Prescient Securities has won top honours in two categories at the prestigious Spire Awards for 2011. The Spire Awards were hosted by the Bond Exchange of South Africa this week in Johannesburg. They recognise teams and individuals who have contributed to the bond market through talent and commitment.
The awards follow on from the accolades won by Prescient Securities earlier this year. The stock-broking company achieved two number one ratings in the Financial Mail analyst ratings in July, including the top rating in Derivative Research.
At the Spire Awards on Monday evening, Prescient Securities won the Best Broking Team – Cash Bonds and the Volumetric Award – Broking Listed Interest Rate Derivatives. The group was placed second in the Best Broking Team – Listed Interest Rate Derivatives category, and joint-third for the Best Inflation House.
According to Petrus Bosman, head of derivatives at Prescient Securities, the success of the group resides in its strong derivatives research. “If you have the best derivatives team doing research, then you’re going to get the clients trading with you.” Bosman’s team won for reporting the most listed interest rate derivative volumes to the Johannesburg Securities Exchange in the year.
He said, “We’ve also made the most of an under-serviced part of the market. As a result, we’ve created a niche for ourselves. As client-interest increases in these areas, we’re there to service that demand, and now we’ve been rewarded accordingly.”
Shane Johns, fixed income dealer at Prescient Securities, said the Bond Exchange recognised the broking team’s ability to provide the best execution services for clients in the cash bonds market. “In our game, it’s about the best execution and you must be timely with the trade, especially when the markets are volatile.”
He said Prescient Securities has placed renewed emphasis on its client relationships. “Over the past year, we’ve really solidified our relationship with guys in the market. Our job is to match buyers and sellers at the best price. So it’s important that we chat to our clients daily, and we have built up a strong reputation as a result.”
According to Willie Venter, CEO of Prescient Securities, the group has enjoyed a strong year. “That’s because we’re client-focused, while offering good services and products in those areas in which we operate.” He said they have rolled out a full derivative research offering. This allows clients to use the group’s bespoke trading solutions, taking advantage of trading opportunities as they arise.