Who We Are
Southern Cross Lifestyle and Legacy is an independent and privately held Investment Advisory Firm. We offer a wide range of solutions including financial and tax planning, capital solutions and lending, fiduciary services, offshore and local investment management, business consulting, foreign exchange services, as well as lifestyle benefits. We help you and your family secure your financial futures through this tailored mix of solutions ensuring your assets are protected and liabilities matched. As an independent financial services provider we utilise products and access investments across all providers in South Africa and abroad.
Our team holds over 120 years of combined experience and has cultivated a proficiency in managing complicated, large-scale strategies that extend beyond the competencies of conventional advisors. We leverage our vast knowledge and expertise to develop innovative and effective solutions to complex financial challenges faced by our clients.
We established Southern Cross Lifestyle and Legacy with the same values and beliefs that we hold for our own families. With that in mind, we take a personalized approach to financial planning and investment management, tailoring our strategies to meet your specific goals and risk tolerance. Whether you're looking to grow your wealth, plan for retirement, or protect your assets, we will provide a bespoke collaborative solution to enhance your lifestyle, diversify your portfolio and grow generational wealth.
Our Partners and Presence
Southern Cross Legacy and Lifestyle has a presence in Mauritius and works closely with Osiris International Group. Through our cooperation with expert fiduciary service providers, we maximise the benefits that trusts offer, making full use of our global network to find the structure that works best for your legacy.
We are able to facilitate company structuring globally, as well as wealth management and advice for individuals and families across jurisdictions and over generations. This can often involve assisting with the relocation of families and or their wealth.
Building your Legacy
through Diversification
Diversification can take shape in different ways, shapes and forms. Historically diversification has largely been implemented around different asset classes within investors portfolios but our team of professionals have a wealth of knowledge on diversifying across not just asset classes but also various jurisdictions globally. These strategies allow you to protect your business interests, income and assets over time regardless of where you call home. We work closely with you to gain a thorough understanding of your financial goals, risk tolerance and investment preferences, to offer local and offshore investment solutions that are specifically designed to align with your unique investment objectives.
Our Solutions
Financial and Tax Planning
We offer a wide range of services, including retirement, planning, investment management and tax planning. We work closely with our clients to provide comprehensive solutions that build their legacy and wealth, manage their assets and liabilities, and successfully navigate the risks associated with making long term provision for their dependants.
Offshore and Local Investment Management
We believe in the importance of global diversification and seek to help our clients navigate the complexities of investing in both local and international markets. We have a deep understanding of the various investment options available and provide our clients with access to a range of investment solutions that align with their financial goals and risk profiles.
Capital Solutions and Lending
We determine the optimal credit solutions available, including securities lending, asset-based financing, and lines of credit, and customise them to our clients’ needs. Unlike bank offerings, we connect capital from a network of private lending platforms, combining unique personalisation and pricing.
Risk Planning
We take a holistic approach to risk management, working closely with our clients to understand their unique circumstances and objectives. In doing so, we are able to identify potential risks and develop a tailored plan through both short-term and long-term insurance solutions that provide comprehensive coverage and peace of mind.
Lifestyle
Our Lifestyle, Loyalty and Assist offering features a wide range of value-added services and products which help our clients save time, money, and effort. From VIP Travel and Concierge services to Legal Assist and Advice, our products and services are designed to support and empower our clients.
Business Consulting
Our business consulting services include business strategy development, process optimization, affinity strategy implementation, and much more. We work closely with our clients to understand their unique needs and challenges, and develop tailored solutions that are aligned with their goals.
Foreign Exchange Services
From simple cross-border trade-related payments to sophisticated hedging solutions, we help you manage all your foreign exchange requirements.
Our foreign exchange dealers will work together with you to understand your FX risk and develop a tailored strategy for you – helping you stay ahead of the impact of currency volatility on your business.
Philanthropy
We support our clients’ charitable initiatives by reinforcing their impact through mission and vision planning, tracking and analysis. We support new and established family foundations and other philanthropic endeavors. Our clients entrust us to closely collaborate with administrators of charity organisations to ensure alignment and maximise impact.
Fiduciary Services
Our comprehensive approach to wealth transfer and trust management planning, combined with our access to industry-leading resources and ongoing commitment to our clients, allows us to deliver personalized solutions that help them achieve their financial objectives and protect their wealth for generations to come.
Meet Our Team
John Austen
Director
CIS (Int) Dip Com Dir
John set up and headed a specialist Financial Lines division at a listed brokerage before starting Southern Cross in 2004. He has over the years been the broker and advisor to the likes of Standard Bank, the Central Securities Depository, Strate, Peregrine, the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, the South African Futures Exchange (SAFEX) and the Bond Exchange.
In his spare time John crafts (and tastes) his own gin at his Estate based Dam Fine Distillery on the banks of the Vaal dam where he also partakes in pleasure yachting and boating.
Lars Forssman
Director
Dip Com Dir
Lars was an Executive Board Member at a listed Insurance Company until 2008 when he joined Southern Cross Risk Management as a shareholder and Joint Managing Director. In addition to his managerial position at SCRM, Lars also oversees the corporate and general liabilities broking, and heads up the new business development and Affinity divisions. Lars has developed bespoke affinity programmes for numerous clients including Vodacom, Tarsus, SABOA, Autopage, amongst others.
Lars is a Whisky connoisseur, as well as Founding Member of the Whisky Vault – a first of it’s kind in South Africa.
Dave Steere
Key Individual
BBusSc (Hons), FASSA, FIA, CFP
Dave is a consulting actuary and retirement fund valuator at Cadiant Partners Consultants and Actuaries and is also a qualified certified Financial Planner. He has previously worked as a retirement fund valuator at both Southern Life and Southern African Actuarial Consultants and was later CEO of Momentum Actuaries and Consultants and Lekana Employee Benefit Solutions. Dave has an extensive understanding of both local and offshore investment markets, portfolio management and personal finances.
In his free time he enjoys playing golf and tennis.
Bronson Friedman
Wealth Manager
BComm and Post Graduate in Financial Planning
Bronson successfully completed the CFP Board Exam through the FPI (Financial Planning Institute) and has been awarded several investment certificates through the South African Institute of Financial Markets. He has had numerous influential articles published, and is also the distinguished co-author of “Rands & Common Cents”. He is a member of SAIT, has completed his Level 1 of IMC through the CFA institute, and has won Best Practice Awards for 3 consecutive years.
Bronson enjoys running, cycling, and swimming to keep mentally and physically strong, and often uses these sports as channels to raise funds for charities through various endurance races across South Africa.
Jimmy Blake
Director
NQF6 Financial Management
Jimmy is a creative-thinking insurance expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. Since 2008, Jimmy has had extensive experience in the insurance industry and client services across various companies, such as BrokerNet and Trustco Intermediary Solutions. He is currently a Board Director and Head of Short-Term Insurance and Volume Business at Southern Cross Risk Management. In this role he is responsible for, and manages, other group interests, companies, and joint ventures in short-term insurance, with a focus on volume business, assist and loyalty.
Jimmy is an avid outdoorsman in his spare time.
Mia Steenkamp
Group Accountant
Group Accountant; BComm (Hons)
Mia grew up in Cape Town and graduated from the University of Stellenbosch with BCom in Economics and Financial Management, as well as Honours in Business Management. She began her career in the investment management field at Curo Fund Services where she worked as a fund accountant. Her next career move was a shift to Sygnia Asset Management where she worked for 3 years as a client relationship manager, gaining extensive knowledge in the asset management field. In 2018 she decided to move to Johannesburg where she started work as an account executive for Southern Cross Risk Management at SC Wealth. In 2021 she began a new role as Group Accountant.
Mia thoroughly enjoys the active lifestyle that includes running, yoga and hiking.
Henning Germishuys
Legal and Compliance
LLB Law
Henning began his career as a legal officer from 2006 to 2013, dealing with recoveries and liabilities, and as a claims handler. He then started working in the credit insurance industry in 2014. He worked as a claims assessor at a leading specialist credit insurer and later moved to Santam Structured Insurance as a credit insurance underwriter, further extending his knowledge in the field. Henning joined the Southern Cross Risk Management team in 2019 as head of the Credit Division, and also acts as the internal compliance manager.
In his free time, Henning enjoys outdoor activities and spending time in the bush.
Jessica Grobbelaar
Affinity Business
BComm Marketing Management
(Cum Laude)
Jessica started her career in the Health and Beauty Industry, which allowed her to travel extensively before settling down in Bermuda, where she lived for 10 years. Jessica completed her Bachelors degree in 2018 whilst living abroad. Upon returning to South Africa in 2019, she took a position in Marketing for an imports and distribution company. In 2021, she made the career move into the Financial Services industry and began working at Southern Cross Risk Management where she also provides support to the Volume and Affinity strategy of the business.
Jessica enjoys reading, running and spending time with her dogs.
Anjili Valla
Affinity Business
BComm Business Finance (Hons)
Anjili graduated from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2021 with BCom Honours in Business Finance and her undergraduate degree in Corporate Finance and Investments, and Insurance and Risk Management. She began her career in the graduate programme at Southern Cross Risk Management in partnership with iTOO Special Risks. In that time, she was involved in underwriting for liability policies and broking for commercial and personal lines policies. She looks forward to growing professionally and personally, taking on new challenges while adding value to the insurance industry. Anjili is an avid reader and enjoys spending time in nature.
Let us help you.
Reach out for an exploratory conversation.
Phone
+27 11 781 9916
Email
Address
44 Sandton View Office Park
Conduit Street, Lyme Park
Randburg
Southern Cross Lifestyle and Legacy is a division of Southern Cross Risk Management (Pty) Ltd, an authorised FSP 14874.
We build your legacy. You live your life.
© Copyright 2023 | Southern Cross Risk Management (Pty) Ltd | A licensed Financial Services Provider | FSP Number 14874 | All Rights Reserved.