We are all experiencing the world of financial planning and advice moving quickly. Technology is reshaping how we work, client expectations are shifting, and regulation is becoming more demanding. For advisers and planners, keeping pace is not only about staying relevant, but about building a practice that can thrive in the years ahead.
This is the focus of the PROpulsion Ascend Summit 2025, taking place online on Tuesday, 7 October. It’s a high-energy morning designed for anyone working in the financial planning profession and advice industry who wants to strengthen their business and deliver more value to clients.
This year, Ascend is built around the theme Four Pillars for Future Business Success. These four pillars highlight the areas that matter most for practices today: being values-aligned, holistic, tech-enabled, and resilient. Each pillar is explored through a keynote session led by experts who bring both insight and practical ideas.
Keynote sessions overview
The morning starts with the Values-Aligned Adviser keynote. In a time where trust in institutions is low, advisers who can align advice with client values are better placed to build lasting relationships. This session, The 9.5x Mandate – Redefining value in an age of distrust, shows why values-based advice is not a “nice to have” but a core part of future success.
Next is the Holistic Adviser keynote. Marius van der Merwe from Amity Investment Solutions will unpack Financial wellbeing – which outcome would your client value most? Clients today want more than portfolio performance. They are looking for guidance that supports their overall wellbeing. This session explores how to bring financial, personal, and behavioural coaching into the advice process.
Technology takes centre stage in the third session: The Tech-Enabled Adviser. Hosted by Francois du Toit, this keynote, How your clients are using AI for their financial planning, looks at the rise of artificial intelligence in everyday life. Clients are already experimenting with AI tools. This session shows how advisers can embrace technology, save time on routine tasks, and use the “human dividend” to focus on building deeper client relationships.
The fourth keynote addresses the growing regulatory challenge with The Resilient Adviser. Anton Swanepoel will speak on COFI – Forging a resilient practice for 2026 and beyond. With the Conduct of Financial Institutions Bill on the horizon, practices need to prepare now. This session breaks down what COFI means and how firms can adapt to stay strong in a changing environment.
The summit ends with a closing keynote that ties everything together: The Four Pillars of a Thriving Advisory Practice. It’s a chance to reflect on the morning and leave with a clear plan for applying the ideas to your own business.
Why attend Ascend 2025?
Beyond the content, Ascend is also about connection. Attendees will join peers from across the profession, gain new perspectives, and feel part of a community that wants to see financial advice move forward. Everyone attending live will also earn verifiable CPD points, adding professional value alongside practical insights.
Tickets are available now at R495, with complimentary access for PROpulsion members.
Join us for Ascend 2025 and take the next step in building a practice that is values-aligned, holistic, tech-enabled, and resilient.
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