Newly appointed Momentum Financial Planning CEO Aldert Brink unpacks his vision to revolutionise financial advice for the good of the clients.
“We may face many challenges in South Africa, but I firmly believe partnering with expert financial advisers can be powerful in unlocking our collective potential. My vision is to see financial literacy transform from an individual necessity into a national strength, empowering every citizen to build a secure and resilient future,” Brink said.
A vision for 2025: reshaping financial planning and advice
Deeply passionate about clients’ financial wellbeing, Brink believes in the power of advice to make a meaningful impact on individuals, households, and the nation.
“Financial planning isn’t just about numbers; it’s about wellness. Whether you’re healthy or facing challenges, professional financial advice helps ensure you have the resources to sustain your lifestyle. It supports your well-being at its core,” Brink explained.
Navigating challenges and leveraging opportunities
“Today’s consumers are highly educated and well-researched. While the traditional role of the financial adviser as a custodian of information is changing, the value of human connection and personalised advice remains irreplaceable. Advisers are transforming into financial coaches, guiding clients through their financial journeys,” he noted.
“Informed clients are the best clients. Platforms like Duolingo have revolutionised language learning; we can adopt similar approaches to gamify financial education and make microlearning accessible to all communities. Financial literacy doesn’t have to involve long courses—bite-sized, engaging content can make a huge difference,” he said.
The role of AI in the advice industry
Brink is optimistic about the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in financial services. “AI is reshaping how we do business, especially in an admin-intensive industry like ours. Brink highlighted the importance of maintaining trust in financial advice. “AI cannot replace human advisers; it’s about partnering with technology to deliver even greater value to clients.”
Fostering behavioural finance and client-centric feedback
One of Brink’s priorities is to integrate behavioural finance into MFP’s offerings. “Understanding client behaviour and attitude towards risk leads to better financial plans. We’ve conducted extensive research and are now launching a certified behavioural finance adviser category to address this need,” Brink shared.
“Client experience should be as important as sales. Transparent, client-centric feedback will ensure that our services remain relevant and impactful.”
Momentum’s distinctive edge
Under his leadership, Brink says Momentum Financial Planning will continue to align with the broader Momentum Group’s mission to build and protect their clients’ financial dreams. “Financial advice is so much more than financial security. It’s about peace of mind, too. By growing our advice force and embracing innovative education platforms, we can make financial literacy a reality for everyone,” Brink concluded.