Ntuthuko Mtshali

Highly accomplished and results-oriented leader with over 15 years of progressive experience in banking, financial services, and franchise management. Proven ability to drive sales, manage teams, and optimize business operations, evidenced by growing a branch network by 37.5% and achieving significant improvements in Cost to Income Ratio. Possesses a strong track record in strategic planning, financial advisory, and compliance.

Seeking to leverage extensive leadership and business development expertise to contribute to organizational success.

Franchise Principal (Old Mutual) - ZT Wealth Solutions PTY LTD - Durban

(2024-02)

• Orchestrated the establishment and growth of the franchise business, investing personal capital to launch operations according to Old Mutual's specifications.
• Recruited and managed a team of at least four competent and experienced financial advisers, ensuring they met FAIS fit and proper requirements.
• Oversaw performance management, budgeting, and daily operations for the franchise.
• Spearheaded sales initiatives and client acquisition strategies to drive business expansion.
• Provided expert financial advice, identifying client needs and implementing suitable plans and solutions.
• Procured new business and expanded sales within the existing client base.
• Generated leads through referrals, networking, trade shows, and industry conferences.
• Mentored and developed Financial Advisers, conducting regular training on Old Mutual products, industry trends, and legislative changes.
• Coached team members to enhance their professional skills and performance.
• Ensured all advisers maintained FAIS competency requirements, including RE5, Class of Business, qualifications, and CPD.
• Developed and executed marketing strategies, fostering strong relationships with Franchise stakeholders.
• Motivated and guided franchise agents to promote Old Mutual Risk, Investments, and Employee Benefit products through comprehensive reports, prospecting, and marketing presentations.
• Communicated Old Mutual's value proposition effectively, maintaining trusted relationships with all franchise stakeholders.
• Cultivated strong customer relationships, acting as the primary point of contact for queries and complaints.
• Ensured operational adherence to Old Mutual's Financial Service Provider license and FAIS compliance.
• Leveraged Old Mutual's product training, operational support, and compliance resources.
• Monitored team performance, allocated targets and leads, and implemented corrective actions to meet quality, persistency, and timeliness standards.

Regional Manager Physical Channels - ABSA - Tshwane Central Region

(2021-07 - 2023-10)

• Proactively led and managed a team of 20 Branch Managers and 3 Regional Operations Consultants, alongside ATM infrastructure, embedding a sales culture focused on acquisition, retention, expansion, and digital channel migration to optimise client economic value.
• Ensured exceptional quality service delivery to clients, managed risk, compliance, and strategic objectives, driving efficiency and productivity through planning and implementation of change initiatives and performance plans.
• Executed and cascaded the sales strategy across the region.
• Provided strategic recommendations for business improvements.
• Applied strategic thinking to resolve complex business challenges.
• Actively sought opportunities to increase market share.
• Established cross-business engagement to enhance productivity.
• Managed expenses prudently, ensuring adherence to budget and business standards for productivity versus cost.
• Drove efficiencies to increase profit per employee.
• Submitted budget review requests as necessary.
• Developed comprehensive Sales Plans and meticulously monitored the attainment of sales targets.
• Communicated the Sales Action Plan effectively to all relevant stakeholders.
• Ensured adequate resource allocation for staff to perform their roles optimally.
• Evaluated marketing concepts and principles for the effective implementation of the Sales Action Plan.
• Monitored and assessed the achievement of sales targets, devising strategies for growth.
• Planned and conducted action-focused meetings to drive performance.
• Cultivated a customer-centric environment through dedicated customer engagements and complaint resolution.
• Established customer feedback systems to effectively monitor and address customer concerns.
• Promoted digital adoption and efficient Cash Management Systems.
• Ensured adherence to governance guidelines, risk management, and legislative compliance.
• Managed colleague engagement, talent development, and succession planning.
• Led teams by providing clear goals and strategy, managing contracts and performance.
• Facilitated training to equip sales staff with essential sales skills and product knowledge.
• Influenced and motivated sales teams, managing branch capacity and resources.
• Focused on deepening share of wallet by exposing clients to the full proposition to entrench relationships.
• Ensured sales teams positioned ABSA effectively in a dynamic market by driving key initiatives for client retention and growth.
• Managed sales pipeline and cross-selling activities while monitoring potential client outflow.
• Enhanced ABSA's internal positioning through networking with regional stakeholders.
• Tracked and interpreted sales and service intelligence trends at a regional level to promote full uptake of offerings across different Business Units.
• Launched a successful Cash Centre Branch in alignment with the Tshwane Municipality for the Fresh Produce Market, clearing over R3m daily to ensure seamless cash flow.
• Piloted the successful implementation of Absa's Bulk Accepting Cash Machines across South Africa.
• Strategically expanded Absa's Branch Network Footprint in the Tshwane Central Region from 16 to 22 branches within 18 months.
• Achieved recognition as the Most Improved Performing Region in South Africa, advancing from position 27 to 5 nationally in 2022.

Regional Manager Physical Channels - ABSA - South City Region

(2019-06 - 2021-06)

• Proactively led and managed a team of 20 Branch Managers and 3 Regional Operations Consultants, alongside ATM infrastructure, embedding a sales culture focused on acquisition, retention, expansion, and digital channel migration to optimise client economic value.
• Ensured exceptional quality service delivery to clients, managed risk, compliance, and strategic objectives, driving efficiency and productivity through planning and implementation of change initiatives and performance plans.
• Executed and cascaded the sales strategy across the region.
• Provided strategic recommendations for business improvements.
• Applied strategic thinking to resolve complex business challenges.
• Actively sought opportunities to increase market share.
• Established cross-business engagement to enhance productivity.
• Managed expenses prudently, ensuring adherence to budget and business standards for productivity versus cost.
• Drove efficiencies to increase profit per employee.
• Submitted budget review requests as necessary.
• Developed comprehensive Sales Plans and meticulously monitored the attainment of sales targets.
• Communicated the Sales Action Plan effectively to all relevant stakeholders.
• Ensured adequate resource allocation for staff to perform their roles optimally.
• Evaluated marketing concepts and principles for the effective implementation of the Sales Action Plan.
• Monitored and assessed the achievement of sales targets, devising strategies for growth.
• Planned and conducted action-focused meetings to drive performance.
• Cultivated a customer-centric environment through dedicated customer engagements and complaint resolution.
• Established customer feedback systems to effectively monitor and address customer concerns.
• Promoted digital adoption and efficient Cash Management Systems.
• Ensured adherence to governance guidelines, risk management, and legislative compliance.
• Managed colleague engagement, talent development, and succession planning.
• Led teams by providing clear goals and strategy, managing contracts and performance.
• Facilitated training to equip sales staff with essential sales skills and product knowledge.
• Influenced and motivated sales teams, managing branch capacity and resources.
• Focused on deepening share of wallet by exposing clients to the full proposition to entrench relationships.
• Ensured sales teams positioned ABSA effectively in a dynamic market by driving key initiatives for client retention and growth.
• Managed sales pipeline and cross-selling activities while monitoring potential client outflow.
• Enhanced ABSA's internal positioning through networking with regional stakeholders.
• Tracked and interpreted sales and service intelligence trends at a regional level to promote full uptake of offerings across different Business Units.

Manager: Transactional & Business Banking - Ithala SOC Limited (Bank)

(2016-07 - 2018-06)

• Managed and assumed full responsibility for the strategic development, pricing, positioning, and branding of Ithala's Debit Card product suite, catering to Youth, Entry Level, Middle, and Business markets.
• Cultivated and enhanced enduring relationships with Distribution Channels and customers, providing expert advice and training on the bank's transactional banking products and services.
• Ensured task completion through effective planning and performance review against set targets.
• Maintained compliance with risk standards, policies, and procedures through continuous training and development aligned with the group compliance framework.
• Researched and analysed information, applying problem-solving techniques to propose solutions for work-related challenges.
• Participated in and supported corporate responsibility initiatives to achieve the overall business strategy.
• Identified opportunities to enhance business processes and systems by recommending effective operational improvements and adding value to the bank.
• Delivered tailored banking solutions that met client needs by understanding their businesses and requirements through proactive relationship management.
• Improved results by tracking and analysing financial reports against agreed performance measures.
• Supported the achievement of the business strategy, objectives, and values by reviewing the Business Unit Plan and ensuring alignment of delivered systems, processes, services, and solutions.
• Identified relevant training courses and career progression opportunities through management input and feedback.
• Shared knowledge and industry trends with the team and stakeholders in both formal and informal settings.
• Obtained buy-in for developing new or enhanced processes to improve stakeholder businesses by clearly articulating the benefits in support of implemented recommendations.
• Understood client businesses and needs through proactive relationship management within the defined portfolio mandate.
• Collaborated effectively with third parties as required by the solutions delivered to clients.
• Maintained up-to-date knowledge and ensured compliance with all bank policies and procedures.
• Utilised the bank's communication channels, particularly the intranet, to stay informed about workplace developments and changes.
• Embraced change, acting as a change agent by accepting, embedding, and reinforcing change within the workplace.
• Delivered on the bank's set objectives, including financial metrics, service objectives, and all regulatory and compliance obligations.
• Spearheaded new product development, including researching, developing strategy, and evaluating trends and markets to establish product feasibility.
• Ensured the cost-effective introduction of the correct products, with quarterly evaluations.
• Negotiated with stakeholders and support departments to facilitate the introduction of necessary products and processes for smooth product roll-outs.
• Developed comprehensive Policies, Procedures, Key Controls, and Training materials in collaboration with various stakeholders to meet legislative and organisational requirements.
• Managed budgets and targets, monitoring ongoing trends and adjusting budgets as required to ensure realistic figures.
• Drove sales through distribution channels, maintained and enhanced client service, and managed administration while producing management reports.
• Grew the active account base by over 25% for the first time through a quality acquisition drive.
• Met and exceeded the Overall Transactional Product Fee Income target by over R5m in the 2018/19 Financial Year.
• Took over a team of New Bankers in 2018, managing the region to achieve sustainable results and delivering a positive year-on-year trajectory.
• Reduced the Region's Cost To Income Ratio from over 80% to less than 60% within two quarters of the financial year.
• Established a strategic alliance with the KZN Department of Transport to facilitate account opening and salary disbursements for their EPWP, CWP & Zimbabele beneficiary projects.
• Formed partnerships with the KZN Department of Economic Development Tourism & Environmental Affairs on their Bulk Buying Initiative.

Manager: Transactional Banking - Ithala SOC Limited

(2016-07 - 2019-06)

Acting Head of Sales & Service - Ithala SOC Limited

(2017-06 - 2019-06)

Manager: Savings & Investments - Ithala SOC Limited

(2014-08 - 2016-06)

Manager: Unsecured Lending; AVAF & Taxi Finance - Ithala SOC Limited

(2011-11 - 2014-07)

Area Manager (KZN & Port Elizabeth - Qgebega) - Nedbank Ltd

(2007-02 - 2011-10)

Branch Manager - (Bizana - Eastern Cape) - Capitec Bank

(2006-02 - 2007-01)

Commercial Credit Analyst - FNB

(2005-07 - 2006-02)

Front Line Sales & Service Coordinator (MSE) - FNB

(2005-01 - 2005-06)

Customer Services Representative/Teller - FNB

(2002-02 - 2004-12)

Telesales Representative - Telkom SA

(2001-01 - 2002-01)

Doctorate in Business Administration - Business Administration - Guglielmo Marconi University (Italy)

Master's Business Administration - Business Administration - MANCOSA (RSA)

Bachelor of Technology - Business Administration - Technikon Natal (KZN)

National Diploma - Small Business Management - Technikon Natal (KZN)

Matric, Bachelor pass - Ogwini Comprehensive Technical College (KZN)