Global leaders in finance, investment and financial planning to speak at the Discovery Financial Planning Summit

The Discovery Financial Planning Summit will be held in Sandton, Johannesburg on 29 May 2017. The role of financial planners is more pivotal than ever before. Building a successful business despite today’s challenges of low economic growth, volatile world events, fast-changing technology and shifting client expectations requires knowledge, adaptability and innovation. The Discovery Financial Planning Summit is the foremost event for financial planners who want to gain a broader perspective on building a thriving business. It is a powerful platform that brings together leading experts, speakers and thought leaders in finance and financial planning.

This year’s theme, ‘Future-focused financial planning. High-return insights’, addresses the critical trends financial advisers will face in 2017 and beyond. Industry-leading speakers will examine geopolitical and economic risks, and question what a new world order could mean for investors’ portfolios. They will also provide practical tools and approaches to connect more effectively with clients, find opportunities in economic challenges, and embrace technology.

This year’s Summit boasts an exclusive screening of a pre-recorded interview with business magnate Warren Buffett about topics including his long-term investment views and the importance of not mixing politics with investment choices. The Summit also promises a remarkable line-up of speakers, such as the Financial Services Board’s deputy executive officer, Caroline Da Silva, and author, financial adviser trainer and Hall of Fame keynote speaker Bill Bachrach.

Da Silva will offer some much-needed regulatory insight into current legislation and issues facing retirees and financial planners. Bachrach will explain how trust can become a power tool in building relationships with clients and how the value of professional advice correlates with the level of change and uncertainty in the world.

Technology visionary and innovator Moshe Tamir, who heads digital transformation for Generali globally, will show how financial advisers can use technology to grow their business in a connected world where digital capabilities and the analysis of big data, based on current and forecast trends, is transforming financial services.

In a discussion led by award-winning financial journalist Siki Mgabadeli, a panel of leading UK-based independent financial planners will take a closer look at the industry changes brought about by the Retail Distribution Review that came into effect in the UK in 2013.

Providing valuable insights into global investment strategies and macro investor outlook, a session with BlackRock Chief-Multi Asset Strategist Isabelle Mateos y Lago will uncover the major drivers and key indicators of macroeconomic issues, how they are likely to drive markets in unexpected ways and how to see through the noise to find emerging trends.

A panel discussion between leading South African bankers and economists Colin Coleman (Goldman Sachs), Nazmeera Moola (Investec) and Ettienne le Roux (Rand Merchant Bank) will focus on the key indicators to follow in a world witnessing the norms of finance being turned upside down.

Tickets to the Summit cost R1 000 (incl VAT) and are available online at www.financialplanningsummit.co.za/tickets. More information is available at www.financialplanningsummit.co.za