FPSB names new chair

The global standards-setting body for the financial planning profession has announced new changes to the board.

Ana Cláudia Akie Utumi has been appointed chair of the FPSB Board for two years, succeeding Garry Muriwai.

Utumi is the founding partner of Utumi Advogados in Brazil and has more than 30 years of experience in tax.

In addition to heading up her own tax speciality legal practice, she is a professor of tax law at the University IBDT in São Paulo, a guest lecturer at the University of Zurich, a member of the practice council of the NYU School of Law international tax program and member of the International Fiscal Association Supervisory Board.

She was also a founding board member of Planejar, FPSB's Affiliate organisation in Brazil.

"It is an honour to step into the position of FPSB chairperson, and I'm looking forward to working with my colleagues on the board to advance the global profession and build awareness of the value and importance of financial planning, so more people around the world can access and benefit from it," said Utumi.

The incoming chair thanked her predecessor calling him "an exceptional leader and advocate" for the financial planning profession.

She acknowledged his navigation of the impacts of a global pandemic, overseeing the process of FPSB's first chief executive transition in 20 years, and ensuring the growth of the CFP professional community.

The standards-setter appointed Dante De Gori chief executive back in October.

Muriwai - who was actively involved with the organisation for 15 years - served as FPSB board member since 2018 and chairperson since 2021.

The board noted his rich experience to FPSB in global governance and oversight in the delivery of international education programs, which he gained in his previous board roles within the global accounting profession, as well as his leadership positions in the banking and finance sectors.

In addition, FPSB board member Andrea Middel, CFP, began serving as FPSB board chairperson-elect for a two-year term, and Caroline Dabu and Brett Millard have started three-year terms on FPSB's board of directors.

Middel served as chairperson of the FPSB Professional Standards Committee (PSC) before embarking on her new role as chairperson-elect of the FPSB board.

With her transition to chairperson-elect, FPSB board member Darren McShane was appointed PSC chairperson. In this new capacity, McShane will oversee the Committee's work to uphold and improve the standards and certification requirements.

"I'm pleased to welcome new board members, Caroline and Brett, and new leaders on FPSB's governing body," said FPSB chief executive Dante De Gori.

"These talented individuals bring vast experience and knowledge from different parts of the world to propel our strategic priorities and mission forward. I look forward to working with them, our global network of organisations, and our CFP professional community to advance the global financial planning profession, with CFP certification as its symbol of excellence."