09 Oct 2026
Beyond the deal: The women shaping South Africa's financial markets
From navigating volatility and embracing technological change to fostering meaningful client partnerships, the next generation of dealmakers are redefining what it means to create value.
In an increasingly unpredictable environment, successful dealmakers are distinguished not only by their technical expertise, but by their ability to adapt, build trust and see opportunities where others see uncertainty. This year's DealMakers Women feature shares perspective on the forces reshaping South African finance, the relationships that underpin successful transactions, and the lessons that continue to drive their growth as leaders and dealmakers.
Dealmaking is as much about judgement and perspective as it is about technical expertise. Drawing on their own experiences across the industry, Investec’s featured Dealmakers Women of 2026 reflect on the value of staying curious, building meaningful relationships and remaining adaptable in the face of complexity. Their stories offer a candid look at the experiences and insights that have shaped their careers and continue to influence how they approach opportunities, challenges and the deals that matter.
Karolina Wylie | Dealmakers Women 2026 featureI’ve found that working in a team that includes individuals with different professional and personal backgrounds leads to more robust discussions that test assumptions, identify risks sooner, and explore alternative solutions.
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Mary-Anne Zimmerman (Brown) | Dealmakers Women 2026 featureWith AI becoming an increasingly important tool for research and investment analysis, companies need to be far more deliberate about how they communicate their strategy, competitive positioning and long-term value creation. A compelling investment case is about ensuring the right information is consistently communicated and understood by investors, analysts and, increasingly, AI-enhanced research platforms.
Melissa Blisland | Dealmakers Women 2026 featureTo thrive in this environment, you need a mix of resilience, intellectual agility, adaptability, and a healthy dose of optimism and positivity. I enjoy the pace and complexity of capital markets and although it can be volatile, it’s definitely not monotonous – every day presents new and unique challenges to be solved, which keeps life interesting. You definitely need to be quick on your toes when deals require deal teams to pivot without losing sight of the broader strategic objectives.
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Thato Matsha | Dealmakers Women 2026 featureWithin the aviation sector, it has been important to look beyond the obvious challenges and understand what continues to drive demand. Rising fuel prices, inflation and pressure on disposable income all matter, but they do not tell the full story. People still fly for deeply human reasons. If you focus only on the headwinds, you risk missing the underlying resilience in the market, potentially leaving value on the table.
Zana Barnes | Dealmakers Women 2026 featureDifferent challenges require different capital structures, and clients appreciate advisers who are willing to think outside the box and push the financial system a little harder on their behalf.
About DealMakers Women 2026
DealMakers Women 2026 - Women of SA's M&A and Financial Markets Industry is an annual feature in DealMakers magazine. Each woman profiled shares her story and career path. Read Investec's full feature below.
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Perspective shapes progress
Collectively, these profiles demonstrate how varied professional experience and specialist expertise strengthen the practice of dealmaking. Spanning Resource Finance, Equity Capital Markets, the Institutional Segment, Aviation Finance Africa and Leveraged Finance, the five contributors offer distinct perspectives shaped by the markets, sectors and clients they serve. Their reflections highlight the importance of sound judgement, technical depth, adaptability and trusted relationships when navigating complex transactions and changing market conditions.
They also reinforce the value of creating an environment in which individuals can contribute authentically, challenge established thinking and draw on multidisciplinary expertise. This is reflected in Investec’s broader approach to clients: combining specialist insight with collaboration and a considered understanding of each client’s circumstances to identify opportunities and develop solutions suited to their needs.
This article was originally published by Dealmakers South Africa and republished with permission from Dealmakers www.dealmakerssouthafrica.com/women-of-2026
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