Smart Money – Citadel’s Maarten Ackerman and Christelle Louw on family business resilience in South Africa’s economy

In this Smart Money with Alishia Seckam interview, Citadel’s Maarten Ackerman and Christelle Louw discuss the challenges and opportunities family businesses are experiencing in South Africa’s economy.

Ackerman is Citadel’s chief economist and advisory partner. He joined the company in October 2003 and currently serves as an advisor to a number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals.

As chief economist, he guides Citadel’s global economic analysis process and provides strategic insights to inform investment decisions and financial planning.

Ackerman is a member of the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments in London and holds a Master’s in Econometrics from the University of Pretoria.

Louw has served as an advisory partner at Citadel for over 20 years, gaining extensive experience in understanding investor behaviour and building strong relationships with her clients.

She provides professionals, entrepreneurs, and families with specialist investment solutions to optimise their investment portfolios for positive long-term results.

The interview

In this interview, Ackerman highlights the resilience of family-owned businesses amidst tough economic conditions in South Africa, and details the biggest mistakes family-run business owners make.

Louw then outlines the pros and cons of family-run businesses compared to corporate businesses, including the issues with mixing personal and business finances.

She then advises family-run businesses on how to scale their operations outside of South Africa and notes the issues around passing businesses on to children.

Ackerman also explains the best ways to expand and navigate new markets and explores how external parties can be integrated into a family business arrangement.

Watch the full interview with Maarten Ackerman and Christelle Louw below.