Hawksford
Maxine Wessels
12 Nov 2025
Having built her career across South Africa, the US and the Cayman Islands, Maxine Wessels, director – funds, at Hawksford, shares how curiosity, mentorship and a global outlook have shaped her path — and why she believes lifelong learning is key to growth
Image: Hawksford
Can you give us an insight into your personal journey into the asset services industry, why did you decide this was the career for you?
I enjoyed accountancy as a subject in high school. That led to my family encouraging me to become a chartered accountant. I completed my chartered accounting degree at the University of Cape Town, which was a fun but challenging experience.
I joined KPMG in audit and worked in several locations around the world, from South Africa to the United States, and, eventually, the Cayman Islands.
Working at a Big 4 firm definitely opened the door to exciting opportunities in the finance field, ultimately leading to my current role at Hawksford.
What aspects of your job do you enjoy the most?
Servicing different clients provides valuable insight into a wide range of businesses, which I find incredibly interesting. Although I work primarily in a funds-focused space and engage with various fund structures and strategies, I also have exposure to other sectors, such as art and real estate.
Working with diverse clients and service providers has helped me expand my professional network. Industry events, such as conferences and networking socials, offer great opportunities to learn more about market trends and regulatory developments, while also connecting with others in the field.
These interactions often open the door to new ideas, collaborations, and career opportunities.
Being fairly new to the industry, how do you find your experience compares to those who are more established? Are there pros and cons to each?
It is always a valuable opportunity to work alongside individuals who are more experienced or who bring different skill sets, as there is so much to learn from them. Observing how others carry themselves in the workplace, especially those in leadership roles, can be inspiring and influential in shaping one’s own professional development.
At the same time, the younger generation entering the industry brings fresh perspectives, particularly through their understanding of — and adaptability to — emerging technologies like digital assets and artificial intelligence. This blend of experience and innovation in the industry creates a dynamic and forward-looking environment.
Have you noticed any misconceptions about the asset servicing industry? Is there anything in the industry you would like to see evolve or change?
I am particularly interested in seeing how businesses continue to evolve in their use of technology. When implemented thoughtfully, technology can drive greater efficiency and significantly improve productivity.
Often, people assume that change must come from someone else, not realising that they themselves can be the catalyst. This mindset can lead to stagnation if everyone waits for someone else to act. I believe that by being proactive and open to innovation, individuals at any level can contribute to meaningful improvements within their organisations.
What is the training process of a new employee? Do you think it was beneficial to your role and others who may now be in the same position you were?
I believe that both formalised training and on-the-job learning are fundamental to the development of new employees.
Larger institutions often have the resources to provide structured training programs, whereas smaller companies may rely more heavily on informal, hands-on learning. However, in my experience, training remains a significant area for improvement across all organisations.
The quality of on-the-job training often depends heavily on the individual providing it, which can make a new hire’s experience either very positive or quite challenging. I believe companies should continue exploring ways to better support, encourage, and incentivise mentorship, as strong guidance in the early stages can have a lasting impact on employee growth and retention.
In terms of your career, where do you see yourself in a decade?
In a decade, I see myself as a more knowledgeable and experienced independent fund director, with a strong client base and well-established interpersonal relationships.
Building and maintaining a solid network — not only with clients, but also with other service providers — can lead to valuable referrals and open the door to new opportunities.
I also see the potential to take on a more managerial role, contributing to both the strategic direction and day-to-day operations of the business.
This combination of leadership, relationship-building, and industry expertise is what I aim to cultivate over the coming years.
What advice would you give to young graduates when entering the financial services field?
Job selection: There are countless career paths available — many of which you may not even be aware of at first. It’s easy to default to more well-known roles, but they may not be the best fit for you personally.
Take the time to investigate, explore, and gain exposure to different options. Speak to people in various industries to get a clearer picture of the wide range of opportunities out there.
Build a network: Every person you meet can offer something valuable — whether it’s friendship, mentorship, knowledge, or a professional opportunity. A strong network is one of your most important assets and can open doors both personally and professionally. Over time, your network becomes a powerful tool for growth and success.
Technology: Understanding and utilising current and new technologies are so key. The more you build your digital skillset, the more effective and competitive you’ll be in any role.
Training: Never stop learning. Whether through formal courses, mentorship, or simply asking questions, continuously seek out opportunities to grow.
The more knowledge you acquire, the more confident and capable you become – because knowledge truly is power.
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