Optimum Investment Group (OIG) invests in Obsidian Capital, securing a 40% ownership stake

14 October 2025, Cape Town, South Africa – The Optimum Investment Group (OIG) is pleased to announce that, effective 1 October 2025, it has secured a 40% ownership stake in Obsidian Capital.

OIG and Obsidian Capital will continue to operate as separate entities, allowing each business to maintain its autonomy, independent investment teams and client focus.

The strategic partnership is intended to leverage the complementary strengths of both organisations, enhancing opportunities for discretionary fund management (DFM) and bringing OIG closer to leading asset managers. OIG offers Obsidian economies of scale by strengthening its operational capacity and enhancing marketing and distribution capabilities.

Each company’s investment management team will remain fully autonomous, operating separately despite the ownership stake.

According to Louwrens Smith, Group CEO of Optimum Financial Services, partnering with Obsidian is a strategic step forward for OIG. “It allows us to broaden our reach with access to hedge fund capabilities, forge stronger industry relationships and create new growth opportunities, while maintaining the integrity and independence of the respective investment teams. We are excited about the potential this partnership brings, not only for our businesses but also for our clients.”

“We are combining Obsidian’s boutique investment expertise with OIG’s scale and operational muscle. Together, we can unlock new growth, broaden our offering, and deliver even more value to clients,” Smith added.

The founding partners of Obsidian Capital, Richard Simpson and Royce Long, welcomed the partnership. Speaking on their behalf, Long said: “The partnership with OIG marks an important milestone for Obsidian Capital. By combining our complementary strengths, we can achieve greater scale, enhance our distribution, and continue to deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients. Together we are well-positioned to grow from strength to strength.”

Both OIG and Obsidian Capital remain committed to delivering high-quality investment solutions, leveraging each other’s expertise, and creating lasting value for their clients.

ENDS

For further information

Anika Theron | Head of marketing, OIG

0768880168

Anika@oig-invest.com

About the Optimum Investment Group (OIG)

The Optimum Investment Group (Pty) Ltd (OIG) is an award-winning, owner-managed boutique asset manager, committed to growing wealth “for a prosperous tomorrow”. OIG is owned, managed, and actively run by its leadership team – meaning the people who make the decisions work in, for, and on the business every day. This structure ensures full alignment with clients’ interests. OIG provides actively managed investment solutions – including unit trusts, model portfolios, and bespoke strategies – designed around each client’s unique goals and risk profile. With a strong emphasis on trust, transparency, and integrity, OIG combines deep market insight with disciplined risk management to deliver consistent, risk-adjusted returns. OIG delivers personalised, actively managed investment solutions built around clients’ specific goals, risk tolerances, and time horizons.

About Obsidian Capital

Obsidian Capital is a Johannesburg-based investment management firm founded by Royce Long and Richard Simpson, with over 25 years of combined fund-management experience. The company focuses on delivering long-term wealth creation for clients through a “big picture” investment philosophy: analysing both individual asset valuations and the macroeconomic environment to identify opportunities. Obsidian offers a range of funds – including multi-asset and long/short hedge funds via the Sanlam Collective Investments platform as well as equity and long only balanced funds – and prides itself on transparency, alignment with client goals, and having its own team invest substantially in the funds they manage.

Disclaimer

Although reasonable steps have been taken to ensure the validity and accuracy of the information in this document, Optimum Investment Group (OIG) does not accept any responsibility for any claim, damages, loss or expense, however, it arises, out of or in connection with the information in this document, whether by a client, investor or intermediary.

Optimum Investment Group (Pty) Ltd. Is an Authorised Financial Services Provider (43488).

All investments involve risk, including the potential loss of principal. There is no assurance that any financial strategy will be successful. OIG does not guarantee that the results of any advice, recommendations, or strategies will be achieved. Before making any investment decisions, customers should thoroughly review all relevant investment product documents and information. It is essential to assess whether an investment aligns with your financial situation, objectives, and risk profile.

This document may contain forward-looking statements identified by terms such as “expects,” “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “forecasts,” and similar expressions. These statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. OIG is not responsible for any trading decisions, damages, or other losses resulting from the use of the information, data, analyses, or opinions provided.

Past performance does not guarantee future results. Neither diversification nor asset allocation ensures a profit or protects against a loss.

The information, data, analyses, and opinions presented herein are for informational purposes only and do not constitute investment advice or an offer to buy or sell any security. References to specific securities or investment options should not be considered an offer to purchase or sell those investments. The performance data shown reflects past performance and is not indicative of future results.

The opinions expressed are those of OIG as of the date written, are subject to change without notice, and do not constitute investment advice.

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