Optimate Financial Solutions prides itself on employing professionally qualified and experienced staff that have complementary areas of specialisation. Our senior team have combined industry experience of more than 60 years in the fields of product development, individual advice, retirement fund advice, legal, compliance and administration services. With 10 degrees and 5 diplomas between them, our senior team are suitably qualified to provide Optimate clients with well researched advice and support in an ever changing regulatory and market environment.

Our people continuously challenge conventional industry approaches and look broader than the usual market to find solutions to our clients’ needs.

Director

Antonio Lopes

Antonio is a Certified Financial Planner with a degree in Industrial Psychology. This makes it easy for him to combine working with people and money in a simple way that makes sense. Antonio thrives on making a positive impact in people's lives.
Director

Lindsay Lofstedt

Lindsay has over 20 years’ financial services experience at a large pension fund administrator and consultancy. Lindsay’s specialises in product development, specialist retirement fund consulting, investment analysis, alternative risk structuring and industry benchmarking.
Employee Benefits Consultant

Lihle Ntshangase

Lihle completed a BCom (majoring in Finance and Marketing). She is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP). Her strength lies in her exceptional people skills, relationship building and interaction with large complex funds.
Financial Advisor

Gareth Taylor

Gareth has a BCom Finance (Hons). He previously worked at a large investment bank and in a boutique finance house. He combines the corporate experience with an entrepreneurial flair to provide planning solutions for individual clients.
Financial Advisor

Leon Leeuwner

Leon is a registered financial and healthcare planner with 20 years experience. He believes in a customer centric approach and focuses on portfolio planning and wealth management with an ability […]
Healthcare Advisor

Alison Hansen-Watkins

In the healthcare industry since 1991, Alison is accredited with the Council for Medical Schemes. She is a proficient intermediary between medical schemes, employers and individual clients, and will analyse […]
Administrator

Anita Maistry

Anita is part of our Durban team and focuses on retirement and risk administration for our corporate clients.    
Retirement Benefits Counsellor

Brenda Mnunu

Brenda is a teacher by qualification. She has been in the Financial Services Industry for several years and has worked in various tiers and positions within the Employee Benefits sector. […]
Special Projects Manager

Nick Meiring

As Special Projects Manager, Nick is involved in all aspects of the company including marketing and communications, compliance, Employee Benefits consulting, and financial advice. His social science background and inquiring mind make him ideal for this role.