Introducing the Futuregrowth Unlisted Credit Team

WHAT DOES THE TEAM DO?

The Unlisted Credit team forms part of the bigger Investment Team – the engine of the Futuregrowth machine. It is responsible for unlisted deal origination, approval and maintenance. The members directly contribute to the performance of various portfolios through the deals that they conclude, which are incorporated into the portfolios.

The team consists of two Portfolio Managers (PMs) and five Investment Analysts. The Investment Analysts all cover a wide range of development sectors, with a specific individual focus on agriculture, project finance, telecommunications, unlisted property and energy. The two PMs also manage various SteFI-benchmarked credit funds, and the Power Debt Fund, respectively.

The team has a collaborative approach to their work and rely on the mix of experience and skillsets within the team to achieve their key objective to bring in deals that contribute to Futuregrowth delivering on its promises to clients. This knowledge-sharing/team-based culture fits squarely into Futuregrowth’s culture as a company.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS….

HOW DO THE TEAM MEMBERS FEEL ABOUT THEIR WORK?

"I like the developmental nature of many of the deals that we invest in – this makes the job feel purpose-driven and impactful; I enjoy seeing the evolution of the transactions/counterparties that we invest in over time. It is fulfilling to be a part of that growth journey (especially in the unlisted space)."

"This role allows me as a professional, to fire on all cylinders, every day. It’s a bonus that Futuregrowth, as an investment house, is highly conscious of the ESG impact each investment decision has for its clients, borrowers, capital markets and South Africa as a whole. Not only am I making my mother proud, but I’m confident my children will be grateful for my contribution too."

"I see my job as an extension of myself as I spend so much of my life working, thinking and being influenced by Futuregrowth and my teammates. At the same time, I am able to express my values, develop solid working relationships and hopefully add value to my colleague's lives.”

HOW DOES THE TEAM CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMPANY CULTURE AT FUTUREGROWTH?

"By holding our counterparties to a high standard in terms of ESG, we also contribute towards positive change. This contributes to a high-performing and ethical culture.”

"I see the team as the steady tone to the eclectic culture at Futuregrowth.”

"I think the Unlisted Credit team represents the more serious side of the fun culture embedded at Futuregrowth. Given our orientation to managing credit risk and generally being sceptical of what borrowers tell us, sometimes we come across as unadventurous and conventional compared to the avant-garde style of some of the other teams.”

OUTSIDE OF WORK

The team is anything but unadventurous and conventional in their lives outside of work. One is a committed member of the Futuregrowth CSI Committee, spending much of her personal time hunting down worthy projects that make a material difference to people’s lives – no matter how small. Another member enjoys researching key historic personalities from Alexander the Great to Shaka Zulu, another loves travelling in Africa, and one has aspirations to be a great piano player in the second half of his life!