FPI announces the shortlist for the Financial Planner of the Year award

<strong>By: FPI</strong>

<strong><i>Hardi Swart, Craig Turton and Johan Swart would all be worthy recipients of the accolade – but only one can prevail when the winner is announced on 17 July.</i></strong>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">The Financial Planner of the Year award is the highest accolade bestowed on financial planners in South Africa, and it represents the very pinnacle of the profession.  Financial planners know that winning the prize will set them apart from other advisors for their entire career. It goes without saying that the selection process has been rigorous and the competition stiff.</span>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">In Phase 1, the judges scrutinised ‘case study’ financial plans submitted by all entrants. Next, they conducted rigorous site visits at the practices of the most impressive entrants.  </span>

<h3><b>And then there were three</b></h3>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">The three entrants who perform best in Phase 1 (theoretical) and Phase 2 (practical) have been shortlisted for a gruelling panel interview, where – under the watchful gaze of industry luminaries – they have to demonstrate their skills and expertise on topics as varied as legislation, industry trends and technical information. </span>

<b>Hardi Swart</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> CFP® is the Managing Director of Autus Private Clients and Family Office. A two-time finalist in the FPI’s Financial Planner of the Year awards, Hardi was motivated to join the industry after his family took poor advice and invested in a property syndication scheme.  A sought-after public speaker and a member of numerous industry bodies, Hardi’s first book </span><i><span style="font-weight: 400;">Family Wealth Planning</span></i><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is on shelves soon. </span>

<b>Craig Turton</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> CFP® of Chartered Wealth Solutions believes that the key to financial freedom lies in his firm’s Retiremeant™ Planning process. This process is all about envisaging the life you really want to live and then making sure you merge your money to that life. Craig heads up CWS’ Wealth Creation Team and looks after clients who are not yet ready to retire. “Money should be your servant, not your master,” says Craig.</span>

<b>Johan Swart</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> CFP® is the principal partner</span><span style="font-weight: 400;"> PPW & Associates, a proud Old Mutual Personal Financial Advice General Practice with more than 60 years’ combined experience. PPW’s unique Client Engagement Experience (CEE 360°) allows advisors to focus on their area of greatest expertise and means that every client has a relationship with every staff member. Johan has a passion for enabling families “to manage their health and wealth to create significant legacies”.</span>

<h3><b>There can be only one winner</b></h3>

<span style="font-weight: 400;">Now that the case studies have been analysed, the practices visited and the candidates grilled, all that remains is to announce the winner at a glitzy gala dinner in Sandton on 17 July. “This year’s finalists are all very professional, and it will be a tough call in deciding who the winner is – all three are brilliant candidates for this award,” says Lelane Bezuidenhout, CEO of the FPI. “We wish Hardi, Craig and Johan all the best.”</span>