Leading a global profession: a year of growth, connection and purpose

As I reflect on the past year serving as chairperson of the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB) Council, I am reminded of both the scale of our global profession and the responsibility we carry as its leaders.

The CFP® certification continues to gain strength and relevance globally. Today, there are approximately 236 000 CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® (CFP®) professionals worldwide, reflecting steady growth and a continued commitment to excellence. In 2025 alone, more than 32 500 candidates sat for the CFP® examinations, reinforcing the strong demand for credible, trusted financial planning qualifications. What is particularly encouraging is the demographic shift within our profession. Over 60% of newly certified CFP® professionals are under the age of 40, and nearly 40% are women. This signals that the next generation clearly sees financial planning not just as a career, but as a meaningful profession grounded in trust, ethics and long-term client relationships.

A year of global engagement

This past year has been defined by connection. I was fortunate to spend time in Europe, India, the United States, Taiwan and New Zealand, engaging with leaders and CFP® professionals across our 29 territories. One thing remains consistent wherever I travel: financial planning is evolving rapidly, yet the core of what we do remains unchanged. Clients want trusted relationships, transparent advice and professionals who understand both their financial needs and their life goals.

Europe: navigating complexity and change

The European Forums, held in France and Ireland, provided valuable insight into the challenges facing developed markets. Discussions focused heavily on the growth of CFP® professionals, the integration of AI and broader societal shifts. One of the most important themes was how Europe is addressing the implications of an ageing population, something that we seldom need to consider in South Africa. This has significant consequences for retirement planning, intergenerational wealth transfer and the sustainability of financial systems. It reinforced the critical role that financial planners play in guiding clients through longer lifespans and more complex financial journeys. Equally notable was the growing prominence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in conversations. AI is not replacing financial planners, but it is reshaping how we deliver advice. Across markets, we are seeing that technology improves efficiency, but trust remains firmly human.

India and the power of inclusive leadership

My time in India was both inspiring and thought-provoking. At the FPSB India conference, I spoke on the “Impact of Women in Financial Planning Leadership”. The discussion explored the unique perspectives that women bring to leadership in what has traditionally been a male-dominated profession, including empathy, communication and relationship-building. These are not “soft” attributes, they are essential to building meaningful client relationships and sustainable practices. We also spoke about mentorship, inclusivity and the importance of enabling women to re-enter the workforce and build flexible, fulfilling careers through the CFP® pathway. What became clear is that diversity is no longer optional – it is fundamental to the future of our profession. When we create inclusive environments, we attract a broader range of talent and ultimately serve our clients better.

Chicago: collaboration and global alignment

The annual FPSB gathering for 2025 was held in Chicago and was a highlight of the year. It provided an opportunity for all territories to come together, share insights and align on our priorities. Key discussions centred on data-driven growth strategies, the importance of protecting the CFP® brand, and the role of young financial planners in shaping the future of the profession. We also explored how AI is influencing the profession, alongside the importance of global advocacy and awareness initiatives. Perhaps most importantly, the meeting reinforced the value of collaboration. While markets differ, the challenges we face are often shared and so too are the solutions. I was honoured to play a pivotal role in these discussions and to contribute to shaping the direction of the profession globally. At the conclusion of this period, I was privileged to be reappointed for an additional year as chair of the FPSB Council.

Taiwan: energy, growth and commitment

One of the most memorable visits of the year was to Taiwan. It was inspiring to witness the enthusiasm and commitment of CFP® professionals in a rapidly growing market. Taiwan is now among the top 10 countries globally by number of CFP® professionals, reflecting both strong local leadership and alignment with global standards. What stood out to me most was the sense of pride and purpose among the professionals I met. There is a clear commitment to raising standards, growing the profession and ensuring that clients receive ethical, client-centric advice. This reinforces a broader trend: the CFP® designation is not just growing in number – it is strengthening in impact.

New Zealand: trust in an AI world

In March 2026, I had the privilege of speaking at the New Zealand National Advisor Conference on the topic of global trends in financial planning. One of the central themes was the role of trust in an increasingly technological world. While AI can enhance efficiency and provide powerful insights, it cannot replace human judgement, empathy and connection. Across all possible futures, whether AI becomes an assistant, disruptor or dominant force, one truth remains: clients turn to people they trust in times of uncertainty. I also had the opportunity to speak at a women’s event, where my topic was, “Lead Like a Woman – Rising Together”. The discussion focused on how women are reshaping leadership in financial planning through empathy, collaboration and inclusive thinking. These attributes are not only improving client outcomes, but they are also helping build more resilient, values-driven practices. My time in New Zealand concluded with a CFP® lunch session, where we discussed the importance of mentorship, professional standards and the global strength of the CFP® community.

South Africa: hosting the world

In April 2026, South Africa hosted the FPSB Chief Executives meeting in Cape Town. This was a significant moment for the FPI and our country. We welcomed CEOs from multiple territories and our discussions focused on strategic priorities, data and market insights as well as the future vision of the profession. We also showcased South Africa’s leadership in areas such as financial planning assessments and examination standards. Beyond the formal agenda, what stood out most was the sense of pride in hosting our global colleagues. Cape Town provided a spectacular backdrop – from a sunset experience on Table Mountain to time on a yacht in Table Bay – and I have no doubt that many of our guests will return.

Looking ahead

As I write this, I am preparing for upcoming engagements in London in June, New Zealand in July, Switzerland in September and London in October where I will conclude my term as the chairperson of the FPSB Council. These ongoing discussions across regions will continue to focus on growth, collaboration and maintaining the highest professional standards of excellence in financial planning. Across all territories, the FPSB remains committed to a clear vision: to ensure excellence in financial planning and to grow the global community of CFP® professionals.

A profession built on trust

If there is one theme that has consistently emerged throughout this year, it is this: financial planning is not an industry – it is a profession. A profession defined not by products, but by advice. Not by transactions, but by relationships. And ultimately, not by technology, but by trust. The CFP® designation continues to represent the highest standard of competence, ethics and professionalism in financial planning. As leaders, it is our responsibility to protect that standard while ensuring it evolves to meet the changing needs of clients worldwide. As we look towards the future, our success will not be measured purely by numbers, but by the impact we have on the lives of the people we serve. Because at the heart of financial planning is a simple but powerful truth: in times of uncertainty, people still trust people.

---