One of the world’s largest financial advisory organisations, deVere, is this month celebrating 10 years in Botswana.
Launched in Gaborone 2009, the office is one of eight across Africa, including in some of the continent’s most dynamic destinations such as Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, Accra, Lusaka, Bulawayo and Harare.
Gavin Smith, Head of Africa at deVere Acuma notes: “We’re extremely pleased to reach this milestone in our ongoing success story. The 10-year anniversary makes us one of the longest-established international financial advisory companies in the country.
“A decade of continual growth in Botswana in terms of numbers of clients and wealth under advisement underscores our commitment to the country.
“In addition, and importantly, it highlights the ongoing trust our clients, primarily international and local mass affluent to high-net-worth individuals, place in us to help them reach their long-term, life-enhancing financial goals.
“It’s also a testament to the skill, dedication and commitment of our advisers.”
He continues: “deVere Acuma’s success echoes that of the Botswana economy, which has been one of the world’s fastest growing, averaging about 5 per cent per annum, over the past decade.
“Growth in private sector employment has averaged about 10 per cent per annum over the last 30 years. The robust private sector is a reflection of the strong and stable economy and a proven record of good economic and legal governance, that naturally attracts foreign investment and, in turn, expatriates and international investors.
“These individuals require specialist cross-border financial advice. As this demographic grows in line with the Botswana economy as it continues to expand and diversify, we will meet the increasing demand for our financial expertise by seeking to recruit more talented advisers.
“We’re looking to double the number of advisers and support staff in our Gaborone office within two years.”
The Head of Africa goes on to add: “Over the last 10 years, the market and client expectations have evolved rapidly. As an agile, forward-thinking company we are best-placed to keep pace with – and often lead – these shifts.
“One of the greatest client-driven trends in recent years has been that increasingly clients not only want bespoke financial advice from an adviser, they are also demanding fintech solutions. Alongside the personal touch of their own specialist, they want their financial services needs to be dealt with online and/or on their mobile devices. They are wanting to be more ‘hands-on’ than ever before when it comes to access to and management and use of their money.”
Mr Smith concludes: “As a company we look forward to another decade of growth and expansion in Botswana, a country of enormous potential and incredible opportunity.”
The Gaborone office is located in the heart of the city’s New Central Business District.
