In a proud moment for New Zealand’s financial industry, Stephen O’Connor, a distinguished financial adviser, has been honored with the prestigious FPSB 2025 Noel Maye Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Profession. This recognition comes from the Financial Planning Standards Board (FPSB), a global body that sets the standards for financial planning worldwide. Alongside O’Connor, South African adviser Lelané Bezuidenhout also received this esteemed award, showcasing a collective commitment to advancing the financial planning profession across different regions.
The awards ceremony took place on October 10th during the FPSB 2025 Global Meeting held in Chicago, Illinois. This event highlighted the importance of leadership and advocacy in financial planning, with CEO Dante De Gori commenting on the award’s significance. “The Noel Maye Award represents the pinnacle of recognition in the global financial planning profession,” he stated. De Gori emphasized that the recipients have profoundly impacted the advancement of financial planning and CFP certification globally, underscoring their commitment to improving the industry.
O’Connor expressed gratitude for this honor, stating, “I’ve always believed in giving back to my profession, and the financial planning community has provided me with incredible opportunities and lifelong connections.” His journey since attaining the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation in 1996 has been marked by dedicated service and leadership roles within New Zealand’s professional associations. His contributions extend beyond local borders, having held significant positions in the FPSB, including Chair of both the FPSB Board of Directors and Council.
In addition to O’Connor’s achievement, New Zealand financial professionals are gaining recognition on the global stage. Nick Hakes, CEO of Financial Advice NZ, has been appointed to the FPSB Chief Executives Committee, where he will lead efforts in executing the FPSB Network’s global strategies. Meanwhile, Jasmine Fang, a Senior Lecturer and Director of Financial Planning at Massey University, has joined the FPSB Professional Standards Committee, focusing on maintaining global competency and ethical standards for CFP certification.
Hakes remarked on this development, highlighting that “Financial Advice NZ 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.” This spirit of international collaboration illustrates New Zealand’s dedication to fostering excellence in financial planning, further solidifying its role in the global arena.
As the financial landscape evolves, it’s evident that New Zealand is poised to play a vital role in shaping the future of financial advice, one award and one professional connection at a time.
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