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Inspire through knowledge

Mariselle Stofberg

Wolfgang Erni’s biggest inspiration in life is the fact that we can acquire new knowledge every day. He believes one should never give up on learning.

Wolfgang strives to continuously expand his knowledge and skill-set, which enables him to offer the best possible services to his clients.

After matriculating in 2004 from Namib High School in Swakopmund, and one year living in Cape Town, he returned to Namibia to enrol in the Bank Windhoek Candidate Bankers Trainee (CBT) programme in 2006.

After successfully completing the six-month CBT programme, comprising of theory and practical work, he was transferred to a retail branch of the bank.

“I started off as a teller at the Maerua Mall Branch in the same year. The advantage of working in a retail branch is that you get exposure to different areas in the banking field. During my ten years in retail banking I also worked in administration, credit and sales,” Wolfgang added.

Wolfgang developed a passion for working with clients and advising them on their investments.

In 2016 he joined the Bank Windhoek Corporate and Institutional Banking (CIB) division, where he managed corporate client relationships.

Wolfgang is proud to have been involved in the deal structuring and implementation of Bank Windhoek’s first financed renewable energy project which was a 5 MW Solar plant constructed in 2017.

“It was during these years at CIB where my interests in financial markets has grown. The interest in financial markets together with my passion to work with clients is what ultimately triggered my decision to make a career change to asset management,” Wolfgang added.

In March this year he joined the Capricorn Private Wealth (CPW) team as a wealth manager. CPW is a combined offering of Bank Windhoek and Capricorn Asset Management.

The CPW team offers financial and investment advice, estate planning, fiduciary services, short-term insurance, life insurance as well as offshore investments for the affluent client.

Wolfgang’s speciality is investment advice and his day mainly consists of advising clients where and how to invest their money in line with their strategic investment goals.

“During my career I studied part time and completed an advanced diploma in banking, finance and credit, as well as a diploma in treasury and international banking. I also passed the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level 1 exam and I am currently enrolled for the Level 2 exam,” he added.

“I read a lot and keep up to date with the latest financial news and markets worldwide in order to give the best possible advice to my clients,” he said.

Ethics and moral values are very important to Wolfgang, and he believes that these two concepts will get you very far in life.

“My advice to young people is to always stick to your moral values not only in your career but also in your personal life. Honesty, integrity, taking responsibility, perseverance, respect and humility are values which are very important to me. No matter what is on the cards, moral values are more important than success,” he added.

Wolfgang hopes to further expand and grow his knowledge to enable him to continue to add value to his clients and the company.

Apart from his interest in financial markets, Wolfgang is a passionate football fan and also still plays the sport as much as possible in his free time. He likes hiking, camping and spending time with his family outdoors.

When asked about the “best phase” in his life, Wolfgang said, “As much as I often reminisce about the days of my childhood growing up in Swakopmund, I find joy in my career as well as spending quality time with my wife and children.”

Wolfgang believes that every day offers new memories and moments, and he has enjoyed and valued every moment of his life so far.

CAPTION

Photo 1: Wolfgang Erni is a wealth manager at Capricorn Private Wealth (CPW).

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED