A New Zealand financial adviser has been recognised by the global Financial Planning Standards Board with an award for his outstanding contribution to the profession.
Financial Advice NZ says the FPSB has named New Zealander Stephen O’Connor CFP as a recipient of the FPSB 2025 Noel Maye Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Profession, alongside a South African adviser Lelané Bezuidenhout.
Financial Advice NZ says the award recognises individuals who have made a lasting impact on the advancement of financial planning and CFP certification worldwide through leadership, advocacy and volunteer service.
The awards were presented during the FPSB 2025 Global Meeting on 10 October in Chicago, Illinois.
FPSB CEO Dante De Gori says the Noel Maye Award “…is the pinnacle of recognition in the global financial planning profession, acknowledging individuals who embody values of service, vision and commitment that define our community. This year’s award recipients have made a profound difference in advancing financial planning and CFP certification worldwide, and we are proud to celebrate their remarkable achievements.”
O’Connor says he is humbled to receive this recognition. “I’ve always believed in giving back to my profession and the financial planning community has given me incredible opportunities and lifelong connections.”
He says the award reflects the support he’s received from his family and colleagues “…as well as the privilege to have served alongside so many incredible people who believe in the value of financial advice.”
Financial Advice NZ notes that since attaining his CFP designation in 1996, O’Connor has dedicated his career to advancing the financial planning profession locally and globally. He has served in leadership roles with New Zealand’s professional associations and held significant positions within FPSB, including Chair of both the FPSB Board of Directors and Council.”
New Zealand representation on global committees
Adding to this international recognition, two New Zealand advice professionals have been appointed to key FPSB global committees.
Nick Hakes, CEO of Financial Advice New Zealand, has been appointed to the FPSB Chief Executives Committee which leads the FPSB Network efforts to deliver on its global strategy, facilitates FPSB Network engagement and best practice sharing and acts as the conduit between international affiliates and the FPSB Board.
Jasmine Fang, Senior Lecturer and Director of Financial Planning at Massey University, has been appointed to the FPSB Professional Standards Committee, which oversees global competency and ethical standards for CFP certification.
Hakes notes that this recognition underscores 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.”