Karen Eckley is a highly respected Managing Director and Fiduciary Specialist with over with over 3 decades 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. Her qualifications are further strengthened by a Mediation & Conflict Resolution Course through the Mediation Academy. This course is accredited in South Africa and internationally by the ADR International Register, providing her with invaluable, globally-recognized skills to navigate complex family dynamics and resolve disputes smoothly during the estate administration process.

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 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 a decade of experience in the industry, Tamara is a highly knowledgeable professional who is committed to providing her clients with personalised and professional advice.

Tamara holds a BCom in Accounting and an LLB degree from North-West University, as well as a Master of Laws (LLM) 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 become a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) 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 specialised advice on trusts, wills, and estate design, as well as the relevant tax implications. She also manages trusts under administration and provides company secretarial services and corporate governance advice.

Further underscoring her expertise in corporate governance and international tax, Tamara has:

• Completed her Board Exams as a Chartered Secretary with the Chartered Governance Institute of Southern Africa.
• Completed the Professional Certificate in Principles of International Taxation and Transfer Pricing through The Tax Faculty

Her commitment to comprehensive service is further demonstrated by her completion of a Mediation & Conflict Resolution Course through the Mediation Academy. This course is accredited in South Africa and internationally by the ADR International Register, providing essential, globally recognised skills for navigating complex trustee and beneficiary dynamics, and ensuring efficient conflict resolution.

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.

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.

Nicole Blignaut is a highly skilled Fiduciary Administrator. Working directly with Fiduciary Specialist Tamara Wallis, Nicole is responsible for managing a diverse portfolio of clients and providing them with the highest level of service.

As a dedicated client liaison, Nicole is committed to building strong, trusting relationships with fiduciary clients. Through persistence and clear communication, she is able to deliver exceptional customer service.

Nicole also plays a key role in managing trusts under administration, ensuring they are administered in strict accordance with all legal and regulatory requirements. She is diligent in her approach, working closely with clients to ensure their trust structures remain efficient, effective, and fully aligned with their financial objectives.

Overall, Nicole is a highly capable and dedicated professional, committed to providing exceptional service and contributing significantly to the firm’s success. Her expertise, persistence, and passion for client service make her an invaluable asset to the organisation.

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, 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.

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.

Rethabile Dlamini is the newest, vibrant addition to Karen Eckley’s Fiduciary Administrator team, instantly recognised for her exceptionally bubbly and helpful nature. She serves as a pleasant point of contact for clients and a great support to her colleagues.

Rethabile’s commitment to growth is evident in her intense eagerness to assimilate knowledge, quickly mastering every detail of fiduciary practice while actively pursuing further tertiary studies. Her natural affinity for numbers is a perfect match for her administrative duties, where she excels at accurate data management, financial tracking, and meticulous reconciliation. Rethabile’s enthusiasm and dedication to providing proactive, helpful solutions ensure she is rapidly developing within the Trustees for the Future team.