Building a Legacy of Integrity

Debbie Netto’s path from nursing to the founder of Netto Invest illustrates her dedication to helping others in profound ways. Debbie began her career caring for patients but soon found herself drawn to financial planning, realising that, just as with healthcare, proactive intervention could drastically improve people's lives. Her early experiences with her own financial planner set the foundation for her approach: a deep commitment to educating clients and helping them understand their financial position long before critical moments like retirement, disability, or death.

Debbie’s revolutionary move away from commission-based financial planning to a fee-based structure was a turning point. She believed that financial advice should not be driven by the need to sell products, but rather by a desire to help clients make informed decisions. Over the years, she has stayed true to this vision, emphasising needs-based financial advice and ensuring that clients understand their financial future in clear, relatable terms.

At Netto Invest, Debbie's focus on technology and systems allowed her to streamline advice delivery, ensuring consistency and care across her client base. Her commitment to integrity and innovation has been a guiding force in shaping her firm into one of South Africa’s most respected financial advisory practices. Beyond her direct impact, she has mentored and guided countless financial planners, fostering a culture of ongoing education, collaboration, and client-first thinking.

Debbie Netto’s contributions have been recognised through numerous accolades, including the prestigious Financial Planner of the Year award. As a leader, mentor, and innovator, her legacy extends far beyond her own business, shaping the future of financial planning in South Africa.

Key Points:

• Debbie Netto began her career in nursing and transitioned into financial planning with the desire to help people before life-altering events.

• She pioneered fee-based financial planning, moving away from commission-based models to prioritize clients' needs.

• Netto Invest uses cutting-edge technology to ensure consistent, high-quality financial advice.

• Debbie emphasizes education, transparency, and integrity as the cornerstones of successful financial planning.

• She has mentored many in the industry, promoting ongoing learning and independence for financial planners.