Careers at Merchant West
Employing to inspire – inspiring you, inspiring growth, and inspiring businesses.
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Merchant West is one of the largest privately-owned providers of specialised financial solutions and advisory services to businesses and high net worth individuals in South Africa. Founded in 1998, Merchant West provides tailor-made lending, wealth management, asset management and transactional solutions to businesses and high-net-worth individuals, with offices in Johannesburg, Cape Town, Pretoria, George, Durban, Nelspruit, Port Elizabeth, Namibia, and North Carolina USA. Certain companies in the Merchant West Group are licenced and authorised financial services providers. Merchant West lending products extend to bespoke asset finance (across an extensive range of asset classes), fleet finance, working capital funding, property finance solutions and specialised finance. Merchant West advisory products extend to investment strategies, private wealth management and treasury solutions.
Perks & Benefits
Financial Wellness Support - Tailored financial wellbeing offerings, including access to exclusive banking and financial benefits through approved partners.
Employee Wellness Programme - Holistic mental health and wellbeing support through the LYRA Employee Wellness Programme.
Learning & Development - Mentorship opportunities and study assistance to support continuous growth and career development.
Inclusive & Flexible Leave - A range of leave options, including annual, family responsibility, religious, and special leave, designed to support balance, wellbeing, and life beyond work.
A Values-Led, Ambitious & Collaborative Culture - A culture shaped by our ARISE values — combining strong collaboration and accessible leadership with ambition and integrity.
Social & Engagement Activities - Regular team events, social moments, and initiatives that build connection, celebrate wins, and make work more enjoyable.
What Our People Say
Neal Hoogwerf
Equity Analyst
"I joined Merchant West Investments for its strong investment culture and commitment to independent, fundamental-driven research. From early on, I was given real responsibility, which accelerated my development as an equity analyst.
What I enjoy most is the constant challenge. Ideas are tested rigorously, and priority is given to originality in thought supported by robust analysis. A standout moment for me was seeing my research debated and translated into real and actionable portfolio decisions. The exposure to experienced investors and the expectation to think critically have shaped my growth significantly.
Merchant West’s culture is unique in that it combines high performance with a supportive, entrepreneurial environment that encourages ownership and long-term thinking."
What I enjoy most is the constant challenge. Ideas are tested rigorously, and priority is given to originality in thought supported by robust analysis. A standout moment for me was seeing my research debated and translated into real and actionable portfolio decisions. The exposure to experienced investors and the expectation to think critically have shaped my growth significantly.
Merchant West’s culture is unique in that it combines high performance with a supportive, entrepreneurial environment that encourages ownership and long-term thinking."
Ricco Strydom
Head of Working Capital Solutions & Commercial Property Finance
"I joined Merchant West at a young age, as a Jnr Portfolio Manager, and was given the opportunity to learn fast and deliver from day one. Over the past 10 years, now Head of the Commercial Property Finance and Working Capital Solutions business, my journey has been defined by a relentless focus on performance - consistently executing and delivering strong outcomes through both tough markets and challenging cycles.
Merchant West has exposed me to a broad professional landscape: diverse client needs, and the full deal making lifecycle, all of which shaped my commercial judgment and leadership style. One of my most memorable moments remains completing a large aviation transaction in my first year and still retaining that same client a decade later - proof of long term relationships built on trust, delivery, and partnership. That early success paved the way for my development, fuelled by a “can do” attitude and eagerness to learn and grow.
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Merchant West has exposed me to a broad professional landscape: diverse client needs, and the full deal making lifecycle, all of which shaped my commercial judgment and leadership style. One of my most memorable moments remains completing a large aviation transaction in my first year and still retaining that same client a decade later - proof of long term relationships built on trust, delivery, and partnership. That early success paved the way for my development, fuelled by a “can do” attitude and eagerness to learn and grow.
"
Matthew Simpkins
Managing Director
"Over my tenure at Merchant West, I have had the opportunity to grow significantly as a leader while contributing meaningfully to the evolution of the business. The organisation has consistently provided me with the trust, autonomy and platform to execute at a high level and deliver sustainable value. That environment of accountability and empowerment enables leaders to think strategically; act decisively and continuously elevate their capabilities.
I am also privileged to work alongside highly capable professionals whose depth of expertise and intellectual rigour raise the standard across the business. Combined with a culture that remains warm, respectful and collaborative, Merchant West offers a rare balance of performance, trust and strong relationships.
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I am also privileged to work alongside highly capable professionals whose depth of expertise and intellectual rigour raise the standard across the business. Combined with a culture that remains warm, respectful and collaborative, Merchant West offers a rare balance of performance, trust and strong relationships.
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