Financial Advice New Zealand Leaders Recognised On The Global Stage

DENVER, COLO – Financial Planning Standards Board Ltd. (FPSB), the standards-setting body for the global financial planning profession, has announced Lelané Bezuidenhout, CFP from South Africa, and Stephen O’Connor, CFP from New Zealand, as the recipients of the FPSB 2025 Noel Maye Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Profession.

The award recognises 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 recognised before an audience of more than 70 financial planning leaders from around the world.

The 2025 recipients of the FPSB Noel Maye Award have helped shape a stronger, more recognised and respected global financial planning profession.

“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.”

Stephen O’Connor CFP says, "I am deeply humbled to receive this recognition. I’ve always believed in giving back to my profession and the financial planning community has given me incredible opportunities and lifelong connections. This award isn’t just mine — it reflects the support I have received from both my family and my colleagues, as well as the privilege to have served alongside so many incredible people who believe in the value of financial advice.”

NewZealand representation at the highest levels

Adding to this international recognition, two leading NewZealand advice professionals have been appointed to key FPSB global committees:

NickHakes, ChiefExecutiveOfficer of FinancialAdviceNewZealand has been appointed to the FPSBChiefExecutivesCommittee (CEC). The Chief Executives Committee leads the FPSB Network efforts to deliver on FPSB’s global strategy, facilitates FPSB Network engagement and best practice sharing and acts as the conduit between international affiliates and the FPSB Board.

JasmineFang, SeniorLecturer andDirector ofFinancialPlanning at MasseyUniversity
Appointed to the FPSBProfessionalStandardsCommittee, which oversees global competency and ethical standards for CFPcertification.

Together, these appointments and achievements highlight the strength and professionalism of NewZealand’s financial advice community on the world stage.

“This recognition underscores that FinancialAdviceNewZealand is not only shaping the future of advice here at home but is actively contributing to the development of global standards and the advancement of the financial advice profession.” said NickHakes, CEO of FinancialAdviceNewZealand.

“We’re proud to see NewZealand’s leadership, expertise, and commitment to professionalism recognised at the highest international level.”

With a growing presence within FPSB’s global network, Financial Advice NewZealand continues to shape the future of financial advice standards reinforcing the country’s reputation for professionalism, integrity, and innovation in advice.

Notes:

About Financial Advice New Zealand: Financial Advice New Zealand is the largest financial adviser-representative professional body for Financial Advisers and Financial Advice Providers (FAPs) in New Zealand. Our members provide trusted advice to consumers across financial planning and investments, mortgages and lending, and life, disability & health insurance, which ultimately helps Kiwis grow, manage, and protect their wealth.

Today, Financial Advice New Zealand is a vibrant, innovative association, where the underlying driver of policy is that great advice transforms lives. We promote the highest professional standards for financial advice, so more New Zealanders have the confidence to actively seek quality financial advice to improve their financial health, wealth, and well-being.

About CFP Certification: CFP certification is the global symbol of excellence in financial planning and represents financial planners who commit to standards of competency and ethics, and to putting clients’ interests first. The CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERCM designation represents financial planning professionals who commit to better serving their clients through rigorous international standards, ethical practices and lifelong learning.

Stephen O’Connor, CFP, recipient of the FPSB Noel Maye Award:

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. Recognised 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.

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