TRUSTEES FOR THE FUTURE
Meet Our Expert Team
WHO WE ARE
MEET
OUR EXPERT
TEAM
At Trustees for the Future, we pride ourselves on our commitment to teamwork and providing top-notch service to our clients. We believe that every team member plays an essential role in our success, and that no one individual is more important than the next. Each member of our team has been carefully chosen for their unique skills and expertise, ensuring that we are able to uphold our company values and deliver exceptional results. With this in mind, we would like to introduce you to our team of experts, who are dedicated to helping you achieve your financial goals and secure your future.
Karen Eckley
Managing Director and Fiduciary Specialist
Expertise
Karen Eckley is a highly respected Managing Director and Fiduciary Specialist with over 31 years of experience in the industry. She is a proud alumna of the North-West University where she obtained her Bachelor of Commerce in Law and H.E.D. She furthered her education with Postgraduate Diplomas in Estate Planning and Financial Planning from the University of Free State, where she graduated with distinctions in both fields. She also holds an Advanced Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning from the same university.
As a member of the Fiduciary Institute of South Africa (FISA) and a Certified Financial Planner® with the Financial Planning Institute (FPI), Karen is committed to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in her field. Her extensive knowledge and expertise have made her a sought-after resource for those seeking specialised advice on trusts, wills, and estate layout, as well as the relevant tax implications.
Additionally, Karen’s pioneering work in the Fiduciary space has been instrumental in shaping the industry in South Africa. She has conducted extensive research on the development of trusts from their earliest existence to the present day, keeping a watchful eye on changes and new developments in the field.
Karen’s expertise also extends to governance and she is highly regarded as an executor of deceased estates, providing compassionate and efficient service to families during difficult times.
With her wealth of knowledge and experience, Karen has also contributed to the industry through various publications and speaking engagements. She is passionate about sharing her knowledge and empowering others to make informed decisions about their financial and fiduciary affairs.
Karen is the Founder and Visionary of Trustees for the Future, where she serves as Managing Director and Independent Trustee. Her portfolio responsibilities include providing specialised advice to clients, helping them navigate the complexities of the Fiduciary and Financial Planning fields.
With a proven track record of success, Karen’s passion for her work is evident in everything she does. She is dedicated to providing her clients with personalised and professional advice, ensuring that their interests are always at the forefront. Her commitment to excellence has earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues and clients alike.
Tamara Wallis
Director and Fiduciary Specialist
Expertise
Tamara Wallis is a Director and Fiduciary Specialist with Trustees for the Future, where she serves as an Independent Trustee, Estate Planner, and Manager of Trusts under Administration. With 8 years of experience in the industry, Tamara is a highly knowledgeable professional who is committed to providing her clients with personalized and professional advice.
Tamara has a BCom. in Accounting and an LLB from the North-West University, as well as a Master of Laws in Estate Planning from the same university. She also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning from the University of Free State and thereafter successfully completed the board exam to be a Certified Financial Planner® with the Financial Planning Institute (FPI). She is a member of the Fiduciary Institute of South Africa (FISA) (Membership nr: F1496).
Tamara’s portfolio responsibilities at Trustees for the Future include providing specialized advice on trusts, wills, and estate layout, as well as the relevant tax implications. She also manages trusts under administration and provides company secretarial services and corporate governance advice.
In addition to her impressive qualifications and memberships, Tamara Wallis has also completed her Board Exams as a Chartered Secretary with the Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa. She is committed to staying at the forefront of her field and is currently in the process of completing ADIT professional accreditation with the Chartered Institute of Taxation of the UK as an International Tax Planner.
Tamara’s commitment to ongoing education and professional development demonstrates her dedication to providing her clients with the highest level of expertise and knowledge in the industry. Her passion for the field and commitment to excellence make her a valuable member of the team at Trustees for the Future.
Sydney Eckley
Fiduciary Advisor
Expertise
Sydney Eckley is an experienced Fiduciary Advisor with 5 years of industry experience. He holds an LLB degree and is an admitted Legal Practitioner, Notary, and Conveyancer, which gives him an extra edge in drafting Trusts, Wills, and every single document that can have a major impact on your life.
Sydney’s portfolio responsibilities include specialised drafting of legal documents and training and upskilling of staff and consultation of electronic wills submissions or specialised and customised Wills. He also provides specialised advice on Trusts, Wills, and Estate layout. Sydney focuses on drafting documents without loopholes, ambiguous language to be debated over, or grey areas. He provides expert advice, asks questions, explains different scenarios, and eventually gives his clients a perfectly laid-out plan that can be executed smoothly when the time comes.
Sydney has a passion for educating young professionals on the importance and benefits of holistic financial well-being. He emphasizes the significance of starting early with your wealth planning, especially if you are planning to start a family or already have young children. His expertise lies in testing the executability of your will and ensuring that everything you wish to happen after your death is practical and feasible without major tax consequences.
Sydney’s patience in explaining even the smallest detail in a language that his clients can understand make him a valuable asset to the team at Trustees for the Future. He is at his happiest when a client can leave his office feeling lighthearted, knowing that their affairs are in order with Sydney at the steer of things.
Charmaine Breet
Manager Deceased Estate Department
Expertise
Charmaine Breet is the Manager of the Deceased Estates Department at Trustees for the Future. With over 18 years of industry experience, she is an expert in her field and an invaluable asset to the team.
Charmaine understands that dealing with the loss of a loved one is one of the most challenging times in a person’s life. As the first point of contact for clients who have lost a loved one, she provides a calming presence and answers any questions they may have. She understands that every situation is unique and handles each one with compassion and professionalism.
Charmaine’s role involves the administration and finalization of a Deceased Estate process, which can take up to two years. During this time, she is the go-to person for clients, providing guidance and support throughout the process. She takes the time to explain every detail, ensuring that clients understand each step of the process.
Charmaine’s expertise extends beyond the administration of Deceased Estates. She is always willing to assist clients with any difficult admin processes, such as transferring a cell phone contract. Her attention to detail and compassionate approach make her an asset to the team at Trustees for the Future.
We are proud to have Charmaine as part of our team, and her competence and compassion are invaluable to our clients during their time of need.
Nicolé Blignaut
Fiduciary Administrator
Expertise
Nicole Blignaut is a highly skilled Fiduciary Administrator and Assistant with five years of experience in the industry. Working in conjunction with Tamara Wallis, she is responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of clients and providing them with the highest level of service.
As a client liaison to fiduciary specialist clients, Nicole is committed to building strong relationships with clients, understanding their unique needs and goals, and providing personalized solutions to meet those needs. She takes pride in her ability to listen attentively, communicate clearly, and provide exceptional customer service.
In her role as personal assistant to the director, Nicole is a crucial part of the team, providing administrative and logistical support to ensure the smooth operation of the firm. Her organisational skills, attention to detail, and proactive approach make her an invaluable asset to the team.
Nicole is also responsible for managing trusts under administration, ensuring that they are being administered in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements. She is diligent in her approach to administration and works closely with clients to ensure that their trust structures are efficient, effective, and aligned with their financial objectives.
Overall, Nicole is a highly capable and dedicated professional, committed to providing exceptional service to clients and contributing to the success of the firm. Her industry experience, attention to detail, and passion for client service make her an asset to any organisation.
Milissa Putter
Fiduciary Administrator
Expertise
Milissa Putter is a valued member of Karen Eckley’s team, serving as a Fiduciary Administrator. Although soft-spoken, Milissa’s loyalty and efficiency have made her an indispensable member of the team.
In her role as a Fiduciary Administrator, Milissa is responsible for ensuring the smooth administration of trusts under Karen’s management. She is a diligent worker, with excellent attention to detail, ensuring that all tasks are completed to the highest standard.
Milissa has a strong work ethic and is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that clients’ needs are met in a timely and efficient manner.
Milissa’s dedication to her work and her loyalty to the team have earned her the respect and admiration of her colleagues. Her quiet, unassuming nature belies a deep commitment to the fiduciary industry and to the clients that Karen serves.
Venessa Mosale
Client Liaison
Expertise
Venessa Mosale is a highly experienced Personal Assistant and Client Liaison working directly with Karen Eckley, the Managing Director and Fiduciary Specialist. Venessa has been an integral part of the company since its inception and is well known and respected by long-standing clients.
In her role as Personal Assistant, Venessa provides invaluable support to Karen, managing her schedule, organizing meetings and appointments, and ensuring that she is well-prepared for all client engagements. She is a dedicated professional, committed to providing exceptional service to Karen and to the clients of the firm.
As Client Liaison, Venessa is responsible for managing a wide range of client queries and portfolio management tasks.
Venessa’s portfolio responsibilities include safe-keeping of client documents, as well as providing administrative support for the firm’s advisor systems and serving as a liaison between the firm and its clients.
Venessa’s commitment to excellence and her dedication to the fiduciary industry have earned her the respect and admiration of both her colleagues and clients. Her warm and approachable manner, combined with her professionalism makes her an essential member of the team and a trusted partner for clients.
Marrolize Snyders
Fiduciary Administrator
Expertise
Marrolize Snyders, is a fiduciary administrator in Karen’s team at Trustees for the Future. Though she may be new to the team, Marrolize brings a wealth of experience in various fields that have prepared her for the challenges of working in the fiduciary industry.
Before joining Trustees for the Future, Marrolize worked as an emergency operator, where she learned to remain calm under pressure and provide quick and efficient solutions to challenging situations. She also has experience working as a state department administrator, where she gained invaluable skills in managing complex systems and protocols.
As a fiduciary administrator, Marrolize is responsible for ensuring that all fiduciary administration functions run smoothly and efficiently. This includes record-keeping, and assisting clients with queries and concerns. Marrolize’s calm and patient demeanor makes her an excellent point of contact for clients and she is always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that clients’ needs are met. Her positive attitude and willingness to learn have quickly made her an asset to the team.
Elma hein
Finance Administrator: Accounts Department
Expertise
Elma Hein is the Finance Administrator for the Accounts Department at Trustees for the Future. With 17 years of experience in the industry, Elma is a valued member of the team and oversees a wide range of portfolio responsibilities, including client accounts, debtors, and company finance management.
Elma’s expertise and experience have enabled her to maintain the highest level of financial management for the company. She is responsible for ensuring that all client accounts are accurate and up-to-date, and that all payments are processed in a timely manner. Her attention to detail is crucial in maintaining the company’s financial stability, and her work in debtors and company finance management ensures that the company is running smoothly.
As the Finance Administrator, Elma plays an important role in ensuring that the Accounts Department is running efficiently and effectively. Her skills in financial management have been developed over many years of experience, and she is always looking for ways to improve the company’s financial processes. Elma is a key member of the Trustees for the Future team, and her contribution to the company’s success is greatly appreciate.
Elri Burger
Financial Advisor
Expertise
Elri Burger is a dedicated Financial Advisor within Trustees for the Future, responsible for running the Wealth Advisory department. With a passion for financial planning and wealth management, Elri is committed to providing our clients with expert advice on a range of financial matters.
Currently in the process of finalising her Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning, Elri’s knowledge and expertise in the field of wealth management is constantly expanding. As a skilled paraplanner, she has a keen eye for detail and is committed to ensuring that all financial plans are tailored to the unique needs and goals of each individual client.
Elri’s role involves assisting our clients with the development and implementation of comprehensive financial plans, including investment strategies, retirement planning, and risk management. She works closely with our advisors to analyze and evaluate each client’s financial situation, and provides valuable insights and recommendations to help them achieve their financial goals.
Elri helps our clients navigate the complexities of the financial landscape, and is committed to providing them with the highest level of service and support.
Shaune Meijers
Deceased Estate Administrator
Expertise
Shaune Meijers is a an administrator in the Deceased Estates Department. She has proven herself to be highly efficient and meticulous in her work, ensuring that every detail is taken care of in the process of administering estates.
Shaune has a tenacious attitude towards getting things done, and will not take “no” for an answer when working with these institutions to ensure that the estates process runs smoothly. Her ability to navigate complex processes and procedures has made her an essential asset to the department.
Shaune is also known for her excellent communication skills, which allow her to keep our clients informed and up-to-date throughout the estate administration process. With her dedication and determination, Shaune ensures that every aspect of the Deceased Estates process is handled with the utmost care and attention to detail.
Yolanda Schutte
Fiduciary Administrator
Expertise
We are proud to introduce you to Yolanda Schutte, one of our fiduciary administrators and the newest addition to Trustees for the Future, working closely with clients assigned to Fiduciary Advisor, Tamara Wallis. Our team completed informal personality tests, and the results have been right on the mark, including for Yolanda, whose personality type is Advocate. Advocates are generally idealistic and principled, and they strive to make a difference in the lives of those around them. For Yolanda, the greatest value in life lies in spending quality time with family and friends. In their careers, compassionate Advocates like Yolanda look for opportunities that involve helping and connecting with people, like service industry positions, which allow them to connect with people directly and, in so doing, build genuine relationships with all those they work with. At Trustees for the Future, Yolanda’s fulfillment stems from navigating the inherent challenges in her job, viewing them as stepping stones for both personal and professional growth. We are privileged to get to grow with you, Yolanda, and you’ve already added so much value to our team in such a short time.