See full profile: Cape Town Sanlam Financial Advisor - Christiaan Olivier
Were you always planning to be a Financial Advisor and why?
I was always interested in the financial side of things, hence I studied Financial Management. I started working in the financial services sector in 2006 as a Service Consultant and was promoted to Branch Manager in 2009. I held several positions from Service Consultant to Business Representative: Systems and Procedures looking after 700 branches. I changed sectors and went into the real estate industry in 2016 and spend 14 months within the sector. I than decided to further my aspects by becoming a Financial Planner as I believe I have a lot that I can offer to my clients.
When meeting with clients do they mostly come to your own premises or do you mostly go their theirs?
My clients come to my office, I mostly go to my clients
What is your preferred mode of communication with your clients?
Email, Phone, Face to Face, WhatsApp
Have you ever done an online video call with a client?
Yes
What do you love most about being a financial advisor
I love the fact that I am able to add value not only to the client but towards his whole portfolio including his family. I also love the fact that one can build something from nothing and being able to ensure that my clients are well informed, educated and taken care off. Client service, Transparency, Fairness and Honesty are my building blocks and I strive to be different than the rest in the Industry.
Would you recommend becoming a financial advisor as a career for school-leavers, and why?
I would recommend this to school leavers as it provides you with a broad opportunity to live out your entrepreneurial flair and in the same breath provide a valuable service to your community. In my case I can be both Banker, Real Estate Agent and Financial Planner adding significant value to the overall portfolio of my clients
What qualities should South Africans be looking for in their financial advisor?
South Africans should look at Trust, Transparency, Fairness, Honesty and Service.
What is the biggest challenge facing financial advisors today?
The biggest challenge for financial advisers today is they ability not to connect or stay connected with clients that's in need of proper financial education and advice. We sit with all the knowledge and skills but sometimes not seeing clients that knowledge or skills become a waist. Financial Advisers are just as important in the cycle of households as any other instrument used within the household context. We all have a great story to share which could make change in the life of the next person.
What aspects of financial advising do you focus on most?
I focus on the overall planning process and incorporate the client needs according to our implementation plan over the period. Some solutions can be immediately implemented while others can be implemented overtime.
Describe your average client:
South Africans should look at Trust, Transparency, Fairness, Honesty and Service.
How far away from your premises is your furthest client?
200km
From your financial advising experience, if you could cite one of the biggest reasons financial goals, what would it be?
The ability to plan and do the right thing. Most times people are busy with "stuff" which in turn end up being the wrong "stuff". Some people start too late in their working journey to plan for retirement or creating wealth. But it's never too late to implement a strategy or solution that could make a difference to your current financial planning portfolio.
What financial software do you like best?
Software provided by Employer
What other software, online services or apps do you use?
None
Do you think the coming wave of automation in the next few years will steal some financial advisor jobs and why/why not?
I dont think that the need for human interaction would ever die out. People still prefers the human touch, we only use these technological enhancements to guide us in making the best possible decision.
What is your opinion on Bitcoin?
Bitcoin has been proving itself as a volatile instrument, not all clients fit this criteria to be invested in Bitcoin.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
I enjoy reading and researching topics. A good week on the country side especially on the farm makes me happy.
What is the most interesting thing on your bucket list?
To grow my practice by adding value to my clients.
What has your experience been on FindanAdvisor?
I'm new to the site, but so far awesome
