Experience You Can Trust. Relationships That Last.
At Partners in Financial Planning, we believe financial advice is built on more than numbers, it’s built on trust, understanding and long-term relationships. Our team combines extensive industry experience and professional qualifications with a thoughtful, personal approach to financial planning. We are committed to providing independent, personalised advice that helps you make confident decisions and protect, manage and grow your wealth throughout every stage of life.
Gordon Shaw
Director, CFP® Professional, Key Individual, Financial Planner
Gordon has been in the financial planning industry for 40 years and joined PIFP in 1996, buying 50% of the business in 1997 and the balance in 2002.
His long partnership with clients is testament to lifelong planning relationships and commitment.
Gordon is a member of the Financial Planning Institute of South Africa and a Certified Financial Planner ® Professional.
Gordon enjoys outdoor life, especially beach and endurance sports, having done many Dusi’s, walked and paddled around Mauritius, and the usuals like the Comrades Marathon and Mount Kilimanjaro.
Janine Ballance
Director, Head Administrator, Key Individual
Janine has been an integral part of Partners in Financial Planning for over 20 years. Passionate about the financial services industry, she takes pride in building meaningful, long-lasting relationships with clients while ensuring the firm’s operations run seamlessly. As the head of the “engine room,” Janine is dedicated to streamlining processes and delivering exceptional support to both clients and colleagues. Outside of work, she enjoys walking and spending time outdoors, whether enjoying the beach or exploring the bush.
Alex Leven
CFP® Professional, Financial Planner
After beginning his career in the financial services industry in 2021, Alex joined PIFP in 2022 and has continued to build a strong foundation in professional financial planning. Having successfully completed the experience requirements and board examinations, Alex is a member of the Financial Planning Institute of South Africa and a Certified Financial Planner ® Professional.
Alex is committed to ongoing professional development and delivering advice that is both technically sound and client focused.
Alex’s foundational academic achievements include:
• Bachelor of Commerce in Economics and Finance (cum laude), Varsity College Durban North
• Diploma in Risk Management (with distinction), University of Cape Town
• Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning, Stellenbosch Business School
Outside of the office, Alex leads an active lifestyle and enjoys a variety of sports, including golf, hockey, cricket, rugby, and football. His interest in health and performance also led him to complete an Advanced Diploma in Sports and Exercise Nutrition. In addition, he is passionate about giving back to the community and has participated in several volunteer and community outreach initiatives.
Thomas Painting
Paraplanner
Thomas joined Partners in Financial Planning in 2025. He holds a BSc in Agricultural Economics from Stellenbosch University and previously worked in the commodity-trading industry, where he developed valuable experience in data analysis and client relations.
He is currently completing his Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning through Stellenbosch University as he works towards qualifying as a CFP® professional. Having also passed the CFA Level I Exam and the South African Financial Markets Exam, he demonstrates a strong commitment to professional growth and excellence as a paraplanner.
Outside the office, Thomas loves being on the ocean, whether catching tuna from his fishing ski or surfing at Tiffany’s. He is also very passionate about running and runs half marathons on a regular basis.
External Consultants
Jodi Coxwell
FAIS Compliance Practitioner
Jodi established JC Compliance Practice in 2006, providing personalised FAIS compliance monitoring and support to clients.
She is an FSCA-approved Compliance Practitioner as well as a Registered Patent Attorney, bringing a strong legal and regulatory background to her work. Jodi also consults to established law firms and has extensive experience in compliance and financial services regulation.
Her qualifications include a BSc, LLB, Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Compliance Management.
Jodi’s approach is practical and personal, helping clients understand and meet their regulatory obligations while maintaining strong, long-term professional relationships.
Leigh Jepson
Executive Consultant | Estates & Trusts
Qualifications
BA – University of Natal
LLB – University of Natal
Areas of Practice & Specialisation
- Administration of deceased estates, including insolvent estates
- Estate planning and administration
- Drafting of wills and advice relating to wills
- Drafting, registration, administration and termination of inter vivos, testamentary and charitable trusts
- Curatorships, including applications, appointments and administration
- Preparation and filing of income tax returns for deceased estates
Leigh joined Garlicke & Bousfield’s Estates & Trusts Department as an Executive Consultant in 2026. She has practised as an attorney since 1998 and specialises in estate administration, estate and trust planning, tax planning and curatorships.
She has extensive experience in the administration of high-net-worth estates and trusts. Her hands-on, client-centred approach allows her to provide practical, personalised guidance while developing strong and lasting relationships with her clients.
