Raising professional standards
The Department of Finance and Investment Management (DFIM) at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) has reached a significant milestone in 2025 by becoming a Financial Planning Institute (FPI) approved Continuous Professional Development (CPD) provider. This achievement underscores our commitment to delivering education that is not only academically rigorous but also tailored to the practical needs of financial services professionals in a rapidly changing environment.
For advisers, CPD is much more than a regulatory requirement. It represents an ongoing process of learning that enables practitioners to refine their knowledge, remain abreast of developments, and uphold the highest ethical standards. By attaining accreditation, UJ has signalled its intention to play a central role in the professional growth of financial planners, ensuring that the advice given to clients remains informed, relevant, and responsible.
A masterclass series to launch the journey
To inaugurate our CPD programme, DFIM hosted a series of three masterclasses in 2025, each one presented by a respected authority and addressing a theme that resonates strongly with today’s financial landscape.
The opening session was delivered by Advocate Ronald King, who explored The Psychology of Financial Planning. His presentation moved beyond technical calculations to examine the ways in which behaviour, emotion, and personal values influence financial decisions. King highlighted the cognitive biases that can lead to poor outcomes and emphasised the importance of empathy and understanding in building sound financial strategies. His session demonstrated that financial planning is as much about people as it is about numbers.
The second masterclass was presented by Katherine Gibson from the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), who will speak on Consumer Education. This underlined the regulator’s mission to improve financial literacy and empower South Africans to make better-informed choices. Consumer education is essential not only for protecting individuals from debt traps or exploitation but also for fostering long-term financial stability.
The final masterclass of the 2025 series was delivered by Advocate Lucia Hlongwane, who addressed The Management of the Impact of the VAT Increase on Personal Finance. With households nationwide feeling the effects of higher living costs, her session will focus on practical strategies to help clients adjust their spending, preserve savings, and maintain resilience.
Why CPD and why now?
DFIM’s decision to become an approved CPD provider stems from a desire to connect academic knowledge with professional application. Financial planning is a discipline that evolves continuously, shaped by legislation, economic pressures, and social change. We saw a need for structured forums where professionals could engage with these issues, deepen their expertise, and reflect on their role within society.
There is also a wider purpose. Financial advisers occupy a position of trust, helping families to make decisions on retirement, property, education, and financial protection. By supporting their ongoing development through accredited programmes, DFIM is contributing to higher standards of practice, greater public confidence, and a more resilient financial system overall.
Looking ahead
The response to the 2025 masterclasses has confirmed the appetite for well-designed, credible, and thought-provoking CPD opportunities. Building on this success, UJ intends to continue developing its CPD portfolio in future years. Our vision is to host regular masterclasses featuring regulators, practitioners, and academics, addressing topics such as sustainable investing, digital innovation, and global financial trends.
Conclusion
Becoming an approved CPD provider is more than a formal recognition for DFIM; it represents a reaffirmation of our role as a leader in professional education. Our aim is not simply to help advisers meet their compliance obligations, but to inspire them to think critically, to act ethically, and to innovate in the service of their clients.
As we look to the future, we extend an invitation to professionals, students, and industry partners to join us on this journey. The UJ CPD masterclasses are designed not merely as training sessions, but as opportunities to engage with complex issues, exchange ideas, and strengthen the financial planning profession.
With accreditation achieved and a successful series of masterclasses underway, UJ stands ready to continue setting the standard for CPD in financial planning—combining expertise, insight, and a clear commitment to excellence.
