International bespoke share portfolios

Investing in global markets is essential for achieving a well-diversified portfolio which spreads risk and potentially enhances returns. By including international assets, investors can reduce the impact of country-specific economic downturns and political risks, accessing growth opportunities across different regions and industries. This global approach allows exposure to rapidly growing markets and industries not always available locally. Diversification through global investments also helps decrease overall volatility, ultimately supporting a more resilient investment strategy.

What is a bespoke offshore share portfolio?

VEGA facilitates the opening of a bank/investment account for each individual client at a custodian bank. The client then appoints VEGA as portfolio manager, and the client’s portfolio is linked to VEGA’s portal at the custodian. This enables VEGA to buy and sell securities but restricts any transfer of funds by anyone except the account holder. No client funds ever flow through a VEGA account.

A bespoke offshore share portfolio is a customized investment portfolio that holds international stocks and assets tailored specifically to meet an investor’s unique goals, risk tolerance, and preferences.

VEGA’s international bespoke share portfolio

Investing in global markets is essential for achieving a well-diversified portfolio which spreads risk and potentially enhances returns. By including international assets, investors can reduce the impact of country-specific economic downturns and political risks, accessing growth opportunities across different regions and industries. This global approach allows exposure to rapidly growing markets and industries not always available locally. Diversification through global investments also helps decrease overall volatility, ultimately supporting a more resilient investment strategy.

What is a bespoke offshore share portfolio?

VEGA facilitates the opening of a bank/investment account for each individual client at a custodian bank. The client then appoints VEGA as portfolio manager, and the client’s portfolio is linked to VEGA’s portal at the custodian. This enables VEGA to buy and sell securities but restricts any transfer of funds by anyone except the account holder. No client funds ever flow through a VEGA account.

A bespoke offshore share portfolio is a customized investment portfolio that holds international stocks and assets tailored specifically to meet an investor’s unique goals, risk tolerance, and preferences.

What we invest in

Building an optimised and diversified investment portfolio

At VEGA, we construct bespoke investment portfolios that strike an ideal balance between risk and return. By incorporating various asset classes, our team crafts diversified portfolios designed to weather market fluctuations while maximizing growth potential. Our disciplined, research-driven approach ensures that every portfolio aligns with our clients’ goals and risk tolerance.

  • Strategic asset allocation: We carefully allocate investments across asset classes—such as listed equities, fixed income, ETFs and alternatives—based on our clients’ financial goals and market outlook, balancing long-term growth with risk mitigation.

  • Dynamic risk management: Through regular reviews and adjustments, we actively manage risk levels in portfolios, adapting to changing economic conditions to optimize returns and preserve capital.

  • Personalized investment solutions: Our team creates tailored portfolios that reflect individual preferences and objectives, ensuring each client benefits from a truly personalized and comprehensive investment approach.

Listed equities
Shares of publicly traded companies that are bought and sold on stock exchanges. Investors can gain from price appreciation and dividends.
Listed bonds
Debt securities issued by corporations or governments, traded on public exchanges, offering fixed interest payments and capital protection upon maturity.
ETFs
Investment funds that track the performance of a specific index, commodity, or sector, allowing for diversified exposure, and traded like stocks on an exchange.
Structured products
customized financial instruments that combine derivatives with traditional assets like stocks or bonds, designed to meet specific risk-return objectives..
Money market funds
Low-risk mutual funds that invest in short-term, high-quality debt instruments, like treasury bills and commercial paper, providing liquidity and capital preservation with modest returns.
Listed equities
Shares of publicly traded companies that are bought and sold on stock exchanges. Investors can gain from price appreciation and dividends.
Listed bonds
Debt securities issued by corporations or governments, traded on public exchanges, offering fixed interest payments and capital protection upon maturity.
ETFs
Investment funds that track the performance of a specific index, commodity, or sector, allowing for diversified exposure, and traded like stocks on an exchange.
Structured products
customized financial instruments that combine derivatives with traditional assets like stocks or bonds, designed to meet specific risk-return objectives..
Money market funds
Low-risk mutual funds that invest in short-term, high-quality debt instruments, like treasury bills and commercial paper, providing liquidity and capital preservation with modest returns.
  • Strategic asset allocation: We carefully allocate investments across asset classes—such as listed equities, fixed income, ETFs and alternatives—based on our clients’ financial goals and market outlook, balancing long-term growth with risk mitigation.

  • Dynamic risk management: Through regular reviews and adjustments, we actively manage risk levels in portfolios, adapting to changing economic conditions to optimize returns and preserve capital.

  • Personalized investment solutions: Our team creates tailored portfolios that reflect individual preferences and objectives, ensuring each client benefits from a truly personalized and comprehensive investment approach.

Our service level agreement with the custodian

VEGA facilitates the opening of accounts for our clients. This offshore bank account enables the client to hold funds in 26 currencies and act as a trading account. While the custodian is responsible for settlement of funds, VEGA provides comprehensive portfolio management services.

This setup allows our clients to enjoy the best of both worlds: the security and stability of a Swiss bank, combined with VEGA’s personalized investment management expertise. Through this seamless collaboration, clients benefit from the renowned safety and reliability of Swiss banking, along with tailored financial strategies designed to meet their specific goals.

With our preferred custodians platform, VEGA has the capability to oversee and optimize all our clients’ accounts. We focus on providing top-tier portfolio management, ensuring that investments are tailored to meet individual financial goals and risk profiles. It’s important to note that while VEGA manages these portfolios, we do not have direct access to clients’ bank accounts. This means that VEGA cannot make any payments from clients’ accounts, further safeguarding your assets.

Leveraging our chosen custodians platforms to manage our clients’ investment portfolios efficiently. This collaboration with custodians ensures that our clients benefit from the renowned safety and reliability of a Swiss bank, while also gaining access to VEGA’s expert investment management services.

Through our agreement with preferred custodians, VEGA is committed to delivering exceptional financial services while maintaining the highest standards of security and confidentiality for our clients. This partnership allows you to elevate your finances from the comfort and security of a Swiss or Isle of Man banking group without overpaying for it.

Custodians provide a world of opportunities, rounded up by our highly intuitive platforms, ever-flowing educational material, and a Customer Care team dedicated to accompanying you every step of the way. With Custodians, you can access the most sought-after currency pairs, including major, minor, and exotic pairs. Additionally, clients can obtain a physical and electronic bank card, enhancing their financial flexibility and convenience.

Platform availability

To discuss your investments & wealth management requirements, or know about our services.

Why is it crucial to have offshore investment exposure?

Offshore investment provides valuable diversification benefits, protecting against both rand volatility and country-specific risks. Additionally, global equities have outperformed other asset classes over most periods, offering attractive long-term growth potential. International markets give investors access to established industry leaders and high-growth companies and sectors often unavailable in South Africa. For instance, one must look beyond South Africa’s borders to invest in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, medical devices, or clean energy.

Simplified investing with flexible involvement

Enjoy the ease of setting up and managing your offshore portfolio at your own pace. You can choose your level of engagement—whether it’s hands-on or occasional check-ins—while our experts are available to assist and optimize your investments whenever needed

World-class asset management

VEGA has a solid track record of consistent, sustainable investment performance, having outperformed its benchmark over the past 15 years.

Tailored portfolio to suit your needs

Your offshore portfolio is custom-designed to align with your unique risk profile and financial objectives, helping you achieve long-term goals through diversified, personalized investments

Enhanced asset control

Maintain direct access and oversight of the assets within your portfolio. You retain the flexibility to adjust your asset allocation whenever necessary, giving you complete control over your investment strategy

Accessible and cost-efficient

Whether you’re just starting out or managing a large investment, our range of portfolios offers a cost-effective solution, ensuring your money works harder for you without the burden of excessive fees

Research-driven investment strategies

Every investment decision is supported by comprehensive research and deep market expertise. Our team combines in-depth analysis of global companies with insights from top-tier research providers, ensuring your portfolio is built on sound fundamentals.

The power of long-term investing: How R1,000,000 grew across different asset classes over the last 40 years

Global Equity (ZAR)

R655 077 782

SA Equity

R258 702 811

Balanced Index

R249 847 796

Global Bonds (ZAR)

R142 513 850

Gold (ZAR)

R80 643 206

SA Bonds

R115 222 056

SA Property

R58 331 727

SA Cash

R65 000 867

SA CPI

R21 724 521

*(Historical average returns of all asset classes over the last 40 years)

Asset Classes

  • Global Equity (ZAR) – R655 077 782
  • SA Equity – R258 702 811
  • Balanced Index – R249 847 796
  • Global Bonds (ZAR) – R142 513 850
  • Gold (ZAR) – R80 643 206
  • SA Bonds – R115 222 056
  • SA Property – R58 331 727
  • SA Cash – R65 000 867
  • SA CPI – R21 724 521

To conclude, this comparison of asset class returns over the last 40 years demonstrates the power of global equities as a wealth-generating asset class, particularly when held for the long term. With an initial investment of R1,000,000, global equities would have grown to an impressive R655,077,782 today, averaging 17.6% per annum in rand terms—outperforming the next best asset class, South African equities, by 153%. This stark difference highlights the immense potential of compound interest, which accelerates wealth accumulation significantly over time.

Ultimately, this analysis underscores the importance of asset allocation and the considerable advantage of global exposure in enhancing portfolio growth over extended investment horizons

What sets us apart?

Cost-Effective Investment

Investing in a direct portfolio with VEGA allows for an efficient and cost-effective approach, maximizing returns by minimizing unnecessary fees and expenses.

Personalized Investment Guidance

VEGA’s portfolio manager takes a hands-on approach, engaging in detailed discussions with each client to explain our investment philosophy and highlight tailored opportunities.

Direct Access to Expertise

Clients and their advisors receive full access to the portfolio manager, providing a direct line to discuss strategies, review performance, and gain insights into portfolio developments.

Proven
Performance

VEGA consistently outperforms the benchmark, offering clients a reliable path to achieving superior returns aligned with their long-term goals.