Heading Capricorn Private Wealth for tailor-made solutions

Capricorn Private Wealth (CPW) executive officer Chris Matthee has been with Bank Windhoek for 30 years. Twenty-two years of this time were spent in executive management roles in information technology (IT), specialist finance, retail banking, and Capricorn Private Wealth.

Matthee matriculated at Wennie du Plessis Secondary School in Gobabis and obtained a BCom degree and a BCom Honours degree from the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa. He started his career at the Namibia Development Corporation and then joined Bank Windhoek in 1994. Remaining optimistic about growth gave him a positive attitude towards taking on new challenges and never allowing himself to stagnate. Working in and heading various departments and divisions within the bank is a career achievement, which Matthee said is a great privilege.

CPW is a joint offering between Bank Windhoek and Capricorn Asset Management. Matthee's role as the banking executive is to ensure that CPW offers unique, tailor-made solutions to high-net-worth clients and young professionals to satisfy their banking and wealth needs. CPW has been in operation for more than seven years and, among other achievements, received the Global Brands Magazine Award for Best Private Bank in Namibia in 2023.



Exciting opportunities

Matthee says a typical day in the life of a banking executive is unpredictable and filled with exciting opportunities to make a difference and satisfy the needs of esteemed clients who remain at the core of the company's existence.

The CPW executive advises those who aim to build and maintain a career in the finance industry to accept responsibility for their personal growth and pursue their career goals without limitations.

"Start by staying on top of the latest trends and developments in the industry and beyond while contributing to the best of your ability in your current role. Be willing to challenge the status quo and take on opportunities outside your comfort zone. Opportunities such as working for a well-diversified employer like the Capricorn Group help you realise that the sky is the limit," he said.

While the finance industry is fast and unpredictable, Matthee is motivated to continue pursuing his career passions while observing its unbelievable expansion and development. "These developments aim to satisfy clients' ever-changing needs while exercising proper risk management and complying with the latest laws and regulations. The combination of these aspects makes the banking and finance industry a stimulating environment for positive, motivated individuals willing to go the extra mile and build a career," he said.



Leading while achieving

Looking back at the past 30 years and his time as an executive for various departments, Matthee believes in participative leadership– a style aimed at making team members part of the solution as far as possible. He also believes that the true purpose of a leader is to serve their team and the organisation at large. Matthee says a legacy to be left behind should be measured by the difference one has made in the lives of clients and colleagues.

While serving within Capricorn Group, Matthee said it is fulfilling to be part of a team that has grown a genuinely Namibian financial services group from humble beginnings to one of the industry leaders. He appreciates the Capricorn Group, Bank Windhoek board, management and staff for allowing him to be part of a powerful Namibian success story for the past 30 years. "May we be blessed to continue making a meaningful difference for many years to come," he concluded.



Likes and hobbies:

- Matthee began and concluded his school career in Gobabis but stayed in various towns like Tsumeb and Usakos.

- He is married to Isabel, a self-employed bookkeeper, with two children, Johan and Chrisna.

- He has been a freelance radio announcer at Hartklop FM for the past 26 years.

- He has a strong interest in communication, sports and music.

- He enjoys cooking and hosting a 'braai' for his family and friends.