Why enduring excellence matters in private banking and wealth management

The Financial Times distinction is one of the most prestigious in the global financial industry. It follows an awards methodology that has remained consistent for 17 years, making it widely regarded globally. There are 20 international and independent judges, all with senior experience in wealth management, private banking, or running family offices, often in cross-border roles.

A senior core of judges provides continuity and there is a strong focus on correlating data inputs with written submissions to ensure integrity and transparency. Judges analyse every entry individually over approximately eight weeks. After shortlisting their choices, judges meet for multiple sessions to review and debate the top entries. Proposed winners are then discussed further, with regulatory considerations checked before final decisions are made. 

More than a win - a reflection of who we are

With an international presence across 12 jurisdictions, Investec’s business continues to evolve with its clients - from the first generation of wealth creators to the next generation of innovators and global citizens shaping what private banking and wealth management mean in the modern era.

“At the heart of this success lies a team empowered by a culture of high performance and robust risk management that’s agile enough to respond to change, resilient enough to navigate uncertainty and imaginative enough to find opportunity where others see only volatility,” says Itumeleng Merafe, Head of Investec Private Bank SA. “This is what the FT award recognises: the resilience to weather uncertainty, the foresight to play the long game and the courage to do what’s right even when it’s not easy. Above all, it reflects what Investec stands for - being deeply invested in our clients, our people and the impact we create together.”

Listening closely. Understanding more.

Investec’s model prioritises relationships over transactions - each client benefits from a dedicated private banker and wealth manager, supported by our global Client Support Centre and a world-class digital experience through our Investec Online and the App.

In a world where financial interactions are increasingly impersonal, this model stands out for its face-to-face engagement, authentic connections and a deep understanding of the human side of wealth.

Investec’s international ecosystem also sets it apart in a competitive global landscape. As the only South African bank with a Swiss private banking presence, Investec combines boutique Swiss sophistication with seamless global access. This capability underpinned the opening of its Dubai office, which serves South Africans and other expats investing, relocating, or expanding into the Middle East. 

Investec’s clients benefit from 24/7/365 international banking, same-day settlements, real-time exchange rates, and a market-leading, innovative feature on our clients Private Bank Account, that allows them to seamlessly transact in pounds, euros and dollars using their physical or virtual Investec Visa card.  This is all managed instantly via our digital channels with Intelligent Routing™, an intuitive functionality that automatically chooses the right currency “pocket” for a foreign currency transaction. A new travel booking platform and evolved business banking solutions further support internationally mobile clients, creating a connected ecosystem.

“We’ve built an ecosystem that integrates every aspect of our clients’ financial lives,” says Merafe. “From creating and growing wealth to preserving it for future generations, we see each client not as a portfolio, but as a partner.”

The results speak for themselves. In the past year to March:

• Investec’s private banking client base grew by 10%
• The overall loan book expanded by 9%
• Total savings book grew by 16%
• Record fund inflows reached R15.2 billion
• Online investment funds under management increased by 77% 
• Charitable portfolio assets increased by 48%

Wealth with purpose

“For Investec, wealth management is not only about managing money - it’s about aligning financial strategies with purpose,” says Joubert Hay, Chief Executive of Investec Wealth & Investment International. “Our approach moves beyond the traditional one-dimensional risk profile to a more holistic framework that considers a client’s values, aspirations and relationship with money.”

Drawing on neuroscience and psychology, Investec’s advisers work to understand what truly drives their clients: their goals (from meeting their immediate needs to growing their wealth in their lifetime), their family dynamics and the legacies they want to leave behind. Portfolios are then structured around these goals. 

“This multidimensional approach redefines how clients perceive risk - not as a constraint, but as a carefully balanced tool that enables them to live with confidence and purpose,” adds Hay. 

Behind Investec’s consistent performance lies another differentiator - a deep commitment to diversity, belonging and inclusion. The organisation’s “Alpha Gen” strategy promotes mentorship, and skills transfer between experienced professionals and younger talent, while “reverse mentoring” brings new perspectives to leadership.

This focus on demographics and neurodiversity ensures a range of viewpoints, fostering the kind of innovative thinking and adaptability that a volatile global market demands.

Deeply invested 

At its core, Investec’s longevity rests on a simple truth: wealth is more than numbers - it’s the story of people, purpose and possibility. That story is written through years of showing up, listening closely, and understanding more. Through every market high and low, through every moment that tests conviction and clarity, the team at Investec has stayed the course - helping clients not just to protect what they have, but to build the futures they imagine.

“Awards may celebrate excellence, but they don’t create it. The Financial Times recognition simply shines a light on what’s already there: the quiet, consistent commitment to doing things right, time and time again,” concludes Hay. “Because in the end, the true measure of a team isn’t in the trophies on its shelf - it’s in the trust it earns, the relationships it builds, and the legacies it helps shape. And that’s what makes Investec not just a winner - but a deeply invested partner for generations.”