Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB), the standards-setting body for the global financial planning profession, is pleased to announce Lelané Bezuidenhout, CFP®, and Stephen O’Connor, CFP®, as the recipients of the FPSB 2025 Noel Maye Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Profession. The award recognizes individuals who have made a lasting impact on the advancement of financial planning and CFP® certification worldwide through leadership, advocacy and volunteer service.

The awards were presented during the FPSB 2025 Global Meeting on 10 October in Chicago, Illinois (U.S.), where recipients were recognized before an audience of more than 70 financial planning leaders from around the world.

“The FPSB Noel Maye Award is the pinnacle of recognition in the global financial planning profession, acknowledging individuals who embody values of service, vision and commitment that define our community,” said FPSB CEO Dante De Gori, CFP®. “This year’s award recipients have made a profound difference in advancing financial planning and CFP® certification worldwide, and we are proud to celebrate their remarkable achievements.”

This year’s award recipients are:

Lelané Bezuidenhout, CFP

‍A driving force in the financial services industry for nearly three decades, Lelané Bezuidenhout has served as CEO of the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI) since 2019. Under her leadership, the number of CFP® professionals in South Africa has grown to more than 5,000 – a substantial milestone. A respected leader and relationship builder, she has elevated the profile of financial planning locally while serving as a dedicated global ambassador for the profession. Her significant and tireless commitment to the FPSB Network includes leadership roles as Chair of the Chief Executives Committee and FPSB Council, and service on the FPSB Nominating Committee. Through her positive and collaborative leadership style, she has encouraged and motivated her peers around the world, helping to strengthen and propel the global financial planning profession.

Stephen O’Connor, CFP

‍Since attaining his CFP® designation in 1996, Stephen O’Connor has dedicated his career to advancing the financial planning profession in New Zealand and globally. Over more than two decades, he has served in leadership roles with New Zealand’s professional associations and held significant positions within FPSB, including Chair of both the FPSB Board of Directors and Council. Recognized as a natural and unifying leader, Stephen implemented enduring governance systems within FPSB and strengthened the global network around a shared mission. As a mentor and advocate, he continues to champion CFP® certification and support the profession through his guidance, mentorship and sustained volunteer service. Through their contributions, the 2025 recipients of the FPSB Noel Maye Award have helped shape a stronger, more recognized and respected global financial planning profession.