George
12 March 2026
The Hawthorn Boutique Hotel
OIG 2026 Investment Roadshow
CONSOLIDATION VERSUS ACCELERATION
Positioning portfolios for what comes next
The last couple of years have been marked by disruption, acceleration, and divergence due to geopolitical tensions, inflation shocks, rapid interest-rate tightening, and concentrated market leadership. 2026 is shaping up to be a year of consolidation rather than acceleration – a year where investors pause, digest and plan. Rather than chasing new extremes, investors are likely to see capital rotate, fundamentals reassert themselves, and risk become more selective.
In this environment, consolidation is not stagnation – it is the market doing the necessary work of separating sustainable returns from excess, and positioning capital for the next phase of the cycle.
We will be applying for CPD.
Join us for an engaging discussion on how to position portfolios for resilience today and opportunity tomorrow.
Limited seats available. Sign up today to reserve your seat!
Agenda
08h00 – 08h30
Arrival and registration
08h30 – 08h45
Welcome
Louwrens Smith, Group Chief Executive Officer, Optimum Financial Services Group
08h45 – 09h15
From innovation to implementation: AI’s investment reality after the hype
The AI opportunity is consolidating, not disappearing. AI remains transformative, but returns will increasingly accrue to companies that can convert innovation into durable cash flows. This session unpacks the difference between AI adoption and AI monetisation.
Francois Botha, Chief Investment Officer, Optimum Investment Group
09h15 – 09h45
Cognitive shortcuts in a complex world
2025 left investors behaviourally exhausted, reacting to headlines and AI-amplified narratives rather than fundamentals. This heightened recency bias and a short-term focus – creating overreaction and retreat cycles. In 2026, consolidation takes hold, with investors favouring simplicity, familiarity and reassurance over opportunistic risk-taking.
Eugene Visagie, Head of Strategy, Optimum Investment Group
09h45 – 10h30
Panel discussion: Navigating consolidation across markets
With a heavy global election cycle driving governments to prioritise domestic stability, fiscal discipline, and economic resilience, risk appetite is slowing, and markets are reassessing valuations, earnings quality, and balance-sheet strength. In this panel, our CIOs will explore what consolidation means across asset classes, regions, and portfolios, sharing insights on how investors can navigate this period with discipline, confidence, and a clear strategic perspective.
Francois Botha, Chief Investment Officer, Optimum Investment Group
Royce Long, Co-founder and portfolio manager, Obsidian Capital
Moderated by: Eugene Visagie, Head of Strategy, Optimum Investment Group
10h30 – 10h45
Closing remarks and audience questions
Light refreshments will be served.
