PROFILE: Nomathibana Matshoba CFA, Managing Director, Terebinth Capital

How did you get involved in financial services – was it something you always wanted to do?

I’ve always wanted to be in the financial services sector. My decision was influenced by my late aunt who worked for Old Mutual, and who was very successful when we were growing up. When selecting my preferred programme for university studies, it became apparent how broad the sector was in terms of the available options within the commerce streams at universities across the country. My journey started with actuarial science studies and, later, a master’s degree in Mathematics of Finance at the University of Cape Town, before attaining my CFA designation. Looking back, I am fortunate to have had a focused approach within the fixed income asset class, from lower-risk money markets to higher-risk derivates and listed property investment.

What was your first investment – and do you still have it?

Purchasing my sectional title property unit one year after university was my first investment decision. I bought just when property prices were starting to go up in Cape Town.

The investment unit is in a good location, close to schools and convenience amenities, and therefore remains in my portfolio as an investment property.

What have been your best – and worst – financial moments?

I am fortunate to have always been frugal with how I spend money. I used to think I was stingy, but my husband explained it well when he said it is frugality – “the quality of being economical with money”. The value of money is in what you can do with it. Therefore, based on my perspective, having financial lows and highs is a function of your immediate and future needs. This obviously lies in the assumption that the basic needs such as food, water, shelter, health, safety and security are fully covered. I have been able to pare down my immediate wants to the basic needs when finances are strained and have been fortunate enough to implement this philosophy since starting my work life.

I am fortunate to have always been frugal with how I spend money

What is your view on Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies?

I currently do not have exposure to any of the cryptocurrencies. I think I am in the camp of wanting to understand the endgame for the units – will they be for trading goods and services, or will their value lie in trading the unit itself? Because, we have seen how currency values can be in the underlying unit itself; for example, the dollar as the global currency.

Nomathibana Matshoba CFA, Managing Director, Terebinth Capital