Movers and shakers

Sade Gertze has always had the passion to work in asset management, but realised that working with a remarkable team makes it an even better culmination of her career goals. She recognises that the culture and dynamic environment makes Stanlib a great place to work.

Gertze holds a bachelor of commerce degree from the University of Cape Town, majoring in economics and finance. She is also a chartered financial analyst (CFA) charterholder. She works in the fixed income franchise and manages money market portfolios for the African segment, which includes Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini, as the only portfolio manager in the Namibian business. Gertze is responsible for covering the Namibian economy and supporting other managers in broader teams with insights and information on the local economy. This, she said, ultimately informs and supports Stanlib’s investment decisions for other portfolios with Namibian exposure.



Challenges and accomplishments

Considering that there is a steep learning curve, Gertze said in a tough and ever-evolving industry, there is always something new to learn, new ways to think and different approaches to problem-solving. “I have always considered myself a problem-solver, so in a sense, the biggest challenges become the biggest accomplishments by the creativity involved in solving them,” she said.

At work, Gertze begins her day by catching up on the latest news and market developments and anticipates the knock-on effects global developments have on local exposures.

“The money market desk is particularly busy in the first half of the day, so mornings are spent on daily transactions and executing investment decisions on the various portfolios I manage. Afternoons are spent on research and strategy. Reading, staying informed and planning future moves as well as analysing impacts of different scenarios,” she said.

Gertze plans to help Stanlib grow its brand and presence in Namibia.

“I would like to see our business take up its rightful place in the market as a household name when thinking about investing.”