PSG Financial Services’ Annual Conference this year was themed ‘Reimagine South Africa’ and included top financial services industry leaders, journalists and other distinguished speakers who discussed challenges facing the country as well as potential solutions.as broadly languished.
CEO Francois Gouws provided an overview of the group’s strong performance and strategic focus areas. He said PSG wants to grow organically and through acquisitions, streamline advice processes, optimise platforms, grow its footprint and drive transformation.
Advisers are integral to PSG’s strategy and the firm’s success. Dan Hugo, outgoing CE of Distribution, discussed key plans to ensure the ongoing success of PSG’s adviser offices by harnessing technological investment so advisers can spend more time on value-enhancing activities, growth and client experience.
The conference’s gala dinner celebrated the achievements of the firm’s top advisers.
And the winners are…
Wealth Manager of the Year
Left: Francois Gouws, CEO PSG Financial Services did the honours of handing over the trophies to the winners. Heinrich Richter, PSG Wealth Melrose Arch, secured this year’s title for the 5th time.
Wealth Adviser of the Year
Nelis Brink, PSG Wealth and Employee Benefits R21, earned the achievement for a fourth time.
Insure Adviser of the Year
Ryno Pretorius, PSG Insure Bloemfontein Pretty Gardens, was a first-time winner in this category.
Office of the Year
PSG Wealth and Employee Benefits R21 garnered the award for the second time.
Employee Benefits Practice of the Year
PSG Wealth R21 Employee Benefits took the honours in this category for the 12th time. Nerine and Neels Brink accepted it on behalf of the office.
Lifetime Achievement Award
Earlier this year, Dan Hugo decided to step down as CE of Distribution. To recognise his immense contribution for over two decades, Dan was awarded PSG’s first Lifetime Achievement Award. Dan continues in his capacity as Chairman of Acquisitions.
External contributors: SA thought leaders share insights on local challenges and reimagining solutions
A range of experts unpacked SA’s problems and reimagined solutions.
André De Ruyter, former CEO of ESKOM and current senior fellow at the Yale Jackson School of Global Affairs in the US, discussed our electricity crisis and its impact on the economy. He said ESKOM should shift focus to expansion of transmission infrastructure instead of procuring renewables as these add to government’s contingent liabilities, while the private sector is in a better financial position to invest and take on this risk.
Advocate Glynnis Breytenbach, former prosecutor for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) of South Africa and a Member of SA Parliament, outlined several challenges the country faces from a justice system perspective and the impact reforms could have on economic growth.
In the run-up to the national election, a panel discussion between political journalists and analysts Qaanitah Hunter, Justice Malala and Stephen Grootes generated interesting debates.
The second panel, led by financial journalist Alishia Seckam, debated whether closer cooperation between the private and public sector is bearing fruit. Panel members included James Mackay – CEO Energy Council of South Africa, Andile Sangqu – Chairperson of the Transnet Board and Jannie Durand – CEO/Executive Director at Remgro.
The line-up also included author and speaker GG Alcock, who shared insights into the opportunity that the informal sector holds – prompting advisers to re-evaluate their perceptions on the SA economy. Futurist John Sanei provided insights about mindset changes needed to rethink how we approach grand challenges we face as a society in the digital age.
Affiliates of the PSG Financial Services Group, a licensed controlling company, are authorised financial services providers. www.psg.co.za