In the spotlight questions – Kingsley Williams

In the spotlight questions – Kingsley Williams

Kingsley Williams shares insights on his role as CIO at Satrix, career journey, investment philosophy, and industry adaptation strategies.

Could you please share your job title and provide a brief explanation of how your role aligns with the broader goals and structure of Satrix?

My job title is Chief Investment Officer at Satrix. I am responsible for overseeing the Satrix investment team and the numerous processes that drive our wide range of offerings to the market.  This includes client engagements – from pitches, due diligences and report-backs – to public speaking at conferences and industry events. Our primary objective is to ensure that our clients are equipped to meet their investment goals using our range of investment offerings.

Can you give a brief overview of your career journey in the investment industry, highlighting key roles and experiences that have shaped your expertise?

I studied a BSc in Computer Science and Mathematical Statistics, and my first job in financial services was on the technology side of a global investment bank. I was curious about where the decisions were being made and realised, I needed to study further. I pursued an MBA in Finance at Wits Business School, which opened the door to move from technology to investments.

I joined Umbono Fund Managers in 2008, which was later absorbed into the Old Mutual Investment Group boutique structure.  This coincided with a move from Johannesburg to Cape Town. I held various roles, including Investment Analyst, Portfolio Manager, Head of Research, Deputy Chief Investment Officer and Chief Investment Officer.

I joined Satrix in November 2017. My original training in systems and statistics turned out to be a perfect fit for the types of skills required in an index investment management business.

How would you articulate your investment philosophy and its evolution throughout your career? How does it impact your decision-making process?

I believe that the markets are quite efficient, but there is still a place for active management – it is the very act of active management that keeps the markets efficient.  However, investors need to realise that most of their long-term performance will be determined by the strategic asset allocation of their portfolio. Getting this correct requires numerous active decisions to determine the weight and investment strategy to adopt for each asset class.

Could you elaborate on specific practices or approaches that have consistently contributed to your achievements in the asset management sector?

First and foremost is to always keep the client in mind when making decisions.  As professional investors, we act as fiduciaries on our clients’ behalf, so their interests need to be considered first.

Secondly, never rest on past success.  Financial markets are extremely competitive. Becoming complacent in your attitude or not striving for further improvement leaves the door wide open for competitors to gain an advantage.

Finally, remain curious and inquisitive, which triggers and motivates a culture of ongoing learning and innovation.

Recognising the demanding nature of the investment industry, how do you manage the work-life balance while meeting industry demands?

Family is really important to me, so making time to get outside into nature with them and enjoy the natural beauty of everything around us is essential to retaining perspective.

While I’d love to exercise more, my recent discovery of Pilates has helped to keep me in shape and to devote the time to take a break from my ever-demanding Inbox!

Lastly, my daughter’s miniature schnauzer reminds me to take him for walks around the neighbourhood or to the local park so he can stretch his legs too, which provides a healthy balance to my work demands.

Considering your growth in the industry, what interpersonal or social factors do you believe have significantly contributed to your professional development?

Learning to leverage the collective strengths of the team.  There are so many talents and skills that are needed in this industry, and if they are effectively harnessed, your team will operate at a higher level of service.  Give people space to play to their strengths, rather than try to be everything to everyone.  I believe this supports authenticity, which goes a long way towards cultivating and maintaining trust – an essential ingredient in asset management.

Given the evolving landscape of the investment industry, how do you anticipate future trends will impact your role, and what steps do you take to stay adaptable and responsive to changes in the financial sector?

It is impossible to predict how things will change, except that they are guaranteed to change and to change quickly.  Remaining curious, inquisitive, client-centric and learning to adapt to change through ongoing innovation are, to my mind, timeless ingredients for success.