Local firms invest in financial experts

STAFF REPORTER



Local firms Arysteq Asset Management and Simonis Storm Securities have joined forces to award seven bursaries to Namibian students embarking on a career in finance.

Due to their shared passion and commitment for the Namibian financial sector, the two companies established the Arysteq Foundation in 2016.

This week, four bursaries were awarded to students studying towards BSc Financial Mathematics and B Accounting at the University of Namibia, while one candidate was awarded a bursary to study towards a BSc in Applied Mathematics and Statistics at the Namibia University of Science and Technology.

These bursaries will support students with their tuition, textbooks and accommodation needs. The remaining two bursaries have been awarded to two students pursuing their studies in B Accounting at Stellenbosch University in South Africa. These comprise of a top-up amount of N$30 000 which will contribute to their existing bursaries.

Paying it forward

The foundation aim to support local skills development and capacity-building, which will contribute toward the growth of the local economy.

As a core belief, it believes in “paying it forward”. Arysteq Asset Management is one of six companies selected by the Government Institutions Pension Fund (GIPF) to participate in its incubation programme. The programme paves the way for the next generation of Namibian fund managers to manage local pension fund money.

“Covid-19 has created an uncertain outlook for the labour market and, therefore, has placed a threat on future employment prospects for Namibian youth. Despite the current economic climate, we want to support the next generation of financial specialists in realising their dreams.

“These bursaries support the students, allowing them to focus purely on their studies and achieve the best results possible,” Purvance Heuer, the managing director of Arysteq Asset Management, said.

“Investing in the development of skills in our industry is not just a responsibility, but also a strategic imperative of our group. Through continuous learning, training and development opportunities, we are actively contributing to reducing the skills gap in Namibia”, added Simonis Storm Securities’ Bruce Hansen.

Empowering women

The Namibia Financial Sector Strategy 2011 - 2021 calls for the creation of dynamic financial players who can provide support to the domestic economy. Both Arysteq Asset Management and Simonis Storm Securities have positioned themselves as dynamic players in the market, delivering transformative thinking and local expertise within the financial sector. Further skills development can only benefit the industry.

The two companies take great pride in being equal opportunity employers and are delighted that the majority of the successful bursary recipients are women. This outcome shows a natural support towards women empowerment in the industry.

“Recognising that every financial player has a role to play in contributing to the goals of the Namibia, the National Development Plan and Vision 2030, it is paramount that the next generation can take a seat at the table and play their role in enabling economic growth and development,” the companies said in a statement.

“A lack of skills can constrain a developing economy such as Namibia; therefore, the Arysteq Foundation is proud to join hands with these students and their families as they pursue their dreams.

“We wish the students all the best for the year ahead and we are patiently looking forward to welcoming them to our respective firms should the opportunity arise,” foundation chairperson Andrew Jansen said.