Meet Robert Towell: The steady hand behind the strategy

Robert Towell’s journey into portfolio management began with a newspaper, a teenager’s curiosity, and a R2.15 share in Omnia Chemicals. Still in school, he pored over the JSE pages for weeks before making his first investment; a move that doubled in value within a year and sparked a lifelong interest in markets and wealth creation. His father offered sage advice at the time: “Don’t sell just hold them.” It’s the kind of long-term thinking that now defines Robert’s approach to managing wealth.

Based in Johannesburg, Robert brings both discipline and empathy to his role as Portfolio Manager at Sasfin Wealth. He understands that while most clients want rapid growth, very few are comfortable with the swings that come with aggressive investing.

That’s why his priority is getting to know each client’s risk profile intimately. Once that foundation is in place, he builds portfolios that are not only growth-oriented but carefully diversified, balancing equities, property REITs, commodities, bonds, and different global exposures to reduce risk and steady the journey.

This month, as we reflect on the importance of saving, Robert reminds us that consistency is more powerful than timing. “When times are good, we tend to spend more and save less. But it’s better to set a percentage of your income aside, not a fixed amount. That way, you save more when you can and protect yourself when times get tight.”

His advice for beginners is refreshingly grounded: don’t chase flashy returns. “If it sounds unbelievable, it probably is. You’ll lose money early on, which can be hard to recover from. Rather build a solid savings pot with a trusted manager and make consistency your priority.”

Robert is also a firm believer in responsible financial habits, especially in a country where short-term gratification often trumps long-term planning. “A car isn’t an investment,” he says. “Whatever you’re prepared to pay monthly, cut it in half and invest the other half. You’ll be amazed by the difference over time.”

What would he do if he weren’t managing portfolios? You’d find him halfway across the world, notebook in hand. “I’d love to be a travel writer,” he says. “Imagine going from one remote corner of the globe to the next sharing meals with locals, learning their stories, drinking vodka with a Russian woodsman in -30°C Siberia… that’s the dream.”

Who knows? With disciplined investing, that dream may well become reality. For now, though, Robert is firmly focused on helping his clients shape their futures, one portfolio at a time. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your investment strategy, Robert’s door is always open.

To connect with Robert Towell, click here or give him a call on 071 144 58001.