Wealth management requires dedication, innovative and forward-thinking investment solutions, and an extreme focus on client relationships to be successful.
But the financial services industry in South Africa is very competitive with multiple companies large and small, vying for the attention of potential clients and investors.
Although referrals from existing clients, dedicated multi-media marketing campaigns, events, sponsorships and corporate social investment strategies are the major building blocks to attract clients, the use of online searches has grown at an incredible pace and requires special attention.
To achieve success in the vast online environment demands constant communication.
Brenthurst prides itself on its comprehensive communication strategy which has established the company as a leading brand in boutique wealth management.
This week, we asked the Open AI platform Chat GPT to recommend an independent wealth management company in South Africa and are proud to share that Brenthurst is listed at number 1.
The company celebrates its 22nd anniversary this year.
It was established in Fourways, Johannesburg and has since expanded to nine offices in South Africa and an international office in Mauritius.
Another office will be added in Somerset West later this year.
Brenthurst’s strong online presence and its client-centric focus was recognised by Daily Investor for three consecutive years as the leading boutique wealth management company in its annual financial services survey last year.
Brenthurst also won the top award as Top Boutique Wealth Manager in the annual Krutham Awards for Private Banks and Wealth Managers in 2017 and 2020.
“Our long-standing client relationships – many dating back to the founding of Brenthurst in 2004 – are a testament to this approach,” says Brian Butchart, CFP®, Managing Director.
“We believe this loyalty has been a driving force behind our exceptional growth.”
Brenthurst is known for its strong focus on offshore investment, driven by co-founder, director and investment strategist Magnus Heystek’s relentless research and analysis, supported by the Brenthurst investment committee.
Heystek says Brenthurst’s initial advice to investors to invest some of their funds offshore was purely based on a diversification strategy, providing exposure that was not available in South Africa.
This strategy proved to be hugely successful as the returns on these funds were double or even triple those we earned on SA-only funds.
“However, in 2015, our recommendation took on a more serious tone as we noticed the damage the Zuma administration was inflicting on corporate governance, SA’s key institutions, and the general economic growth rate.
This negative trend led to successive downgrades of SA’s credit rating by large global credit ratings agencies, which we predicted would ultimately lead to a downgrade to junk status, and which eventually transpired,” he added.
Brenthurst expanded its offshore offering and now also offers trust management services for certain clients via its Mauritius-based company, Brent Consulta.
It strongly recommends that investors with substantial offshore portfolios ($1m or more) consider moving their money into a trust which, over time, has many advantages.
Its comprehensive service offering includes investment planning, retirement planning, offshore investing and forex, tax planning and consulting, estate planning, wills and fiduciary services and employee benefits services.
Contact Brenthurst: invest@brenthurstwealth.co.za
Megan joined the Brenthurst Wealth team in March 2026 as an Administrative and Fiduciary Services Assistant at our Val de Vie Office in the Western Cape. Prior to joining Brenthurst, Megan gained three years of experience in the retail sector, where she developed management and client service skills.
I obtained my National Diploma in Financial Information Systems from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 1999 and have worked in the wealth management industry since January 2000. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience in various roles, including Portfolio Manager Assistant, Planner Assistant, and Paraplanner.
Esmarelda Isaacs-Andreas joined the Brenthurst Wealth Stellenbosch office in October 2025, taking on the dual role of Receptionist and Fiduciary Administrator.
I obtained my National Diploma in Financial Information Systems from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 1999 and have worked in the wealth management industry since January 2000. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience in various roles, including Portfolio Manager Assistant, Planner Assistant, and Paraplanner.
Ashley joined Brenthurst Wealth in January 2025 as Office Administrative Assistant and Receptionist for the Stellenbosch Office.
René Heystek joined Brenthurst Wealth in November 2023, as receptionist and administrative assistant in the newly established George/Garden Route office.
Michelle Heystek has built a career in the financial services over the last two decades, after obtaining her B.Com degree in Financial Management in 2005. Once she joined Brenthurst in 2006, she continued her academic journey, obtaining her Certificate in Wealth Management from INSETA in 2007, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning from the University of the Free State. In 2008, she earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) designation.
Anelle joined Brenthurst Wealth as a Receptionist and Administrative Assistant to Brian Butchart in the Cape Town office in December 2023. She has a wealth of knowledge from working as a liaison between Financial Advisers and clients at TMA and Absa Investment Management Services (Aims) since 1998. She obtained her B. com degree from the University of Port Elizabeth in 1997.
ADMITTED ATTORNEY | FINANCIAL PLANNER & HEAD OF BRENTHURST FOURWAYS
Sanet was appointed in April 2020, joining our Cape Town team as an Executive Administration Assistant to Renee Eagar. She has been in the financial services industry since 1990. Her previous experience includes positions at Sanlam, BJM and ABSA. She spent her last 12 years working at Alexander Forbes Private Client Wealth as a Senior Wealth Management Assistant. She has received numerous accolades over the years which include but not limited to, Alexander Forbes Client Service Excellence – Silver award in 2014,2015 and 2017. Sanet has also obtained her Certificate in Wealth Management (NQF 5) in 2012 and achieved “Best Student of the Year” from Moonstone.
Maria Smit is a Certified Financial Planner® with over 10 years of experience in the financial planning industry.
