Nishlan Samujh: 48-year-old South African tycoon with $2.2-million stake in Investec

Nishlan Samujh, a South African executive and accomplished multimillionaire, stands at the helm of Investec, a renowned Anglo-South African international banking and wealth management group, steering its financial operations as the Finance Director.

His remarkable journey has elevated him as one of South Africa’s wealthiest business leaders and positioned him among the continent’s most affluent bankers, thanks to his substantial 0.04 percent stake in the Investec Group worth R42 million ($2.2 million).

Samujh’s influence in the South African financial sector is undeniable. Leading by example, he has left an indelible mark through his dynamic leadership and contributions at Investec, a financial services powerhouse catering to clients across Europe, Southern Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region.

His academic journey began with a higher diploma in Taxation, followed by a bachelor’s degree in Accounting, and later a postgraduate degree in Accounting. His career took flight at KPMG Inc., but his true calling awaited at Investec in 2000, where he started as a technical accountant in the financial reporting team.

Fast-forward to 2010, and he had assumed full responsibility for finance in South Africa, a role that eventually evolved into global head of finance. His extensive financial expertise and regulatory reporting acumen paved the way for his appointment as the group finance director of Investec Plc and Investec Limited.

Since taking the reins in April 2019, Samujh has been instrumental in driving Investec’s growth. His oversight of financial management, including planning, capital allocation, cash flow, and reporting, has provided strategic and financial direction, ensuring the group meets its financial objectives and obligations.

Under Samujh’s adept leadership, Investec has achieved remarkable financial milestones. Profits surged from £556.37 million ($700.6 million) in 2022 to an astounding £817.43 million ($1.03 billion) at the end of its 2023 fiscal year.

Moreover, the group’s total assets experienced significant growth, rising from £51.44 billion ($64.77 billion) in 2021 to £57.18 billion ($64.77 billion) in 2023, while retained earnings soared from £3.77 billion ($4.75 billion) to £4.55 billion ($5.73 billion) during the same period.

Investec’s impressive performance is mirrored in its market position. With shares now valued at R109.75 ($5.82) per share, the group solidifies its status as a leading player in Africa’s financial services sector, boasting a market capitalization of R104.5 billion ($5.54 billion).

Samujh’s minority 0.04 percent stake in Investec, currently valued at ($2.2 million), cements his standing as one of the high-value investors on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange.

In recognition of his pivotal role in steering the group’s finance functions throughout the 2023 fiscal year, Samujh was duly rewarded with a compensation package totaling £4.3 million ($5.41 million) at the fiscal year’s conclusion.

Samujh’s journey is not just a story of personal financial success but a testament to his strategic prowess in propelling Investec to new heights within the competitive landscape of African finance.

After receiving updated information from Investec, this article has been revised to accurately reflect Nishlan Samujh’s stake, which amounts to $2.2 million, or 0.04 percent ownership in the Investec Group.