Willem Bodenstein, Head of Bravura Namibia, and Nicola van Rooyen, Corporate and Trust Manager, Bravura Namibia
Trust administration and management are fundamental to wealth planning and asset protection worldwide. While Namibia may not yet be as well-known as offshore financial centres like Jersey and Guernsey, it is rapidly emerging as a trusted jurisdiction with a strong regulatory framework. These established financial hubs are renowned for their legal robustness, offering flexibility, privacy, and asset protection – key factors for high-net-worth individuals seeking secure wealth structures. Although Namibia operates on a different scale, it offers many of the same benefits, positioning itself as a compelling alternative for trust administration.
Recognising the growing demand for trust services, Bravura established Bravura Administration Services (BAS) to manage internal structures. However, regulatory changes, including stringent penalties for non-compliance, created a market need for expert trust administration. Leveraging its deep industry relationships and extensive network, Bravura stepped in to help clients navigate these complexities, ensuring their trusts meet international standards.
Namibia’s economic outlook further reinforces the demand for sophisticated wealth management. According to the African Development Bank, Namibia’s GDP is projected to grow by 3.8% in 2024 and 4.2% in 2025, driven by its integration with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and a burgeoning energy sector. This sustained growth creates a favourable environment for long-term wealth planning, where trusts play a critical role in asset protection, tax efficiency, and generational wealth transfer.
Bravura Namibia, led by Willem Bodenstein, has built a strong trust administration business with a dedicated team of nine professionals. Today, BAS administers over 100 trusts and companies, managing a growing portfolio of client assets. Its strategic partnerships with top law and audit firms, combined with Bravura’s broader South African expertise, ensure compliance with evolving regulations while offering clients access to world-class fiduciary services.
A recent Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) audit confirmed BAS’s commitment to best-in-class trust management, with technology-driven solutions enhancing compliance and efficiency. The positive audit outcome highlights the success of Bravura’s investment in advanced systems, benefiting both the firm and its clients.
As BAS continues to expand, its ability to collaborate with leading investment managers while maintaining independent oversight ensures that corporate structures and trusts are managed to the highest standards. For investors seeking both security and opportunity, a trusted fiduciary partner is essential in navigating the complexities of wealth preservation -both locally and globally.
