In this Smart Money with Alishia Seckam interview, Sanlam Private Wealth chief investment officer David Lerche unpacks his seven-year journey with the company.

Lerche joined Sanlam Private Wealth in 2016 as a senior investment analyst focusing on industrials and held this position for four years before being promoted to Head of Equities in January 2021.

He served two years as Head of Equities before being promoted again in 2023 – this time to chief investment officer.

Lerche begins the interview by explaining how he got into investing and how he has adapted to the role of chief investment officer.

He then unpacks the most unexpected 2023 economic events and the potential effects of tapering interest rates on investment strategies.

Given the local political and socioeconomic context, Lerche also explains how he sees the South African economic landscape developing in 2024.

He concludes the interview by detailing how investors can mitigate local risks and make the most of the situation, touching on factors such as asset diversification.