About Us.
In an extraordinary world, a personalised approach to advice that demonstrates true care and a commitment to delivering what clients need is the cornerstone of what Stonehouse Capital seeks to achieve.
From its beginnings in 2007, Stonehouse Capital has cultivated an environment in which we can partner with trusted advisers and stakeholders to deliver excellent client experiences with the support of advanced technological and operational processes.
Our vision is to become the leading advice insurance business in South Africa. While we are an independent brokerage, our affiliation with Liberty Holdings provides the backing and support of a major financial services player that ensures both long-term stability and opportunities for growth. It also means that we operate to the strictest ethical and compliance standards in all that we do. We partner with multiple product and service providers, offering a wide range of solutions to suit every client’s need while giving advisers exciting opportunities for independent success.
Our mission is anchored by a determined focus on cultivating an environment that attracts and grows trusted advisers who deliver client-centric solutions; treat clients, stakeholders, and employees with dignity; create value for the business; and build a better future for generations to come.
Working in an environment that never stands still means that we must be flexible enough to adapt and evolve as we work together to build trust. We do this with a culture based on warmth, inclusivity, and humanity. We are proud to serve with respect and integrity; taking accountability for our actions and cultivating a growth mindset that propels us towards success.
MISSION.
MISSION.
Our mission is anchored by a determined focus on cultivating an environment that attracts and grows trusted Financial Advisers who deliver client-centric solutions; treats clients, stakeholders and employees with dignity; creates value for the business; and builds a better future for generations to come. Working in an environment that never stands still means that we must be […]
VISION.
VISION.
Our vision is to become the leading advice insurance business in South Africa. While we are an independent brokerage, our affiliation to Liberty Holdings provides the backing and support of a major financial services player that ensures both long-term stability and opportunities for growth. It also means that we operate to the strictest ethical and compliance standards […]
PURPOSE.
PURPOSE.
Our purpose is to serve success together. As an independent brokerage inspired by the symbolism of the keystone in our logo, we strive to be the ultimate building block that empowers our clients and Financial Advisers, ensuring their success in the financial landscape. We are committed to growing and retaining business for IAM and the […]
Values.
Through the lens of the three components of the Stonehouse Capital slogan, the following values emerged: Serving Success Together
Serving
Success
Together
Meet The Team.
Julian Alben
Chief Executive Officer
Over more than 30 years in the financial services industry, Julian has earned a reputation for his strategic thinking, strong leadership abilities and consistent success.
Having spent more than 10 years in various roles and divisions at ABSA, Julian worked his way up to National GM: Short-Term and Life, where he developed and implemented national and provincial sales strategies through the regional and national sales teams.
He was appointed as Divisional Director of ECM at Liberty in 2013, where he spent almost 10 years before becoming CEO of Stonehouse Capital – a feat he considers his greatest work achievement to date. His extensive experience in Sales and Distribution have given him a strong understanding of various insurance trends and distribution models in the ever-changing market environment. He is also well versed in the development of client and broker value propositions and strategies to lead Stonehouse Capital into the future.
As an enabling leader with an ear for diverse views and the ability to help others achieve their full potential, Julian encourages debate, values diversity and leads by example. In return, he expects those around him to show humanity, honesty, commitment and integrity.
He firmly believes that Financial Advisers are there to partner with clients to achieve the agreed financial outcomes through financial discipline, trust and continuous re-evaluation.
As a father of two, his children are his proudest achievements. Julian is also an avid reader, keen golfer and travel enthusiast.
Johann Seyffert
Chief Operating Officer
After starting out as a bank trainee, Johann steadily worked his way up to the managerial ranks. Since then, he has spent most of his impressive career in leadership positions, overseeing operations and driving growth for a range of companies.
With more than three decades of experience, Johann has a proven track record of success in optimising business processes, improving efficiencies and enhancing overall performance. Most importantly, he has a keen understanding of how to create and manage relationships with people from all walks of life.
Excellent insight into the insurance industry landscape has played an instrumental role in his ability to develop and implement strategies that meet changing market conditions. His philosophy for helping clients to achieve financial freedom is to keep what we do simple and authentic. His dream is to leave a legacy of helping other people to be successful.
Johann is a skilled communicator and collaborator who is able to build strong relationships with colleagues, clients and partners. He believes in recruiting people with a great attitude and creating an environment in which they feel safe to be creative and become the best they can be. He expects honesty, integrity and commitment from those he works with.
Being part of the team that created Stonehouse Capital from scratch is among his greatest career highlights. Beyond the office, Johann has a passion for physical challenges and having fun with his family. He strives to be the best husband, father, grandfather and friend that he can be.
Suzette Schroder
Head of Sales: Inland
Having started her career as a legal adviser with a BProc Law degree, Suzette joined the insurance industry as an adviser with Liberty’s Entrepreneur Division in 1999.
This experience in sales proved invaluable in developing an understanding of what it takes to be successful in the industry. It also shaped her fundamental desire to help clients achieve financial freedom, by honouring their unique needs, having clear deliverables and committing to the client-relationship journey for the long term.
Suzette brings strengths in relationship-building, support and critical thinking to the Stonehouse Capital team, and she would be proud to be remembered as a positive influencer.
Before joining Stonehouse Capital, she acted in various managerial roles with big insurance companies, in the areas of long-term, short-term and health cover. Her most recent position prior to Stonehouse was at Liberty head office, where she worked in Business Integration, dealing with the change management of strategic projects. Her industry experience and institutional knowledge, specifically in the sales and sales support functions, provides valuable insight into the projects on which she works.
With an excellent understanding of human behaviour, the practical implications of change and how to simplify complex issues, Suzette expects the people in her team to mirror her own commitment and passion, and she believes in bringing a positive attitude to every challenge.
Having continued her learning journey after joining the industry, Suzette is a registered CFP.
As a proud mother of three, animal lover, and enthusiastic reader and hobby painter, Suzette’s days are never dull. She is also an avid runner and proudly completed her first Comrades Marathon in 2023.
Donnovan Twiname
Head of Sales: Coastal
A highly skilled and respected leader with a deep understanding of the financial services industry, Donnovan joined the Stonehouse Capital team at the beginning of 2023.
He spent the prior 15 years as a Regional Distribution Head at Liberty Life, where he enjoyed working with good people; supported many sales leaders, brokers and advisers on their development journey; and is proud of the successes achieved by his team.
Donnovan believes in committing 100% to every opportunity and expects the same from others. Never afraid to take charge from the front, he leads by example to ensure that plans are executed and goals achieved.
He has a competitive spirit, an authentic approach to delivering solutions that are in the client’s best interests, and genuinely cares about people. His dedication to a client-centric approach will help shape the future of Stonehouse Capital.
A loving family man, Donnovan enjoys spending time with his family, gardening, playing golf and watching sport – with a special passion for Manchester United.
Elsa Slabbert
Operations Manager
With over 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, Elsa is extremely skilled in the field of business integration management.
Her knowledge extends to almost all facets of the insurance industry and she is exceptionally good at enhancing operational performance by developing and implementing strategies, policies and plans.
Elsa spent 14 years with Liberty as Head of Alternative Distribution and Senior Specialist Integration Business Management, where she could flex her uncanny ability to execute strategies effectively and efficiently. In that time, she was instrumental in successfully implementing various projects driving focused sales growth and client retention.
In addition to various qualifications, including a Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning and a Certificate in Compliance Management, she holds a stellar reputation as an efficient problem solver, is professional, resilient, organised, communicates effectively and operates with integrity.
Elsa firmly believes that the harder you work the luckier you get! He hobbies including sharing a glass of wine with family and friends, and hiking. She has completed hikes across South Africa, Kilimanjaro, the Basecamp of Everest and sections of the French and Portuguese Camino’s.
Meet The Board.
John Dunbar
Director and Non-Executive
Chairman Of The Board
An easy-going family man who has a talent for building and nurturing relationships, pulling teams together and helping them to collaborate and grow, John has progressed from behind-the-scenes work to front and centre of Liberty’s Client and Adviser team.
John is leading the journey of transforming Liberty from being sales and product-led to being customer inspired. He is perfectly placed to understand the dynamics behind the change, having fulfilled a variety of executive roles in the Individual Life, Sales and Distribution, and Finance and Operations functions.
Having spent several years in executive finance roles, his focus is on leading the team that is shaping the way forward for exceptional client and adviser experiences. It’s a vision that includes strong human connections, being there for clients in the moments that matter and being acutely responsive to changes in society.
A man with high standards, he believes in empowering his team to do what they’re good at.
He is proud of the accomplishments of the teams he has been part of, and the tenacity and character they have shown in the face of tough challenges.
He is a Chartered Accountant by qualification, but outside the office, he is a husband to wife, Laura, and a doting father of three; a fan of both bush and beach; and an exercise enthusiast.
When it comes to leaving a legacy of his own, John wants to be remembered as a regular guy who does what he says and has made a positive change in the lives of some of his colleagues.
Julian Alben
Executive Director
CEO
Over more than 30 years in the financial services industry, Julian has earned a reputation for his strategic thinking, strong leadership abilities and consistent success.
Having spent more than 10 years in various roles and divisions at ABSA, Julian worked his way up to National GM: Short-Term and Life, where he developed and implemented national and provincial sales strategies through the regional and national sales teams.
He was appointed as Divisional Director of ECM at Liberty in 2013, where he spent almost 10 years before becoming CEO of Stonehouse Capital – a feat he considers his greatest work achievement to date. His extensive experience in Sales and Distribution have given him a strong understanding of various insurance trends and distribution models in the ever-changing market environment. He is also well versed in the development of client and broker value propositions and strategies to lead Stonehouse Capital into the future.
As an enabling leader with an ear for diverse views and the ability to help others achieve their full potential, Julian encourages debate, values diversity and leads by example. In return, he expects those around him to show humanity, honesty, commitment and integrity.
He firmly believes that Financial Advisers are there to partner with clients to achieve the agreed financial outcomes through financial discipline, trust and continuous re-evaluation.
As a father of two, his children are his proudest achievements. Julian is also an avid reader, keen golfer and travel enthusiast.
Kobus Burger
Non-Executive Director
Bringing a diverse and distinguished background whilst performing in leadership roles within Standard Bank, Investec Private Bank and Deloitte. His experience encompasses Business Strategy, Strategic Innovation, Transactional Banking, Wealth management, Operations management, Risk management , Digital transformation and Data science.
He is a qualified engineer and Harvard Alumni where he completed a leadership development program, Business Strategy and Innovation courses at Harvard Business School. He completed course in digital transformation and Data science at Massachusetts institute of Technology.
He currently performs the role of COO of SBG investment business spearheading strategic projects, governance, compliance, non-financial risk management and data within the business.
At Standard Bank Wealth and Investment, Kobus played a crucial role in overseeing operational functions that underpin the business strategy. This includes establishing of a shared services function, client service contact center, Digital Strategy and IT, Data Insights, Risk and Control, Contact Centre operations, and Banking Product offerings tailored for high-net-worth clients.
Kobus founded of a consulting firm that specialised in leveraging innovation to drive new sources of revenue.
Prior to this, he occupied key leadership positions at Investec Private Bank, Deloitte, and Eskom, where he refined his expertise in business strategy, financial performance, product innovation, and operational excellence.