Just more than twenty-one years ago, I was forced to explore new paths and opportunities. Today that decision made is called the Autus Group of companies. During this time, new friendships, business partners, employees and opportunities crossed my path. Many goals were achieved regardless of daily challenges, but I still endorse the same values, experience life, and appreciate the people around me.
Starting with a mere three clients in January 2001, Autus Private Clients (APC) (www.autusprivateclients.co.za) provide financial planning and advisory services to more than 600 families. In some instances, three generations of the same family are our clients. In addition, the team members sometimes act as a friend, a mentor, a psychologist, and sometimes we only listen and provide support.
A sincere thank you to all APC clients who became friends and loyal supporters over the years. APC is also blessed with an excellent financial planning and administration team caring for our business’s day-to-day activities and clients.
In 2004 Autus Fund Managers (AFM) (www.autusfundmanagers.co.za) was established and registered nine unit trusts in South Africa and one in Ireland. With a combined more than 100 years of experience and wisdom of our AFM team following a dedicated decision-making process, provide peace of mind for our investors. Investments are like running a marathon as opposed to a 100 meters race. It is a long-term research process of analysis, discussion, asking questions, re-think, and implementation. Sometimes it takes a while to experience the results, and patience is part of this process. The Autus Prime Stable Fund and the Autus Prime Balanced Fund now has an official 15-year performance, while the Autus Prime Opportunity Fund will achieve that in 2022. None of these funds disappointed their investors. We appreciate the support of all our investors and work hard to satisfy your investment goals.
Autus Property was established to provide infrastructure to the group. An office in Val de Vie, Paarl and one in Welgelegen (Durbanville) with satellite offices in Pretoria, Great Brakriver and Oudtshoorn ensures that staff can provide excellent service to clients. In addition, the covid virus brought along the concept of “working from home”, and we are well equipped to ensure the necessary contact with our clients still. Thank you all for your understanding and patience.
Autus Foundation (a registered non-profit company) was established to touch lives in the community. A percentage of our turnover is contributed, and 18 entities are supported monthly. Andrew Merryweather (as Brand Ambassador and financial advisor) joined the Autus family seven years ago and developed as a formidably public speaker.
We recently established Aboutir Wealth to enhance our “family office” services and broaden our offering to the Kwa-Zulu Natal area.
When the restrictions of covid allow us, we shall proceed to endeavour on a journey to establish an Australia office. With many of our former South African clients down under, we most probably shall start in Adelaide.
Many thanks to all Autus directors and staff for their passion and dedication to ensure excellent service to our clients and investors, not the least to keep the engine of Autus running.
The purpose of “The Old Dog“ is not to impress anyone, neither to prove anything nor to make any statements. However, turning older and grey brought many experiences. In the following editions, I shall attempt to share some of that and other matters of interest with you. None of the content must be regarded as advice of any kind. Some of the topics I will cover next are investing in South Africa versus worldwide, planning for retirement, the economic future of this country, the importance of an adequately updated will, life of capital, road mapping in financial planning, and hopefully some articles of interest to you. Edition 2 will cover “Saving for Retirement.”
