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By Magnus Heystek*
I founded Brenthurst Wealth in 2004 with co-founders Sue Heystek and Brian Butchart, with the goal to establish Brenthurst Wealth as the best possible advisory business in SA. It could never be the biggest, but it could be the best. And this has been our guiding light ever since we opened our small little office in Fourways, Johannesburg, together with my personal assistant Celeste Phakathi and a handful of clients.
Today, I am proud to say we have a national presence with eight offices across the country and satellite offices covering the rest, 65 staff members and more than 20 qualified financial planners, most of whom are Certified Financial Planner® professionals.
And always was there the question: can we do better? In how we do things, quality of research, level of independent advice, systems and technology—all the unseen things that make for a holistic financial planning and advisory company.
Together with several key players in the media, none more than Alec Hogg, first at Moneyweb and thereafter founder at BizNews, have we created an awareness and a presence which I think has made a difference in the investment debate in SA which tends to be dominated by the large asset managers with their obvious vested interests. The issues being debated today, were first raised during our series of seminars – called Quo Vadis SA? – hosted around the country in 2015 and 2016. Sadly, many of the forecasts made in those days have turned out to be very accurate. For a few years, we were fortunate to secure the services of top-rated economist Mike Schüssler who provided Brenthurst and its clients with quality and in-depth economic research. He sadly passed away two months ago: a huge loss to all
The results from the Intellidex surveys speak for themselves: for 6 years Brenthurst has featured in the top three advisory categories, twice coming out on top (2017 and 2020). In addition, in years past have we also featured in the top relationship manager category. Sonia du Plessis head of Brenthurst Stellenbosch, received the award in 2019 when the category was first introduced. Managing Director, Brian Butchart is the winner of the relationship manager category this year and placed in the top three consecutively, in 2020 and 2021 and André Basson, head of Brenthurst Val de Vie was the runner-up in 2021.
This year all three top relationship advisors are from Brenthurst – against stiff competition from almost 50 wealth management companies in SA. I couldn’t be prouder.
Managing Director Brian Butchart CFP® was announced as the winner of the 2022 relationship manager category, with Sonia Du Plessis CFP® and Head of Brenthurst Wealth Stellenbosch in second place, followed by Renee Eagar CFP® and Head of Brenthurst Wealth Claremont, Cape Town in third place.
The first six months of 2022 were a rollercoaster ride for investors with several factors driving markets downward. Few regions of the world were spared, and markets everywhere have declined as inflation accelerates (in some countries to highs last seen 40 years ago), interest rates are hiked and the impact of war in Eastern Europe weighs on sentiment.
It is during the challenging times in markets that the importance of client relationships and regular communication are highlighted. Our consistent excellent performance in this highly regarded award indicates that we continue to deliver the guidance and advice our clients expect from us.
Building relationships over the long term is a key component of our philosophy and the cornerstone of our investment approach. The relationship manager category of the Intellidex award is purely based on reviews by clients, which makes this recognition incredibly meaningful. Brian, Sonia and Renee have all been with Brenthurst for more than a decade. Their commitment and dedication to the clients they serve secured this ranking for our advisors.
In its report about the 2022 award, Intellidex notes that the category for relationship managers recognises individuals who have ensured that the relationship with their clients is personal, trustworthy and sustainable. Many clients have mentioned that the reason they are clients of firms is because of the excellent service they receive from their relationship managers.
Brenthurst was ranked in third place in the category for boutique wealth managers this year, the sixth time we were listed amongst the top five companies in SA. To remain amongst the best in the land requires a team effort – advisors, as well as the administrative and support teams – all contributed to this us maintaining this ranking.
Brenthurst also ranked amongst the top companies in the archetypes for passive lump-sum investors and entrepreneurs.
The Intellidex Private Banks and Wealth Manager Awards are based on a review by a judging panel of financial industry experts and client reviews for the participating companies. The scoring was exceptionally close again this year, proving the standard of client service delivered by wealth managers in SA.
- Magnus Heystek is the co-founder, director and investment strategist of Brenthurst Wealth.
- To discuss your financial strategy with Brenthurst or reach any of its eight offices countrywide send a message to 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.
