The critical role of professional financial advice 

Tony van Niekerk, COVER in conversation with Aldert Brink, CEO of Momentum Financial Planning

In a fast-changing world where financial uncertainty is becoming more pronounced, professional financial advice is more important than ever.  

Recently, I had the privilege of speaking with Aldert Brink, CEO of Momentum Financial Planning, to discuss how Momentum is evolving financial advice and empowering planners to make a real difference in their clients’ lives. 

Financial planning is a deeply personal and transformative process. As Aldert pointed out, it’s not just about technical expertise; it’s about building enduring relationships and being an accountability partner to clients. “It’s easy to create a financial plan,” he said, “but sticking to it requires a trusted partner who walks the journey with you through thick and thin.” 

Drawing a compelling analogy, Aldert likened financial advisors to personal trainers. Just as a trainer calls you at five in the morning to ensure you show up at the gym, a professional financial advisor holds you accountable to your financial goals, ensuring that you stay committed, even when life gets tough. 

Aldert shared a personal story that underscores the profound value of financial planning. Years ago, a close friend and training partner tragically passed away during a cycling event. His wife, then pregnant with their first child, was left to face the unimaginable. Fortunately, proper financial planning was in place – life cover, a will, and the support necessary to navigate the toughest period of her life. “Having someone next to you to transition you through that, taking some of the worries away, is where the true power of financial advice shines,” Aldert reflected. 

I shared a similar experience of my own: when my father passed away unexpectedly, the fact that he had taken care of his financial planning meant that my family never faced uncertainty. My mother was financially secure for the rest of her life. It is these real-world examples that highlight why financial planning is not a luxury, it is a necessity. 

Of course, being a professional financial planner takes much more than passion; it demands a robust set of knowledge and skills. Momentum has recognised this and invested heavily in creating an environment where advisors can thrive. Aldert explained that Momentum has established its own Institute of Financial Planning, providing ongoing upskilling and development for both new and experienced advisors. 

Knowledge alone, however, is not enough. Effective client engagement requires specialised communication skills and the ability to have client-centric conversations. Momentum ensures that its advisors can hone both the technical and relational aspects of their profession. 

A particularly impressive feature of the Momentum model is the support structure built around the advisor. Aldert described it as a “GP model”, advisors operate like general practitioners but have easy access to specialists when needed. Whether it is fiduciary services, wealth management, health, short-term insurance, or risk planning, advisors can tap into a community of experts to deliver the best solutions to their clients. “You don’t have to know everything yourself,” Aldert said, “but you must know where to find the right help.” 

Importantly, the company also places strong emphasis on advice management.  Advisors are supported by dedicated advice managers who help ensure compliance, sharpen technical skills, and enhance client service excellence. 

The conversation turned to the products Momentum advisors recommend. Aldert emphasised that Momentum Financial Planning maintains a close, collaborative relationship with product providers. New solutions are co-developed with a strong focus on client needs, ensuring that the advice remains client-centric and not product-driven. Any new product idea is piloted and tested thoroughly before launch to ensure it addresses real client challenges, not simply commercial goals. 

Momentum Financial Planning is also in growth mode, attracting new advisors across three key categories: 

• New to Industry: Graduates entering the profession for the first time. 

• Career Changers: Professionals from other industries who have decided to embark on a career in financial planning. 

• Momentum to Momentum: Advisors already practicing, whether independently or with competitors, who are attracted to Momentum’s support ecosystem and client-centric philosophy. 

For graduates and newcomers, the journey can be particularly challenging. That is why Momentum pairs them with development managers, learning and development counsellors, and experienced mentors, setting them up for success through a two-year structured program. For career changers and seasoned advisors, Momentum offers customised onboarding to help integrate them seamlessly into the business. 

One of the industry’s biggest challenges has been the recycling of existing advisors between companies, without growing the overall talent pool. Momentum’s deliberate focus on attracting and nurturing new talent is a refreshing commitment to the long-term health of the industry. 

Recruitment is active and intentional. Momentum uses various platforms and has a dedicated talent acquisition team to find and engage promising individuals. But as Aldert rightly pointed out, “Finding talent is not the hardest part, setting them up for success is.” 

This comprehensive support system is precisely what sets Momentum Financial Planning apart. By providing technical training, specialist access, compliance support, and a client-first product approach, Momentum ensures that financial planners have every opportunity to succeed, and, most importantly, to make a meaningful impact on the lives of their clients. 

It was a privilege to hear Aldert’s insights firsthand, and I look forward to watching how Momentum Financial Planning continues to grow and shape the future of professional financial advice.