A New Era For Sasfin
Finweek English|18 April 2019

Michael Sassoon, now firmly in the top seat formerly occupied by his father, discusses his strategy to take Sasfin Holdings forward. A major move is tapping into SA’s unbanked economy, which takes the company in a completely different direction.

David McKay
A New Era For Sasfin

Just over a year after taking the reins as CEO of Sasfin Holdings, Michael Sassoon cuts a pretty relaxed figure. In fact, he’s very recently added the head of the group’s banking pillar to his overall corporate responsibilities following the retirement of Roland, his father, who founded and built Sasfin over a period of 50 years.

That sounds like a tough act to follow? “It’s been a great experience, and challenging,”

says Sassoon the younger from Sasfin’s Johannesburg offices. Now, however, the bank is going through cultural change as it adapts to life sans its founder, described by Michael Sassoon as “a force of nature”.

“He’s what I’d call a real entrepreneur: a huge amount of flair, quick decision-maker, very engaged, very involved in every decision ... But I think what we need for our next stage of growth is something that’s a bit more empowering, if that’s the right word?”

Consensus-driven? “More consensus,” replies Sassoon. “And also,

I suppose, it’s the world that’s changed. Maybe people want a bit more space to lead. That’s probably part of what’s happening over here, part of the shift.”

The firm’s recent interim results showing in March represented a return to form: no mean achievement given the underwhelming state of the SA economy. Headline earnings were 60% higher and the group’s credit book was improved.

On the downside, costs grew faster than income which is a metric Sassoon says occupies his mind. It’s worth acknowledging, however, that there’s an expense to evolution. Sasfin is, for instance, responding to the relentless advance and demands of fintech across all its traditional pillars.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM FINWEEK ENGLISHView all
THE HEALTH OF SA'S MEDICAL SCHEMES
Finweek English

THE HEALTH OF SA'S MEDICAL SCHEMES

As the Covid-19 pandemic abates, finweek takes a look at the financial performance of some of the largest players.

time-read
7 mins  |
5 November 2021
The effect of Gilbertson's departure
Finweek English

The effect of Gilbertson's departure

With Ntsimbintle Holdings now the major shareholder of Jupiter Mines, it could change SA’s manganese industry.

time-read
3 mins  |
5 November 2021
Making money from music
Finweek English

Making money from music

Why investors are increasingly drawn to the music industry.

time-read
3 mins  |
5 November 2021
Conviction is key
Finweek English

Conviction is key

Sandy Rheeder plays a critical role in Mukuru’s mission to open up financial services to the emerging consumer market in Africa through tailor-made technology solutions and platforms.

time-read
5 mins  |
5 November 2021
The post-pandemic toolkit
Finweek English

The post-pandemic toolkit

How CFOs can use technology to support growth.

time-read
4 mins  |
5 November 2021
Big city living exodus
Finweek English

Big city living exodus

Mini cities like Waterfall City and Steyn City are redefining city-style apartment living.

time-read
3 mins  |
5 November 2021
Big compact, big value
Finweek English

Big compact, big value

Handsome, with a hefty level of standard specification, the roomy Haval Jolion compact crossover is a great value proposition.

time-read
3 mins  |
5 November 2021
On barriers to entry
Finweek English

On barriers to entry

There are various ways in which a company or sector can achieve competitive dominance. They usually make for good investments.

time-read
2 mins  |
5 November 2021
Fear and greed in one index
Finweek English

Fear and greed in one index

To buck the trend, when markets are hot or cold, is a tough thing to do. However, it can deliver solid returns.

time-read
3 mins  |
5 November 2021
Africa's largest data centre facility coming soon
Finweek English

Africa's largest data centre facility coming soon

Vantage Data Centers plans to invest over R15bn for its first African data centre facility in Attacq’s Waterfall City.

time-read
3 mins  |
5 November 2021