It takes the collaboration of several experts, each contributing their specialist skills, to curate a wealth management strategy that matures and flourishes over time, as MARANA BRAND uncovers.

Crafting an exceptional wine requires the expertise of multiple specialists – from the vigneron who understands the soil and microclimate to the winemaker blending grape varieties for the perfect outcome. Managing the wealth of high-net-worth individuals is no different. A single recipe or formula won’t do; it’s the synergy of diverse professionals working together that creates a vintage of enduring financial success.
“Similar to the art of creating a great wine blend, constructing an outstanding investment portfolio involves carefully selecting components with the expertise of various specialists. These experts have to work together, seamlessly aligning with a shared goal. Just as the failure of one can lead to overall failure, their harmonious interaction creates a balanced outcome,” says Jéan Minnaar, CEO of Private Clients by Old Mutual Wealth.
Although Private Clients has all the skills and experience necessary to provide a flawless service to high-net-worth clients, it also collaborates with financial advisers and consultants to best serve clients’ needs.
“We believe in a round-table concept, where the client is surrounded by a team of people with different skills who share a common vision: to build a great wealth management plan or investment portfolio for the client,” says Jéan. “It’s not about whether all the experts are from one company – what matters is that they trust one another and stay focused on the client’s goals while filtering out the noise. A healthy partnership challenges and drives everyone to do better for the client.”
Building meaningful partnerships is not just about convenience, but about managing enduring wealth for the client. “At Private Clients, we take the time to understand not only the assets held with us, but also our clients’ lifestyle needs, business journeys and future ambitions By gaining this complete picture, we craft bespoke solutions tailored to fit each client’s personal journey – a perspective that complements the specialised focus of other experts,” he explains.
The complexity of modern wealth management makes collaboration essential. “Sometimes advisers find it difficult to keep up with the latest trends and developments in the investment and wealth management world. One adviser cannot be an expert in local and global markets, tax issues, legal questions, fiduciary services, trusts, property and much more,” Jéan says. “That’s where we add value – by partnering with advisers and bringing a range of expertise to help them better serve their clients and to build portfolios that stand the test of time, even beyond the client’s death.”
Importantly, Private Clients doesn’t seek to replace trusted relationships clients may already have with advisers or consultants. “We deeply value the insight that comes from someone who knows a client’s personal circumstances, business operations and particular ambitions,” Jéan says. “Rather than displacing these trusted connections, this collaborative approach strengthens the client’s overall strategy. We add complementary expertise, broadening the advisers’ offering and delivering richer, more well-rounded solutions. It’s about providing optionality and fresh perspectives,” he adds.
Choosing the Right Wealth Partner
Wealth planning often extends beyond a single lifetime, making it one of the longest and most important relationships clients will ever embark on. “Many times, you’re planning for outcomes that go beyond your lifetime,” explains Jéan. “When setting up a trust meant to last for 150 years, wouldn’t you prefer a partner who has already proven their longevity? You need a trusted companion who will stand the test of time. It’s essential to trust not just the adviser you work with, but also the institution they represent. Look at its history and ask whether its legacy is likely to endure. Private Clients combines specialist expertise with the stability of Old Mutual – a brand that’s been growing South Africans’ wealth for almost two centuries.”
Jéan believes a wealth partner’s true value lies in navigating complexity across generations. “You need someone who understands both local and global needs. We think like global citizens and help clients manage challenges such as tax emigration, international beneficiaries, and assets across multiple jurisdictions. It’s about building resilience into your financial plan, much like curating an exceptional vintage – it takes expertise, insight and care.”
Clients’ needs have evolved in a world that has become more complex and connected. Private Clients has the expertise and experience to meet the challenges of South African high-net-worth individuals who may have children, property, investments, trusts and businesses in multiple countries. “Our solutions are designed to help them navigate these complexities smoothly, while remaining true to their African roots.”
This approach, Jéan explains, benefits not only clients, but also the advisers who collaborate with Private Clients. “We believe in partnerships that strengthen the adviser’s proposition. There’s tremendous value in bringing complementary expertise to the table. We can’t be everyone’s adviser, but we can play a significant role in empowering others to offer their clients more. So if you want to go fast, go alone. But if you want to go far, let’s go together!” Jéan concludes.
About
Private Clients by Old Mutual Wealth offers holistic, bespoke solutions for high‑net‑worth clients. We partner with you and various specialists, tapping into the required resources to provide an integrated plan for your holistic financial affairs, including investments, wealth structuring and transfer strategies, proactive tax planning, and portfolio lifestyle and administration. Our level of individual attention and interaction is a defining standard in the personal service we provide. We boast a strong track record in wealth and investment management. As part of a brand that has been growing wealth for South Africans for nearly two centuries, we believe that there is no substitute for experience that comes with managing wealth through various economic and market cycles. Our team, therefore, has several decades of success and experience in successfully working with individuals, families, trusts and entrepreneurs in managing their wealth.
Contact
Contact Private Clients by Old Mutual Wealth at:
- +27 (0) 524 4678
- privateclients@omweatlh.co.za
- www.wealthprivateclients.co.za