ABOUT US
We are an independent financial advisory business with the aim of placing our clients in the most efficient and effective platforms that are available in the market. We achieve this objective by constantly exposing ourselves to new products and conducting in-depth analyses into their structures.
One of our key values is that of building long-term relationships with all our clients, and as such, giving the best advice and customer service possible.
Only once we are completely satisfied that the structure will create value within our clients' portfolios will we introduce the product to our existing and potential clients.
Gareth Davies
Everyone’s economic and life situation is unique, and I keep that in mind when providing financial management advice. Our industry requires a long-term perspective, and I understand that my clients are the most important part of my company and that personalized service is essential when matching clients with the right financial products.
Once your custom-tailored financial plan is in place, we will continue working together to review achievements against your goals, and ensure you are comfortable everything is moving forward according to plan.
My journey in Finance began over fifteen years ago. I graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree (Management and Finance majors), followed by a post-graduate Honours degree in Investment Management.
After working for one of the Big Four banks’ Financial Consultancy division for 5 years, and an independent Financial Advisory practice for close to 2 years, I established The Wealth Counsel. One of my greatest achievements was to successfully complete the global, comprehensive, rigorous three levels of study, Chartered Financial Analyst programme, which focusses investment management.
To keep abreast of industry trends, market & strategic information, best practice, and current affairs, I attend various fund manager presentations, peruse news agency sites and information availed by The Chartered Financial Analyst Institute. These platforms are a constant source that guide my recommendations.
Sarie Davies
I have always been passionate about people and finance. The Wealth Management and Financial Advisory industry became an obvious choice for my studies and career. The love for my job is influenced by the results achieved through my recommendations, and seeing people achieve their financial goals is immensely rewarding.
My career commenced at Investec Limited where I worked with their valued clients for seven years. Following Investec, I joined The Wealth Counsel as a representative in 2012 and became a co-owner in 2013.
I keep well informed on industry trends and tax matters by reading appropriate articles daily, attending various fund, economic and tax presentations.
My qualifications are as follows:
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B Com degree in Industrial Psychology
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B Com Honours degree in Investment Management
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Passed Level 1 of the Chartered Financial Analyst programme
I am an active member of the South African Institute for Tax Professionals and a registered SARS tax practitioner.
Finding the best and most cost-efficient solutions demands a thorough analysis of the many different product suppliers and their products. My 17 years of rich work experience has stood me in good stead, and truly make a difference in people’s lives by availing them of a personalised and transparent service.
Esmé Welgemoed
I have over 20 years of experience in the Financial Services Industry, with most having been spent focusing on short-term insurance.
I started my career as an accounts clerk in the financial field. My career then took me into a different direction, where I assessed injury-on-duty claims for validity, before authorising compensation payments to qualifying employees or their beneficiaries, as well as any medical service providers.
Returning to Finance followed next, as a Financial Administrator, a role which I enjoyed for the next three years.
Wanting a new challenge, I then moved into a policy underwriting role for the next three years, after which I realised that my true passion is Finance. During all of the above, I continued with my studies in the Financial Field.
This resulted in a return to Finance, working as a Financial Accountant, where I performed all of the functions of an Accountant for three different Companies within the Organisation.
One of the companies that I did the financials for was an NGO. The organisation donated significant funds to support the NGO’s objectives, which its board decided had to be invested, in order to maximise returns and potential. This exposed me to the world of Financial Investments and Instruments, which I found extremely intriguing.
I obtained a National Diploma – Technical Financial Accountant through The Institute of Certified Bookkeeping in 2014.After spending just over 2 decades in the Corporate environment, I decided that the time had come to start a new chapter in my career, leading me to join The Wealth Counsel in 2022.