Fulcrum Team Profile

Bonita Faria

Bonita Faria Portfolio Manager

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Question:
What was your dream job when you were young?

Bonita:
As a teen, my dream job was to become a flight attendant. I wanted to ‘see the world’ and learn about different cultures and cuisine etc. Gaining people and social skills while providing world-class customer service, teamwork and professionalism felt like the ultimate goal. Although I didn’t pursue this career, I have been fortunate to travel over the years and have gained so much knowledge and insight about life from those travel experiences.

Question:
How did you end up as a portfolio manager at The Fulcrum Group?

Bonita:
My career started in the banking sector as an admin clerk and then personal assistant to a regional manager.

Just over twenty years ago, I was asked if I would like to get involved with Premium Finance. At that time, it was a new product offered to clients of this particular bank. Naturally, I accepted and it was the best decision I have ever made. Four years ago, Fulcrum invited me for a job interview and I was then offered the position of Portfolio Manager for the Western & Eastern Cape.

Question:
What skills or traits make someone a highly successful Portfolio Manager?

Bonita:
Relationship building is key to the success of a Portfolio Manager. Showing honesty, trustworthiness and integrity is very important when interacting with clients. Being organised, proactive and a good listener is what I pride myself on.

Question:
Tell me the parts of your day that make you think “Yes! This is why I love my job.”

Bonita:
I thoroughly enjoy dealing with clients and brokers on a daily basis, some of whom I have known for over 20 years. Being able to offer companies a financing solution which doesn’t impact their cash flow requirements is the reason why I am so passionate about Premium Finance. Structuring a deal in order to accommodate a client or broker’s request and achieving the desired outcome is incredibly rewarding!

Question:
For the unaware, how do you go about helping businesses with Insurance Premium Financing solutions?

Bonita:
We provide finance for commercial and corporate companies to cover the cost of an annual insurance premium. The repayments are structured over a period which best suits their requirements. This is an additional source of finance at competitive rates, which does not affect the client’s current banking facilities. The VAT portion is reclaimable upfront and no additional security is required.

Question:
What are some of the ways in which Fulcrum has enabled you to grow and thrive in your role, and as a woman in the insurance industry?

Bonita:
I enjoy my job and am so happy to be part of an amazing team who all get along so well. Fulcrum has allowed me the opportunity to learn and grow and to feel valued for what I do.

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