By strengthening the structures that support planners – governance, technology, operations and collaborative forums – the firm is cultivating an environment where expertise deepens, client outcomes improve and values are lived not laminated.
Advice forum
Colin Long, CFP®, Head of Advice
Head of advice, Colin Long, CFP®, says, “At Consolidated Wealth, the client sits at the heart of everything we do. The advice forum exists to ensure that every element of the business: advice, systems, processes, tools and thinking, continually evolves to meet the highest professional standards.”
For clients, this means a robust, thoroughly considered financial planning experience that is always improving, always adapting and always designed with their best interests in mind. For planners, it creates an environment where excellence isn’t just encouraged, it’s embedded in the way the firm operates.
The advice forum members bring a range of experience, skills and perspective. The most senior members have over 30 years of planning experience bringing depth and wisdom, while the youngest members are next-gen graduates in their first decade of work bringing fresh ideas and perspective.
Investment sub-committee
The investment sub-committee builds and manages investment solutions using strategic asset allocation informed by economic data and asset manager insights. Investment solutions are implemented through Consolidated Wealth Group’s Category II discretionary licence which supports agile portfolio implementation and management and ensures a well-governed client experience with strict adherence to FSCA standards.
For clients, this disciplined process has delivered strong, consistent performance across portfolios. Centralising portfolio construction removes the burden from financial planners of picking funds which frees them to focus on what they do best – building deep client relationships, understanding goals, assessing risk and applying true financial planning expertise – while confidently relying on well-constructed investment solutions.
An enabling IT system
Consolidated is building a secure, scalable, fully accessible CRM system, called eConsol, that financial planners can access seamlessly on mobile or web, giving them instant access to accurate client information wherever they are. By integrating investment, risk, medical aid and employee benefit data, planners gain a holistic client view that supports high-quality advice. Automated workflows, reduced manual processes, precise fee reconciliation and the ability to assign tasks directly from a mobile device streamline administration, cut errors and free planners to focus on client relationships and advice.
Strategically designed admin systems
Melissa Ramiah, CFP®, Head of Administration
The admin team is designing processes that turn administration into a strategic support function. By using eConsol, consistent Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), strong compliance standards and robust data‑security practices, the firm creates a seamless and reliable client journey.
Head of administration, Melissa Ramiah, CFP®, says, “We see admin as the key enabler of advice excellence. By ensuring strong administrative foundations, accurate records and compliant processes, the admin team supports advisor effectiveness, client confidence, regulatory integrity and operational efficiency across the group.”
Compliance
Consolidated Wealth’s compliance system is built on well-defined processes, continuous staff training and strong regulatory awareness. The firm invests significant effort into understanding regulatory requirements and designing systems that make compliant behaviour the natural, efficient way of working. It prioritises compliance as a core business function, supported by robust processes that include careful consideration of FICA, FAIS, Joint Standards 1 and 2, COFI as well as identifying other potential risks and opportunities.
By creating clear procedures, leveraging secure digital tools like electronic signing and straight through processing and maintaining high cybersecurity standards, the firm removes much of the administrative burden from financial planners. This allows planners to focus on client work while the back office ensures compliance is seamless and reliable.
Financial management
Justin Diedericks CA(SA) Group Financial Director
Consolidated’s finance team is evolving from a back-office function into an analytical partner. They assess each planner’s book to identify opportunities, risks, fee gaps and growth potential, while providing real-time performance insights and ensuring correct fee flows.
They collaborate with planners annually to review historical performance, set a stable salary, and reassess it at year end. This approach removes uncertainty, supports predictable income, strengthens financial stability and enables planners to focus fully on clients and long-term growth.
Career paths
Julie-Anne Visagie, Group Operations Manager
New and seasoned financial planners can build meaningful careers at Consolidated through continual growth and development. Group operations manager, Julie-Anne Visagie, explains that new planners often begin by learning end-to-end advisory processes and may progress through internal advisor roles while gaining confidence and technical capability.
Mentorship from experienced planners strengthens their readiness for a successful professional career as a financial planner. Seasoned planners benefit from peer forums, ongoing upskilling and structured performance appraisals that reinforce values, competence and professional development.
Non-Profit Company (NPC)
Consolidated is establishing the Faithful Stewards NPC as a vehicle for values-aligned community upliftment. It enables staff, clients and others to channel donations to reputable NGOs, offering tax-deductible giving while ensuring contributions are not used as marketing, but as an authentic expression of stewardship rooted in biblical values. The NPC serves as a bridge for donors, helping uplift communities, invest in future generations and support impactful, purpose-driven projects.
