Jacques le Roux

The day Jacques le Roux turned 31, he realised that he was getting too comfortable and complacent about his job. He needed a radical change in his life. He needed to explore new horizons and be challenged again. So, when a headhunter proposed the RMB Class Of Programme as a new career option, he grabbed it with both hands to learn all there is to know about the dynamic world of Corporate and Investment Banking as a transactor at RMB Ventures.

While the financial services industry is not unfamiliar territory to Jacques, having worked for Discovery Invest after qualifying as an actuary, the RMB Class Of Programme undoubtedly opened new doors and opportunities to him. Jacques first spent time at the bank's Credit Portfolio Management division, before joining the RMB Ventures team.

Finding the right niche

One of the drawcards of being on the RMB Class Of Programme, is the ability to map one's career at RMB by rotating across various divisions within the bank. Jacques however points out that being accepted on the Programme is just one step in finding that perfect niche. None of the bank's business units are obliged to take on Class Of candidates – instead the responsibility lies with the candidate to sell him/herself to that particular unit. Enters RMB Ventures.

Diverse environment

Jacques loves the dynamic environment at RMB Ventures and the incredible diverse pool of clients that he works with. “I love the fact that no two days are the same – one minute you are structuring a deal for a mining giant, and the next minute you are working with sportswear apparel or food producers,” adds Jacques.

He also appreciates the 12-person team's integrity, impeccable work ethic and the fact that they are all committed to collaborate to realise benefits for both our investment partners and the bank.

“There is no room for marketing spin in what we do – we have a huge responsibility towards our partners and the bank to make sure we achieve sustainable results for them. Our money is with them after all – so if they lose, we lose,” says Jacques.

Humble approach

Despite being part of the prestigious Class Of Programme, Jacques remains humble – admitting that one of the biggest lessons that he has learnt in life is “that you know far less than what you think you do. One should never become complacent and there is always room to learn something new.” He measures success not by numbers and awards – rather by growing his relationship with God and by the enjoyment of what he does. Describing himself as: stubborn, curious, principled, yet ambitious – it is clear that Jacques has the ideal qualities of a typical RMB Class Of. Given the opportunity to be James Formby (CEO of RMB) for one day, he is clear about venturing and expanding RMB's reach into Africa. “Maybe the time has come for RMB to be less cautious about Africa and more focused on long-term growth in select geographies,” concludes Jacques. And so a new venture awaits.