STANLIB Asset Management’s established and award-winning Fixed Income Investment Team has reached R302.7 billion in assets under management (AUM) as at 31 December 2024.
This remarkable milestone marks the first dedicated fixed income team in South Africa to surpass the R300 billion mark, managing the largest fixed income portfolio outside the Public Investment Corporation (PIC).
Commitment to Growth
“Our growth in AUM while maintaining strong performance across all strategies is testament to the team's commitment and vision set in 2019,” said Victor Mphaphuli, Head of STANLIB’s Fixed Income Investment team. “Our aim is to build on this momentum and continue delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients.”
Leadership Transition
In line with this growth, STANLIB is pleased to announce the appointment of Eulali Gouws as the new Head of Money Market, effective 1 March 2025. Eulali, who has been with STANLIB since 2015, brings a wealth of experience and has been mentored for this role through a carefully considered succession plan. She has co-managed the Money Market team and has been guided by Ansie van Rensburg, ensuring a seamless transition.
“STANLIB has greatly benefited from Ansie’s significant contributions to the Money Market capability and the broader investment industry,” Mphaphuli stated. “Her support for Eulali has been pivotal in ensuring a smooth transition. We have every confidence in Eulali’s ability to lead the Money Market team and continue STANLIB’s proven investment philosophy.”
Eulali holds a BCom (Hons) in Accounting from the University of Johannesburg, is a qualified chartered accountant, and a registered CFA charterholder. She has also participated in the South African Reserve Bank's Zaronia and Repo Committees, further solidifying her expertise in the field.
Commitment to Talent Development
A key to the success of this team has always been the depth, breadth, and diversity of expertise, coupled with a commitment to mentoring, transformation, and strategic succession planning.
“The practice of nurturing talent actively has been in place for many years and continues to yield results,” Mphaphuli added.
Like Gouws, Mphaphuli benefited from this entrenched approach, having worked alongside industry veteran Henk Viljoen for 15 years before becoming Co-Head of Fixed Income in 2016 and assuming sole leadership in 2019.
Strategic Integration of Unlisted Debt
In another strategic move to deepen its expertise and offerings, the STANLIB Fixed Income team has integrated unlisted debt expertise into its operations as of 1 January 2025. This initiative underscores STANLIB's commitment to providing clients with innovative investment strategies in a rapidly evolving market landscape.
“We believe these enhancements will significantly benefit our clients’ investment strategies,” Mphaphuli stated. “By combining our expertise in unlisted debt with our existing fixed income capabilities, we are well-positioned to deliver greater value and innovation to meet all client needs across diverse market environments.”
As the fixed income market continues to change, unconstrained investment strategies are becoming essential. Many investors are recognising the value of integrating private debt into their portfolios, acknowledging its potential for enhanced returns and diversification. The integration of unlisted debt capabilities will allow STANLIB to deliver a comprehensive offering that encompasses both public and private credit markets, enhancing portfolio characteristics and providing clients with access to a wider variety of return levers.
Leadership Structure
The integrated Fixed Income team will continue to be led by Victor Mphaphuli, alongside a robust leadership structure comprised of Sylvester Kobo – Deputy Head: Fixed Income & Head: Rates & Listed Credit, Eulali Gouws – Head: Money Market, Johan Marnewick – Head: Private Debt, and Tarryn Sankar – Head: Credit & Investment Research.
“As we move forward, our focus will remain on delivering innovative strategies that meet the diverse needs of our clients. Together, we will navigate the complexities of the market and seize new opportunities for growth,” concludes Mphaphuli.
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