead, I’m passionate about bringing through the next generation of planners and creating resources that help young professionals find their path and grow in the profession. It’s not about me, it’s about building a legacy for the profession.”
Olwethu Masanabo, Chairperson of the FPi Board of Directors, said the award reflects the high standards expected of financial planning professionals and the important role they play in building trust with clients. “Tonight is a celebration of the people who continue to raise the standard of financial planning. Our award winners demonstrate the professionalism, commitment and leadership that will help shape a stronger future for the profession.”
Laura du Preez, CFP®, received the 2026 Harry Brews’ Award. Stephan de Wet, CFP®, received the 2026 It Starts with Me Award. Petronella Nkobe, CFP®, was recognised with the 2026 Diversity and Inclusion Award. Johan Smith, CFP®, received the 2026 CFP® Financial Plan Assessment Award. “It’s wonderful to be recognised and the value it can bring to ordinary South Africans. Financial planning changes people’s lives and helping people manage their money can make a real difference,” stated Laura.
The evening also recognised a range of contributions to the profession. The inaugural Corporate Partner of the Year Award was awarded to Alexforbes Financial Planning Consultants, recognising its commitment to professional and ethical excellence in financial planning.
The Gala Dinner also celebrated the winners of the 2026 Student Financial Plan Competition, which saw the top three teams from FPi’s recognised education providers compete across three rounds, including the submission and presentation of a financial plan and a quick-fire question round. Team Capital Compass was named the winner, with UJ Wealth Architects taking second place and NextGen Advisory placing third.
Keabetswe Matsoso from Team Capital Compass expressed “We honestly didn’t expect to win, we thought we were in third place! We’re so excited and proud. The biggest lesson was that you have to understand your client and make sure they understand your plan. To other students, I’s I’d say put yourself out there, take the risk and bet on yourself.”
Stian de Witt, Executive Head: NMG Financial Planning at NMG, was involved in presenting the Student Financial Plan Competition awards. “The next generation is the future of our profession. Opportunities like this give students the exposure and confidence to see where they can go, while giving the industry a chance to mentor and learn from them,” said de Witt.
The evening closed with reflections from Lelané Bezuidenhout, CFP®, Chief Executive Officer of FPi, on the importance of building a strong and future-ready financial planning profession.
“Build to Lead is about building the skills, standards and confidence needed to take the profession forward. Tonight’s winners, together with the students entering the profession, remind us that the future of financial planning is in capable hands,” concludes Bezuidenhout.
The Gala Dinner formed part of FPi’s 2026 Professionals Convention, themed Build to Lead, which brings together financial planning professionals, students, education providers and industry stakeholders to learn, connect and explore the future of the profession.
