In financial services, theoretical knowledge alone rarely sets professionals apart. The ability to apply concepts practically – to clients, to processes, to problem-solving – is what drives success.
The Higher Certificate in Wealth Management (HCWM) from Moonstone Business School of Excellence delivers exactly that. It equips learners with a strong foundation to thrive in the financial services industry or launch a career in financial planning. The course is recognised by the FSCA for all Category I product sub-categories and can satisfy the Fit and Proper requirements for FAIS roles within these FSPs.
For top achievers Gregory Morley, Sanele Bango, and Chastin Dreyer, the HCWM proved more than a qualification – it offered knowledge they could apply directly in the real world, alongside professional confidence that opened new doors.
Morley reflects: “I have found that since completing all the modules, I am able to apply this new knowledge practically to my work, which has had the effect of increasing the quality of my work.”
Bango agrees: “The modules on financial needs analysis, risk profiling, and investment principles helped me ask better qualifying questions, understand client goals more clearly, and position suitable products with confidence. This improved the quality of my client conversations and made my recommendations more structured and client focused.”
Dreyer adds: “The course has enabled me to work more closely with our key individual and compliance officer, giving me practical insight into their roles and helping me build the knowledge needed to pursue those paths in the future.”
Whether building confidence, refining client engagement, or preparing for leadership roles, these learners demonstrate how the HCWM bridges theory and practice, equipping graduates to thrive in a dynamic financial services landscape.
Taking on the challenge
At 54, Morley has spent nearly 14 years at Complete Financial & Business Solutions (CFBS), a franchise of Old Mutual, serving as office manager and compliance officer. A motorcycle accident prompted him to reassess his career, while the franchise owner encouraged him to pursue further qualifications as part of succession plans.
“After more than 10 years at the company, I thought that now would be an ideal time to take on some new challenges, which meant that I needed to step out of my comfort zone and go study in order to obtain the necessary tertiary qualification required in the industry,” he explains.
Even with his extensive experience, the HCWM programme offered fresh insights.
“I was very surprised to learn a lot from this programme as there is so much more information and processes that one needs to know, and which do not always form part of the everyday work. I really learnt a lot of new information that I did not necessarily get to learn whilst employed in the industry.”
The module on business assurance particularly stood out for him: “Applying this knowledge correctly will ensure a much better outcome in the end.”
Balancing full-time work and study required careful planning.
“I found time management to be very difficult. However, I was able to work out a study plan that took into account the amount of time I needed to complete my daily work with that of studying and going through the modules,” he says.
Resources from MBSE made the difference: “The study guides/online textbooks were a tremendous help… Most importantly, the online mock assessments and past examinations were extremely helpful… they really prepared me well for the actual online assessments and examinations.”
Morley notes the professional transformation the course enabled: “I am much more confident in my work area and towards my colleagues when requesting documentation, etc. This has added to my skill set in that I can implement new processes or documentation for the good of the company based on this new knowledge that I have acquired.”
He also highlights the crucial support of family and faith: “Having a strong family support structure also helps immensely… Without the continuous support from my wife, including all the time and energy she spent on taking on some of my responsibilities at home so that I could concentrate on my studies, I can’t thank her enough. And lastly, a strong faith… It was only through the grace of God that I was able to do as well as I did.”
Bridging knowledge gaps
At 29, Bango’s career journey has been anything but linear. From a computer engineering student to a contact centre agent, he eventually became an investment adviser at Old Mutual, specialising in retirement planning and short- and long-term savings. He is currently looking for a new role in the industry.
“I came from the contact centre environment to acclimatise myself with customer service, but before that, I was initially a computer engineering student before getting financially excluded, thereby embarking on an employment-seeking journey, which led me to do the HCWM with my employer paying,” he explains.
After working with clients for just over two years, Bango recognised knowledge gaps that the HCWM could fill.
“Even after completing my RE5, I was left wanting more… the knowledge gaps were just the vehicle that got me there,” he says.
A standout module for him was the introduction to tax in financial planning.
“I thoroughly enjoyed how applicable it is to everyday life, not only in advising clients but for personal understanding, like, for instance, while studying, I often referred to SARS website to cross-reference and perform some random tax calculation to ascertain my understanding. The module is very relevant and provides a more grounded context for one’s offering of financial planning.”
Online learning posed challenges.
“Initially, I tried to follow the study guide timeline, but more often than not, I fell behind. However, I overcame this by sticking to a structured study routine and working with study mates on the same course, which created accountability and helped clarify difficult concepts through peer discussion.”
The practical benefits were immediate: “The modules on financial needs analysis, risk profiling, and investment principles helped me ask better qualifying questions, understand client goals more clearly, and position suitable products with confidence. This improved the quality of my client conversations and made my recommendations more structured and client focused.”
Completing the HCWM also broadened his professional perspective: “Completing the HCWM gave me a clear perspective and a broader understanding of financial planning as a whole, which I believe is essential when working in the financial services industry.”
On advice for future students, he says: “Go for it and launch the application. The HCWM is designed to be very supportive, so you’re not doing it alone – it becomes a shared journey with others on the same path. It does require discipline, but the sense of achievement at the end makes every sacrifice worth it and leaves you with real confidence in your professional abilities.”
From fashion dreams to financial focus
Dreyer, 38, is a representative at Tarleys Trust (Pty) Ltd, where she works closely with clients and ensures compliance at every step. Her career evolved from her early dream of fashion design to administration and then to financial services.
“Balancing work, study, and family has shaped me into a professional who’s confident, curious, and committed to supporting clients every step of the way,” she says.
The HCWM offered a timely opportunity for growth: “When the opportunity arose to become a representative and to study further with the potential of moving into a key individual role, it felt like the right moment. My children were older, I felt ready for a new challenge, and I saw it as a now-or-never opportunity to grow, learn, and secure my future.”
For Dreyer, the module on estate planning was particularly impactful: “They shifted my understanding of financial products from being purely technical to seeing how they support people through every stage of life.” Compliance modules further strengthened her confidence and reinforced her career path.
Juggling full-time work, family, and online study demanded discipline. MBSE’s online tools and mock assessments were vital in bridging theory and practice.
“As a representative, I apply the HCWM content in my day-to-day work. The course has enabled me to work more closely with our key individual and compliance officer, giving me practical insight into their roles and helping me build the knowledge needed to pursue those paths in the future.”
The outcome: professional confidence and clarity.
“Completing the HCWM has given me confidence in my abilities and clarity in my professional direction. I now feel equipped to provide clients with the professional, informed service they deserve and to continue growing within the industry.”
Expanding qualifications for a changing world
MBSE offers six accredited qualifications, ranging from entry-level certificates to advanced postgraduate studies:
- Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning (NQF 8)
- BCom Financial Management (NQF 7)
- Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning (NQF 6)
- Occupational Certificate: Compliance Officer (NQF 6)
- Higher Certificate in Wealth Management (NQF 5)
- Higher Certificate in Short-term Insurance (NQF 5)
If you also want to have this transformative experience and unlock your career in short-term insurance, you can apply for the Higher Certificate in Short-term Insurance here.
Registrations for 2026 are open
Registrations for semester 1 close on 26 January.
Visit www.mbse.ac.za to learn more and secure your place for the 2026 academic year.
For more information, contact MBSE at help@mbse.ac.za.
