Welcome to Otto1890
Sasfin Wealth is becoming Otto1890.
As we enter this new chapter, we honour our journey and more than a century of navigating change and creating value.
Our new name is a clear expression of who we are, grounded in heritage, yet firmly focused and built for the future.
Why Otto1890?
On 11 February 1890, Otto Pollak became one of the first members of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. He was soon joined by his brother Max, and later, Eric Freemantle. Together, they laid the foundations of a business that, after several name changes, would become Sasfin Wealth: one of South Africa’s longest-standing investment specialists.
Since 1890, we have adapted to global shifts and evolving client needs, while our commitment to excellence has remained constant. Today, as Otto1890, we continue to strengthen our global investment capabilities and expand our offering for private, corporate, and institutional clients.
What’s changed?
Our name and look are new,
but our commitment isn’t.
The talent and tenure of our people, the rigour and precision behind every process, and the steady, well-informed global thinking that has guided us since 1890 remains.
We are Investment Specialists
We are an integrated investment specialist, bringing the full breadth and depth of our expertise and proprietary solutions to enable clients to achieve their investment objectives.
Confidently independent, we look after over R100bn in assets, giving us real scale in the investment landscape.
We take investing personally; our clients feel it, and that is how we have built multi-generational relationships.
We don’t strive to be everything to everyone. We focus on what we do best.
Investment Management
Disciplined, independent portfolio and asset management across global markets. Our proprietary solutions are designed to protect, preserve, and grow wealth over time.
Advisory Solutions
Holistic guidance that spans wealth planning, fiduciary services, asset consulting, and health consulting. We partner with private and institutional clients to create strategies that bring clarity, confidence, and enduring results.
Trade Execution Services
Seamless execution across equities and fixed income. With precision and scale, we connect clients to opportunities in global markets.
Crafted for over a century.
Built for what’s next.
We have spent decades navigating complexity and change. Our commitment doesn’t end at performance metrics. We invest deeply in trust, partnership, and enduring relationships. We seize opportunities with conviction and are fully invested in our clients’ success.
Our stories
Follow our journey to Otto1890. These are key moments that have shaped the last 25 years of our business as a diversified investment specialist:
FOUNDED AS A STOCKBROKERAGE
On the 11th of February 1890, our founder, Otto Pollak became one of the first stockbrokers on the JSE.
JOINED THE SASFIN GROUP
In 2000, we acquired Frankel Pollak Securities and rebranded the business as Sasfin Securities.
ENTERED GLOBAL MARKETS
In the early 2000s as exchange controls eased, we gave our private clients access to international opportunities, by building the capability to deliver expertise across asset classes on a global scale.
EXPANDED OUR RETIREMENT OFFERING
Our established pedigree in discretionary global investment management ensured that we were well placed to manage personal share portfolios in a variety of savings and investment structures, including retirement vehicles.
LAUNCHED ASSET MANAGEMENT AND INSTITUTIONAL CAPABILITIES
In 2009 we launched asset management and collective investment schemes for institutional, corporate and private investors. Over the past decade, this award-winning capability has grown in both assets under management and industry recognition.
ACTIVATED SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVES
We are committed to driving impact across multiple spheres – from partnerships with CSR organisations to job creation through the Sasfin-RBN Enhanced Job Creation Fund.
WELCOMED WIPHOLD AS A MAJOR SHAREHOLDER
In 2017, WIPHOLD, an investment holding company dedicated to empowering women and transforming society, became a major shareholder. Our partnership is built on shared values of long-term growth, ethical leadership, and inclusivity.
DEVELOPED PRIVATE MARKETS AND ALTERNATIVE ASSET SOLUTIONS
In 2020, we developed fit-for-purpose private market solutions to meet evolving client needs and shifts in global capital markets. From co-creating a local private credit fund that expands SME lending and supports job creation, to enabling access to international private equity opportunities, our solutions broaden diversification and impact.
FORGED STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS
Over the past decade, we have invested in and collaborated with select local and global partners who complement our core capabilities, enhance our value proposition, and enrich our client experience.
ESTABLISHED AS A STANDALONE BUSINESS
In November 2025 we made the announcement that we will be changing our name to Otto1890 in the first quarter of 2026. This is more than a name change; it reflects our heritage and boldly signals our focused vision for the future, with our people fully invested in the journey.
Where head meets heart
For us, investing isn’t just business, it is personal.
Our people are our greatest strength.
We show up fully, honour our word, and bring curiosity and commitment to everything we do. We care deeply about our work, and the people we do it for. We stay curious, always learning and building what’s next.
Many of our team members have been with us for decades. They stay because they’re all in. Our young talent learns directly from industry leaders: blending experience with fresh perspectives.
Every stakeholder has direct access to senior leadership.
Collaboration flows seamlessly across the business, unlocking the full depth of our expertise. We think long-term. We build for generations. Above all, we care for each other: listening, respecting and building together.
Excellence in practice
Industry recognition reflects the performance we deliver and the commitment of our people to achieving our clients’ objectives. These awards stand as a testament to that focus over many years.
Raging Bull Awards Winner
2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022
Morningstar Awards Winner
2020 | 2021 | 2022
Intellidex Winner
2020 | 2021 | 2022
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