The firm's strategy is designed to scale the private client franchise through a high-touch, advice-led proposition, enabled by digital capabilities and a globally-integrated One Investec ecosystem.

The Investec Group, a UK and South African-headquartered international bank and wealth manager, has laid out its growth strategy – aimed at the private client franchise.

Its private client growth ambitions will be driven by the advice-led, high-touch client proposition through private banking and wealth capabilities, combining long-standing relationships with digital access and 24/7 support. One Investec's integrated global ecosystem provides banking and wealth solutions across geographies, creating a global client experience while deepening client relationships through banking, lending and wealth partnerships, the bank said in a statement.

Across banking and wealth, the firm plans to turn client franchises into larger, more entrenched and higher returns businesses by March 2030. In South Africa, the private banking base of 128 000 clients provides a strong platform for growth, with the ambition to add a further 122 000 clients.

In the UK, the same strategy is being applied from a "more focused base," growing from 8 200 private banking clients by adding about 5 000 new clients and contributing £25 million ($34 million) in additional operating profit.

“The UK high net worth market presents a compelling growth opportunity. By broadening our proposition, deepening client relationships and leveraging the strength of the wider Investec ecosystem, we are well positioned to deliver a more integrated banking and wealth proposition,” Ryan Tholet, head of private banking UK, said.

Wealth & Investment International will add a layer of long-term value: with 27 000 annuity clients, the business said it would be able to deliver sustained earnings growth of 16 to 17 per cent by FY2030. Together, these priorities form a strategy which will grow client scale, deepen relationships and convert franchise strength into enduring client value, the bank added.

In the South African private banking franchise, the group invests in parts of the business where it already has a strong market, ensuring that it delivers the best value to its clients. Investec private banking is also accelerating its presence in the affluent market through differentiated offerings such as My Investments and Investec Life in partnership with Investec Wealth & Investment International.

In the UK, Investec is transitioning from a specialist lender to a full-service primary bank for its clients. The enhanced offering will include a broader suite of banking services, including current accounts, credit cards, rewards and benefits. The enhanced proposition will be supported by digital capabilities, a global 24/7 client support model and access to the wider One Investec ecosystem. This integrated approach is designed to deepen client relationships and drive long-term growth, the bank said.

By offering a differentiated, advice-led proposition supported by dedicated bankers and financial advisors, enhanced service capabilities and digital engagement Investec is evolving its operating model by servicing an affluent segment in an omni-channel approach, alongside its HNW and high-income client bases.

“Our well-established Wealth & Investment International business is delivering strong financial performance, supported by consistent client inflows and disciplined active investment management,” Joubert Hay, chief executive of Investec Wealth & Investment International, said. “With a clear line of sight to our FY2030 ambitions, deeper integration with private banking and continued digital enablement will further enhance earnings quality and client value.”