Our Story: Values & Core Principles
Our Story
Amidst the growing trend of mergers and acquisitions that started in the late 1970’s, John le Roux and Andy Calmeyer, together with their then co-founding directors, felt that the time was right for a new kind of personal trust company.
On the 1st of December 1980, their company opened its doors for business, operating under the name of Personal Trust. A name chosen to embody the company ethos by which the company still lives over 45 years on. In addition to the Rondebosch Head Office, Personal Trust has offices in Noordhoek, Somerset West, George, and Knysna, as well as an offshore presence on The Isle of Man.
We have grown significantly over the years and now manage in excess of R35 billion worth of assets for our clients. Despite our growth, we remain privately owned by Directors and Staff and are committed to our original vision of providing clients with personal and professional guidance on all aspects of their financial affairs.
Personal Service & Trusted Relationships
At Personal Trust, we build long-term relationships rooted in trust, genuine care and enduring support for our clients and their families. We believe in ‘old-fashioned’ personal service that never fades, providing ongoing guidance and standing by you in life’s more difficult moments through our dedicated social wellness initiative. We’re here not just for your financial security today but also for your family’s wellbeing for generations to come.
Holistic Financial Planning
We take care of every part of your financial world under one roof – from investments and tax to wills, trusts and estates – all guided by a single Trust Officer who truly understands your family’s unique story. By getting to know you and your goals in detail, we create clear, tailored financial plans and portfolios that serve as a trusted roadmap to secure your future, generation after generation.
Investment Performance & Risk
Your capital deserves steady growth and careful protection. Our experienced investment team works closely with you to align every decision with your goals and risk profile, delivering consistent, competitive performance through a robust and cost-effective in-house approach, so your wealth grows securely now and into the future.
Ease of Administration
We handle the day-to-day financial administration and cash management for clients who need extra support, ensuring your affairs are looked after with care and giving you peace of mind and more time to focus on what matters most.
Investment Behaviour & Discipline
We help you build healthy financial habits and stay on track through trusted relationships, regular reviews and clear guidance. By understanding the emotional side of investing, we help you make wiser decisions and protect your long-term value, nurturing discipline today to grow a stronger legacy for tomorrow.
Our Values
Independence
To remain independently owned, thus ensuring intergenerational success.
Personal Service
In order to provide our clients with personal attention and tailor-made portfolios, we need to understand their core requirements, values and expectations, as well as their concerns and fears. A successful portfolio management strategy requires that we truly understand these aspects, which require both time and meaningful interaction.
Conservative, Long-term Investment Strategy
We specialise in the management of retirement capital and endeavour to provide inflation-beating returns with moderate levels of risk. We value and insist upon long-term relationships with our clients recognising that there is no foolproof way to achieve above-average performance over the short or medium term. We treat as a top priority our clients and their families wellbeing.
Two-way Partnership With Our Clients
As with any successful relationship we believe in ongoing, informative and honest communication with our clients. To be involved in the management of their own affairs, our clients receive regular communication ensuring they are always kept up-to-date on the performance of their investments, in addition to general issues affecting the investment market.
Our Core
Principles
foundations of our business.