Financial services giant Alexforbes recently reported significant growth in its full-year earnings, driven by its strategic acquisition strategy and the successful resolution of litigation. The company declared a final cash dividend of 33 cents per share, marking a 10% increase from the previous year, raising the annual dividend to 55 cents per share. Alongside this, a special cash dividend of 10 cents per share was announced, creating waves in the financial sector. In an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa, Alexforbes CEO Dawie De Villiers shed light on the year's developments and the company's positioning amidst a challenging economic environment. "It stays, it remains a tough operating environment for sure," De Villiers reflected, citing global political tensions, US trade tariffs, and domestic budgetary constraints as notable challenges. Despite these hurdles, Alexforbes has demonstrated robust resilience, leveraging strategic measures to navigate the complexities. A critical aspect of Alexforbes' growth lies in its adept handling of the Tupac system, a significant industry-wide disruption. "We have paid for 560,000 claims since the inception of Tupac and paid out about 7.8 billion rand," De Villiers explained, highlighting the system's role in reshaping the pension claim landscape. Despite the initial surge in claims, the company stabilized its operations, with the later period witnessing claims primarily from individuals with immediate needs. Alexforbes' diversified portfolio, encompassing healthcare, multinational investments, and retirement services, has also been pivotal in sustaining growth. "We’ve managed to continuously grow our new business every year...we’re doing the right thing on the right track," De Villiers stated, detailing the strategy's success in both new client acquisition and client retention. The introduction of the two-pot system not only tested market dynamics but also positioned Alexforbes as a reliable provider offering swift claim settlements, fostering client trust and enhancing customer satisfaction. Amidst these operational enhancements, Alexforbes is also expanding its advisory pool to meet growing demands. "We’ve added 30 extra advisors in the last six months," De Villiers noted, unlocking a notable increase in engagements from corporates seeking informed guidance on savings and investment strategies. This strategic expansion aligns with Alexforbes' focus on combining retail savings with pension fund strategies, providing a comprehensive approach to its clients. While acknowledging raised operating costs mainly tied to acquisitions and technological investments, De Villiers emphasized the necessity for technology-driven transformations. "Tech spend is the future," he asserted, underlining tech's role in enhancing service delivery. The company's focus remains on leveraging technology to cater to both institutional and individual clients, ensuring a forward-thinking approach. Drawing attention to South Africa's economic conditions, De Villiers was optimistic about green shoots that could stimulate growth despite a stagnant GDP over the last decade. "We need growth in the country for corporates to operate, but more so for South Africans," he commented, stressing the need for concrete reforms. Looking ahead, Alexforbes is intent on amplifying its presence in the retail sector. "Our big focus in the next 12 months will be to be seen by the man in the street as a place to get investments," De Villiers revealed, setting the stage for expanded outreach and investment offerings directly to consumers. As the company's digital tools gain traction with over 500,000 client interactions post-two-pot system adoption, Alexforbes' strategy clearly signifies a stride towards enhancing digital engagement. This forward-focused approach not only solidifies its market lead but also positions it for sustained growth amidst a rapidly evolving financial landscape. In wrapping up the interview, Dawie De Villiers' strategic insights for Alexforbes underscore the company's robust market positioning and commitment to adapting to industry trends while flourishing in a challenging economic environment. "The opportunity is there," De Villiers concluded, envisioning continued strides in client engagement and service excellence. This commitment reaffirms Alexforbes' position as a formidable player in the financial services landscape, poised to capitalize on emerging opportunities while adeptly navigating challenges.