PSG Financial Services Annual Conference 2024: Lead the Change
Why the Conference Mattered
In May, PSG Financial Services gathered industry leaders, journalists, and notable speakers for its yearly conference. Against a backdrop of rising geopolitical tension and fast‑moving tech advances, the theme “Lead the Change” sparked conversations about how South Africa can actively shape its economic future.
CEO Francois Gouws Sets the Tone
Francois Gouws opened the event by highlighting PSG’s market‑leading position and a decade of steady earnings‑per‑share growth, even during tough times. He explained that the company’s strong capital base lets PSG not just adapt to change but drive it—by reinvesting in people and technology.
Advisors at the Core
Edward Gibbens, Chief Executive of Distribution, stressed that PSG’s success rests on its growing team of advisors. The group is equipping them with digital tools while keeping human connection at the heart of every client meeting.
New Look, New Future
Gibbens also unveiled PSG’s refreshed brand identity—a modern logo, updated visual style, and a more intuitive website. The redesign signals PSG’s commitment to being a future‑focused, consulting‑driven firm.
Award Winners Spotlight
Asset Manager of the Year
Emile Janse Van Rensburg – Wellington Rose Street Financial Planning.
Wealth Planner of the Year
Johan Du Plessis – Bloemfontein Preller Walk Financial Planning.
Insurance Advisor of the Year
Ryno Pretorius – PSG Insure Bloemfontein Pretty Gardens (third consecutive win).
Asset Management Office of the Year
Pretoria East – winner for the second year in a row and the 14th time overall.
Employee Benefits Office of the Year
PSG Wealth R21 Employee Benefits – fifth place in this category and 14th overall.
Practice Manager of the Year
Cedar Schoeman – Somerset West.
Top Performers: Consultant Development Program
Nicaela De Jager – recipient of this prestigious award.
New Award: Insurance Office of the Year
PSG De Anchor – inaugural winner.
Thought Leaders on Change
SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago
Kganyago discussed the hurdles of maintaining price stability in a volatile world, citing geopolitical conflict, rising public debt, global imbalances, and financial market risks as the SARB’s top challenges. He remains confident that sound monetary policy will pay off.
National Treasury Director‑General Duncan Pieterse
Pieterse framed fiscal policy as a growth engine, stressing the need to rebuild fiscal credibility to lower borrowing costs and encourage investment. He noted the Treasury’s focus on helping the presidency tackle structural reforms in logistics and energy.
Günther Steiner – From F1 to Life Lessons
Former Haas F1 team boss Günther Steiner shared candid stories from his racing career, interviewed by Sasha Martinengo. He talked about leadership, culture, and resilience—lessons that apply far beyond the racetrack.
Conclusion
The PSG Financial Services conference showed that embracing change—through strong leadership, empowered advisors, fresh branding, and insightful dialogue—can help steer South Africa toward a more stable and prosperous future. By recognizing top performers and hearing from experts across finance, policy, and even motorsport, PSG reinforced its belief that proactive change is the key to lasting success.
