Maya Fisher-French is a leading South African financial journalist, bestselling author, and keynote speaker known for making complex financial concepts accessible, actionable, and empowering. With more than two decades of experience, she has become one of the most trusted voices in personal finance, offering guidance that helps individuals and organizations make informed decisions in an unpredictable economic climate.
As the creator of Maya on Money, South Africa’s premier personal finance platform, Maya has built a reputation for translating technical subjects—such as taxation, investments, retirement planning, and debt management—into clear and relatable advice. Her work is grounded in rigorous research and a deep understanding of the economic realities facing South Africans today.
Maya’s presentations blend storytelling with practical financial education, equipping audiences with strategies to build wealth, manage risks, and improve long-term financial wellbeing. She frequently speaks at conferences, corporate events, and policy forums, where her insights support leaders, employees, and emerging professionals in navigating financial pressures with clarity and confidence.
Maya Fisher-French is a celebrated keynote speaker, author, and financial journalist renowned for her deep insights into personal finance and economic trends. As the face behind South Africa’s leading finance column, Maya on Money, she has spent over two decades demystifying complex financial topics, empowering individuals, and helping organizations navigate the economic landscape with clarity and confidence.
With a compelling storytelling ability, Maya captivates audiences at conferences and events, leaving them with actionable takeaways to transform their financial future. Whether addressing corporate leaders, young professionals, or policy influencers, Maya’s relatable and authentic approach makes her one of the most sought-after keynote speakers in finance today.
Maya Fisher-French’s expertise in finance stems from her extensive experience as a journalist and her passion for educating the public about money matters. She specializes in personal finance, focusing on practical financial literacy, wealth management, and navigating South Africa’s unique economic environment.
Her work is underpinned by rigorous research and a strong understanding of financial systems, taxation, and investments. Maya’s ability to explain complicated subjects—like retirement planning, saving strategies, and debt management—in accessible language has positioned her as a thought leader in the field.
Maya holds a degree in Economics and Financial Journalism, which laid the foundation for her successful career. Over the years, she has contributed to prominent publications, including City Press, Fin24, and Business Day, earning accolades for her in-depth reporting. As an author, her book Maya on Money serves as a financial toolkit for individuals striving for financial freedom.
Her role as an independent advisor to several financial literacy initiatives adds to her authority. Organizations value her objective analysis and practical advice, ensuring that her sessions are both engaging and impactful. Maya is also a regular keynote speaker at financial conferences, where her presentations receive rave reviews for their depth and relevance.
Maya Fisher-French is more than a financial journalist; she is a transformational keynote speaker who empowers audiences to take charge of their financial futures. Her decades of experience, coupled with her approachable style, make her a trusted authority in finance.
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This three minute twelve second GIBS highlight features Maya Fisher-French offering concise, practical insights into how individuals can take control of their financial wellbeing. Speaking with her trademark clarity and down-to-earth delivery, she emphasizes the importance of understanding personal financial behavior, developing healthy money habits, and engaging proactively with one’s financial future.
Maya discusses the emotional and psychological elements of money management—how fear, confusion, or lack of confidence often prevent people from making informed decisions. She stresses that financial literacy is not about mastering jargon but about learning to ask the right questions and understanding the real implications of everyday financial choices. Her message encourages audiences to shift from passive to active engagement with their finances.
00:35–01:10 Insights on developing practical, sustainable financial habits and understanding personal behavior.
01:10–01:55 Discussion on navigating financial products with clarity and knowing what questions to ask.
01:55–02:35 Commentary on South Africa’s economic landscape and why informed decision making matters.
This twenty-five minute fifty second video features Maya Fisher-French delivering an in-depth, practical guide to choosing the right insurer in South Africa. Known for her clarity and consumer-first approach, Maya explains the often-overlooked details that determine whether an insurance policy truly provides value, security, and long-term protection.
She begins by emphasizing the importance of understanding what you are actually buying. Many consumers focus on price, she explains, but the cheapest premium often signals the least comprehensive cover. Maya breaks down the structure of insurance products, explaining how exclusions, waiting periods, payout conditions, and benefit limitations can significantly change the real value of a policy.
Her first core tip highlights the need to evaluate an insurer’s claims-paying history. Maya discusses why an insurer’s reputation matters far more than marketing, and she encourages viewers to research complaints data, customer reviews, and public case studies. She illustrates how claim turnaround time, dispute handling, and communication quality reveal whether an insurer acts in good faith when customers need support most.
04:30–10:10 Tip 1: How to evaluate an insurer’s claims history, reputation, and customer experience.
10:10–15:20 Tip 2: Understanding policy wording, exclusions, and essential clauses that determine real cover.
15:20–20:40 Tip 3: Matching insurance to personal needs, lifestyle factors, and long-term financial goals.
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
Virtual speaking appearances can indeed offer cost savings compared to in-person events. Virtual speaking rates are often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates due to factors such as reduced travel expenses and logistics. This makes virtual events a cost-effective alternative for organizations looking to book speakers within a budget.
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
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Author Books | Articles
Many books have covered the theory behind creating a financial plan and offer encouragement to do so, but this book goes a step further and offers practical advice on how to implement a money plan.
Nhlanhla Nene served as the Minister of Finance of South Africa under President Jacob Zuma from 25 May 2014 until his controversial removal on 9 December 2015, and under President Cyril Ramaphosa from 27 February 2018 until his resignation on 9 October 2018 He had been a Member of Parliament since 1999. He was appointed […]
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William M Gumede is Associate Professor, Public and Development Management and former Convener, Political Economy, School of Governance, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg; and Professor, Management, Elsenburg, Stellenbosch. He is a multiple no. 1 bestselling, award-winning South African author. He is the Founder and Executive Chairperson of Democracy Works Foundation, the Founder of the Institute […]
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Dr Azar Jammine matriculated at Pretoria Boys’ High School after which he did a BSc Honours in Mathematical Statistics at the University of the Witwatersrand. During the period 1970 – 75 he was employed as Investment Analyst at Senbank and subsequently at Stockbrokers Martin & Co, now JP Morgan, during which time he completed […]
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