Afrifocus Securities has been a stockbroker member of the JSE since 2000. The firm offers traditional stockbroking as well as wealth management, allowing it to manage clients’ financial investments comprehensively.
Clients can have a stockbroking account as well as a unit trust and pension fund portfolio under the Afrifocus umbrella. A full phone-in and online dealing service combined with access to a portfolio manager is provided. Access to investment research, locally and internationally, is offered via the Afrifocus in-house research team as well as research distributed by the LXM Group.
All staff members are involved in continuous professional development to comprehensively service clients. For young investors, TFSA accounts using low-cost ETFs as building blocks are provided. For those young investors wanting to build a unit trust portfolio, the Afrifocus wealth managers do a financial needs analysis and assist in constructing a long-term investment.
A fixed income desk, catering for institutional and high net worth clients alike, has been launched and a foreign exchange transfer service is also now provided. Seminars for clients are held on investment strategy, current affairs and investment products.
EasyEquities, which holds the patent for for fractional share investing in SA, offers a low-cost investment platform catering to all customer types, providing investors with access to both local and global markets irrespective of their investment size.
A subsidiary of JSE-listed Purple Group, EasyEquities is an authorised FSP, registered with the Financial Services Board. The business caters for self-directed investors, managed investments and advised portfolios on a single platform providing access locally to shares, ETFs, unit trusts, crypto currencies, properties and BEE share schemes and globally to the NYSE, ASX, GBP and euro.
A robo-adviser assists and guides investors to save and
FNB Stockbroking & Portfolio Management caters for all types of clients — those who are starting out, independent tech-savvy individuals looking to take their investments into their own hands, and clients who want a high-touch service offering with access to qualified, skilled investment professionals.
As part of the FirstRand Group, the firm gives clients access to extensive expertise. Telephone, online and app trading experiences provide a single view of banking and investment portfolios, allowing clients to take advantage of quick trading positions when opportunities arise.
Through FirstRand, FNB is able to deliver institutional products — including private equity and structured products — to retail clients through RMB and RMB Morgan Stanley.
Any form of investing requires a good understanding of the basics, and FNB recently launched its investor education and thought leadership portal.
FNB is passionate about removing barriers to entry by making investing accessible to all South Africans, which is why it launched FNB Shares Zero in September 2021. There are no monthly fees or minimum brokerage amounts and, most importantly, clients buying into an FNB exchange traded fund (ETF) or exchange traded note (ETN) will pay zero brokerage.
Shares Zero provides access to the JSE top 40 listed companies and the full range of local ETNs and ETFs. Clients wanting to add geographic diversification can invest in FNB ETNs that provide exposure to the top listed global companies.
GT247 is a licensed over-the-counter derivatives provider authorised by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority. It offers a wide spectrum of instruments including JSE-listed contracts for difference (CFDs), forex, indices and commodities. The firm is part of the JSE-listed Purple Group, which is well known for the EasyEquities platform
A low-cost online broker, GT247 connects traders to markets through the MetaTrader 5 platform. This provides free and full charting capabilities on desktop, mobile and web terminal as well as telephone trading.
EasyEquities prides itself on the lowest brokerage fees in SA, with no minimums or platform fees, making online trading more accessible, even to first-time traders.
Though GT247’s offering fits into the discount broker category when it comes to commissions charged (low CFD commissions of 10 basis points), the firm offers a full suite of services that includes free research, education, and access to a trading-desk team who can provide telephone execution and market information.
Education is provided through curated videos and content tailored to ensure it is easily digestible by the below-35 age group.
Most clients (70%) are active traders, all of whom have access to the GT desk to assist with decisions. The MetaTrader 5 platform, with signal trading, allows clients to copycat other GT247.com traders and advisers via an algorithmic solution.
Clients have real-time access to an extensive product universe which includes equity CFDs, local and international indices, 44 currency pairs, commodities and cryptocurrencies, with round-the-clock support from a private broker. They can choose to trade in US dollars or rands.
Herenya Capital Advisors is a specialised brokerage firm and a registered FSP. The majority of clients (66%) are active traders who are serviced throughout the trading day. They are offered ongoing market commentary, opinions, and research on local and international stocks and macroeconomic developments. They are provided with trade ideas, coaching, guidance and education by professional day traders.
The firm, which has a great deal of experience building portfolios both locally and offshore, caters primarily for those who take trading seriously, providing them with ongoing support and mentoring. Herenya is renowned for being very focused on its client community and on adding value to active traders.
The company’s cost structures for experienced and highly active traders is low, with no minimum charge per trade and no monthly fees. Herenya provides access to market data, with ViewPoint as a trading platform.
Executive clients — the majority of the firm’s client base — are assisted with tax-efficient investment structures through the Equity Index Basket offering, via Peresec. All its SA CFDs are traded through and written by Nedbank CIB, while offshore CFDs are traded through and written by Interactive Brokers.
An over-the-counter derivative provider, IG is a global concern founded in the UK in 1974, and a member of the FTSE 250. Regulated locally by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority and in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority, it is the largest provider of contracts for difference (CFDs) in the world by published financial statements.
Three-quarters of its client base are active traders who have continuous opportunity in more than 17,000 global markets.
IG offers a number of platforms to suit individual traders’ needs and preferences, as well as mobile apps for clients to monitor their positions and trade on the move. Executions are fast and reliable and occur at the most appropriate venue or venues, ensuring access to the most liquidity and the best price.
IG provides up-to-date news, data and analysis from a global team of more than 30 analysts, and its DailyFX service is a leading portal for forex trading news, charts, indicators and analysis.
Clients are offered educational resources tailored to all trading skill levels, from beginners to expert day traders. The range includes written guides and online videos, the IG Academy app on Android and iPhone, regular webinars and seminars, as well as courses in DailyFX’s “free online forex trading university”.
The firm has approval from the Reserve Bank to offer card services for offshore funding as part of an individual’s single discretionary allowance.
Recently introduced offerings include a trading analytics tool, a research and education facility and equity options.
Independent Securities is a JSE member that specialises in full discretionary portfolio and asset management across various mandates and which aims to outperform its benchmark and peer average group without assuming additional risk.
The firm offers full discretionary and advisory portfolio management services for local and global segregated share portfolios, as well as voluntary wrapped products such as endowments, to high net worth clients. It also manages clients’ retirement funds in a segregated share portfolio. A global investment service is offered through a global flexible unit trust or into a segregated global share portfolio.
The firm offers clients direct access to a portfolio manager and a professional back office team. Monthly administration fees are low and management fees are competitive. It does not charge performance fees.
Executives make up the largest proportion of its client base (43%). The firm provides a full-discretion bespoke share portfolio management service, with the aim of creating long-term wealth for clients through capital growth and dividends by using its stock-picking skills.
QuickTrade is a derivative trader. A category 1 financial services provider, the firm sends out trade signals on indices, commodities, forex and US contracts for difference (CFDs), providing trading advice to clients via telephone, Zoom meetings and its trading room.
The firm specialises in guiding newcomers to the market, from the installation of the platform via Zoom to placing their first trade.
Clients are able to attend platform training six days a week on the MetaTrader 5 platform via Zoom.
A dedicated trading team assists clients with trading queries and other market-related questions, while a newsletter and video snippet focuses on the economic events of the week.
Two-thirds of the firm’s clients are younger than 35, and a third are active traders.
In February, the firm obtained an over-the-counter derivative product (ODP) licence, and is in the process of overhauling its website.
JSE-listed PSG Wealth is a wealth management company offering share and securities trading and investments through an online platform. The firm also offers estate planning and fiduciary services as well as a full suite of employee benefits and bespoke multi-managed investment solutions.
Clients are able to select their level and medium of engagement with the firm’s advice services through all stages of their investment journey.
PSG Wealth’s value proposition is clearly differentiated between direct investors and those who choose to invest through an adviser.
DIY investors are provided with market access, education and an end-to-end service. Clients are able to trade online through the firm’s trading platform, by telephone or e-mail. Those who invest through an adviser — primarily high net worth individuals — are offered a bespoke portfolio management experience.
With an extensive product range, a tailored service offering and in-house research capability, the firm provides clients with direct access to all JSE-listed securities, including exchange traded funds and exchange traded notes, 35 offshore exchanges and a range of derivative products.
Clients also have access to ViewPoint Plus, where they can view their portfolios, trade, and access market data and charting tools.
The firm recently implemented an enhanced cash-management feature which includes a three-day settlement cycle.
Young investors have access to extensive education and research tools, including trading and investment updates, webinars and tutorials, and the option of investing in a tax-free savings account or voluntary investment plan with a minimum monthly contribution of R500.
Lump-sum investors can choose local or offshore portfolios, investment plans or retirement products, and can invest directly or through an adviser.
The firm’s adviser network also specialises in dealing with high net worth individuals, offering stockbroking and investing services, retirement planning, and tax and estate planning.
Rand Swiss is a securities brokerage which offers online trading, private broking, managed portfolios, structured products, tax-free savings accounts, and treasury and wealth management.
Its private broking, wealth management and managed portfolio offerings service clients across the spectrum of “advice” and “touch”. Its core values are focused on client-centricity, service and excellence.
The firm has worked hard to improve the quality and content of its educational offering, which includes training, webinars and an expert-led informative series. In the past year, it hosted about 40 free events, webinars and training sessions.
The largest proportion of its client base are lump-sum investors, followed by traditional investors. Executives with complex equity-structuring requirements constitute its largest segment by value.
The firm has added to its overall offering with more features and specific high-end products for high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals.
It also offers a compelling proposition for active traders, with one of the lowest execution fees in the market.
Sasfin is a multi-strategy, multi-asset money manager servicing private, corporate and institutional clients as well as intermediaries. It offers advice on portfolios, investment, finance, risk, health care, fiduciary matters and estate planning.
The firm is one of the pioneers of the private client portfolio management and stockbroking industry in SA, having serviced “traditional investors” since 1890.
Its wealth and investment management offering includes portfolio management and stockbroking, online investing and trading, institutional consulting, asset management and wealth advice. The firm recently introduced online trading capabilities with a fee structure suitable for active traders.
Sasfin’s client base is predominantly wealthy individuals. Clients are provided with dedicated portfolio managers and access to wealth advisers and fiduciary and estate planning specialists.
The firm’s philosophy is based on the view that wealth creation is about more than just growing financial net worth.
While predominantly a full-service broker, Sasfin also has strong self-service capabilities.
In recent years it has introduced an integrated financial planning and advice process; robust governance and compliance structures; an aligned internal incentive scheme; a specialised fiduciary business; a broader advice offering; and more service delivery channels.
Its primary high-touch service channel has been supplemented with a centralised service desk and digital tools.
All clients — whether managed or nonmanaged — have access to a mobile-friendly proprietary online portal which provides information on their holdings and investments as well as analytical tools, research and insights.
All Sasfin-managed investment products — whether bespoke, models or pooled funds — cater for lump-sum investments.
The firm offers its own pre-retirement products, including a retirement annuity, preservation provident funds and preservation pension funds, and post-retirement solutions such as living annuities and endowments that cater for retirees or recipients of a large pay-out.
SBG Securities (SBGS) is registered with the FSCA. Standard Stockbroking’s advisory and discretionary service offering relies on its independent investment process, high-quality research sourced through the SBGS and other third-party providers — both domestically and offshore — and its portfolio managers’ extensive experience and knowledge of capital markets, locally and offshore.
The business offers an investment advisory that is well suited to clients who take an active interest in the domestic and global financial markets and who wish to involve themselves when it comes to decisions regarding their portfolios.
Its discretionary offering, in which a portfolio manager assumes responsibility for the day-to-day management of the portfolio, is designed to make managing the client’s wealth an effortless experience. Clients have access to portfolio valuations electronically on an ongoing basis and receive monthly statements, with periodic reviews to ensure that their investment portfolio remains appropriate to meet their investment objectives.
More than half of its client base are active traders. The recently launched Shyft Shares caters for novice and small-scale investors, with low fees and a simple user interface, making it very easy to have access to offshore markets.
A low-cost offering through Standard Bank internet banking enables young savers to open an AutoShare Invest or tax-free investment account, which allows them to invest as little as R250 in a select list of shares or ETFs at a 0.15% brokerage rate. Free educational courses and material allow young professionals to bridge the gap between opening an account and placing their first investment.
Professional Banking Account clients are not charged monthly fees for online share trading. They pay a lower brokerage rate of 0.4% to facilitate low-cost trading and to make it easier for them to enter the market.
Unum Capital is a registered financial services provider offering trading and asset management services. The firm offers portfolio and wealth management as well as active trading services.
A niche, dynamic financial services provider, it provides a one-stop trading and investment destination via a team of multi-asset, multi-market experts. The firm’s goal is to evolve a profitable, financially literate trading and investment community.
Unum offers one-on-one trading advice on local and offshore shares, indices, exchange traded funds, commodities, cryptocurrencies and forex, either telephonically, face-to-face, via Telegram/Unum NOW or in a trading app.
It also offers automated (robo) advice including analysis, sentiment and trading levels, as well as thought leadership papers and videos.
Its client base consists of active traders (40%), executives with complex equity-structuring requirements (30%) and traditional investors (20%).
Its appeal for active day traders is access to the market via multiple platforms, low-cost trading and no charge on intraday exit. The firm is renowned for incubating talented traders, providing mentorship and research to assist them.
ThinkMarkets is an authorised FSP and a licensed OTC derivatives provider. The firm presents a value offering through its secure and easy to use platform, ThinkTrader, which is available on both web and app.
It offers 24/7 customer service and clients are provided with free access to research, research tools and advice and are able to trade in numerous products including locally and internationally listed CFD shares and indices with the option of a ZAR, USD, GBP or EUR base currency account.
The firm charges a 0.25% brokerage and no hidden fees such as withdrawal fees. It prioritises safe and secure trading on a stable platform backed by client education, research and tools to help investors make smarter and better investment and trading decisions. It recently launched a new web version of its ThinkTrader platform for CFD accounts and will be adding the investment option shortly to this platform. It plans to launch a completely new website in early 2023.
In 2021 ThinkMarkets was named best CFD provider at the City of London Wealth Management Awards and best platform in Africa by Global Forex.
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