From Banking to Financial Planning: Anza Masia’s CFP® Journey

After completing her postgraduate diploma in 2023, Anza delayed writing the CFP® Professional Competency Examination for nearly a year. "People kept saying it's difficult and I was like, what's the point? Why should I even go and write through that when it's difficult and I already have the qualification?"

Colleagues eventually convinced her to just try it. One week before exam day, something shifted. "I was like, no, this is too much work. Let me just pass." She created a stringent study structure: four to five hours daily after work, including weekends. She timed herself rigorously, practicing until she could complete the two-hour exam format comfortably.

Early in her preparation, Anza faced material overload. "Everyone wanted to help, and my table was full of notes." Study materials came from multiple sources, some irrelevant or poorly structured.

A few days before the exam, she made a critical decision: return to Milpark's study guide and case study book. This proved essential because the board exam is case-study-based. "I already understood the theory through the textbook and the classes we attended. Now I needed to apply the principles, so I used the case studies to practice."

What Anza values most about Milpark's approach is clarity. "The guides aren't big, so you don't see it and get intimidated. The content is properly structured and simplified." She tells colleagues pursuing the CFP® route: "If you follow the guide, there's no way you will fail."

The online sessions via MS Teams provided crucial support when she struggled with concepts. During the postgraduate diploma, she hit a wall with the first module and nearly despaired of making it through the rest. A friend who already had the qualification couldn't even help her.

Her solution came from the Milpark portal. Instead of only reading the textbook, she listened to the recorded webinars. "From that day I got it right."

The first email said: "You got top results." Anza assumed it meant a distinction. The second email revealed more: she was the top candidate from all three sittings in 2024. Number one in the country!

"I'm still not over the fact that I passed. And then from passing to distinction. And then from distinction to top... I don't think I have fully digested it. It still feels like a dream."

Looking back, Anza identifies one crucial lesson: "We must not listen to the negative noise." Very smart people told her the exam was impossible, that they'd failed four or five times. But at the same time, other people were encouraging her, saying, “You can do it."

Self-discipline made the difference. She completed all three financial planning qualifications while working full-time, balancing the demands of a senior management role with rigorous study schedules. The flexibility of online learning was essential but required intentionality. "It didn't interfere with my job at all. I could study after work and attend the webinars when required."

Read: Financial Literacy: More Important Now Than Ever

Now Anza is focused on what comes next. She's enrolled for a master's degree (paused in 2025 due to workplace responsibilities, continuing in 2026) and has her sights set on running a channel at national level.

But her vision extends beyond personal advancement. She wants to use her technical expertise and credibility to groom the next generation of financial advisors. Absa currently runs learnerships, with plans to continue annually. "I don't want them to just come and leave. I want them to stay and grow in the field."

Her bigger dream involves policy influence. "I think I've got enough insights, experience and technical expertise to influence policy direction when it comes to financial services." She believes financial planners should shape curriculum at primary school level. "Our kids are not being taught anything financial planning or financial advisory related."

Anza sees financial planning as more than middle-class wealth management. South Africa's low financial literacy levels and struggles with emergency savings and retirement planning represent both a challenge and an opportunity. "Financial planning is about how do you make use of the few cents that you've got? What do you prioritize? When people are financially empowered, they're able to dream and become ambitious."

The current picture doesn't have to be the future picture, she insists. "We must not stop educating people because of where they are."

Learn More: Immersive Online Learning (IO)

When asked what excellence means now, Anza's answer is grounded: "Peace of mind. Good health. A stable state of mind, financial well-being, social life."

She's become the top CFP® candidate in the country, but the journey taught her something more important than accolades. "It was a reminder to work through the challenges and focus on the goal." For aspiring financial planners, her advice is simple: “Stick around. Look at the bigger picture, understand the dynamics, ignore the noise and cultivate your career journey."

Get ready to start your journey in financial planning by applying now. Explore Milpark School of Financial Services and discover qualifications designed for working professionals who refuse to compromise on either career or education.