Sasfin ‘rewards’ scheme attracts steady stream of referrals

JOY ORLEK
FINANCIAL SERVICES provider Sasfin has attracted a steady stream of referrals through its recently launched ‘Accredited Business Introducer’ scheme. The scheme was introduced as more and more accounting and auditing firms, consultants, brokers and other intermediaries looked for channels to place their clients’ financial needs, said Sasfin assistant GM business finance, Maurice van Bergen. “The ABI programme has a structured reward scheme which gives the introducer accreditation by Sasfin Bank and provides product training and get-togethers. "Clearing agents are among the ABIs,” said Van Bergen who believes a lot of clearing agents are ‘disguised finance houses’. “We welcome introductions from them because we are in the finance business, which is not the primary role of the clearing agent. By paying for the importer’s goods and the corresponding agency fees, this opens the door for the agent to take on more of the importer’s business as the clearing agent is now no longer limited by the amount of credit which can be granted.” The scheme applies to any division within Sasfin – trade debtor and capital finance, treasury, stockbroking, personal wealth care, private equity or property finance structuring, he added. The ABI scheme is available on a national scale at Sasfin’s offices in Gauteng, Durban and Cape Town.