Alexforbes has reported a strong financial performance for the year ended 31 March 2026, navigating a landscape marked by volatile markets and global uncertainty.
The group saw assets under management and administration rise 22% to R733bn. Normalised profit also grew by 22%, supported by solid gains in institutional and retail new business flows. This performance earned the firm the Raging Bull South African Manager of the Year award for its investment arm. The company attributes its success to scaling effectively despite external pressures, positioning itself as an attractive investment destination through different market cycles.
"These are strong numbers but more importantly, they show what kind of company we’re becoming. With best advice at the heart of what we do, we have taken practical steps to build a more relevant and adaptable business that is closely aligned to what clients are dealing with in the real world."
— Dawie de Villiers, Chief executive officer
These results arrive alongside a recent Fitch upgrade of South Africa’s sovereign rating to BB from BB- with a stable outlook. National Treasury described this move as part of a broader shift in the ratings trajectory, signaling that disciplined policymaking can alter sentiment over time. Chief executive officer Dawie de Villiers noted that while the country has potential, it often lacks consistency.
“South Africa doesn’t fall short on potential, it falls short on consistency,” said de Villiers. “The opportunity is there, it comes down to staying focused and getting the basics right over and over again.”
De Villiers emphasized that the country needs steadier delivery rather than rhetoric. For Alexforbes, this perspective translates to measured optimism grounded in realism. The firm believes that converting improving sentiment into sustained growth will depend on a regular cadence of deliberate action from leadership in both public and private sectors.
Alexforbes is positioning itself for this environment by investing in future-fit platforms, expanding its retail capability, and deepening advice-led relationships. A key part of this strategy involves artificial intelligence. The group established a formal AI capability with clear governance and is deploying solutions across client servicing, analytics, risk management, and operations. These initiatives are improving turnaround times, strengthening decision-making, and enhancing client experience, using AI as a practical enabler rather than as a narrative. Looking ahead, the group expects the environment to remain volatile but sees a clear path to progress.
Frequently asked questions
What was Alexforbes' assets under management at the end of March 2026?
Alexforbes reported assets under management of R733 billion for the year ended 31 March 2026, a 22 percent increase from the previous year.
How much did Alexforbes' normalised profit grow in 2026?
Normalised profit grew by 22 percent in 2026, driven by strong institutional and retail new business flows.
What award did Alexforbes receive for its investment performance in 2026?
The firm earned the Raging Bull South African Manager of the Year award for its investment arm.
How is Alexforbes using artificial intelligence in its operations?
Alexforbes has set up a formal AI capability with governance and is applying AI to client servicing, analytics, risk management and operations to speed turnaround times and improve decision‑making.
