Jessica Jenvey

Director, Private Clients

Jessica joined 7IM in March 2022. She brings more than 20 years’ experience, 15 of which were gained in Cape Town, where Jessica was a Wealth Manager for high-net-worth families at Nedbank Private Wealth. She has a degree in economics and is a Certified Financial Planner with the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments.

Jessica is a keen hiker, and unsurprisingly with two boys who grew up and played rugby in South Africa, is a keen Springbok supporter. Jessica also enjoys the occasional glass of wine while spending time with family and friends.

7 Questions with Jessica

1. How did you get into wealth management?

After earning my degree in Economics, I spent three years travelling and taking on various jobs. It was an incredible experience and I particularly enjoyed meeting a wide variety of people. When I returned, I found myself working in administrative and accounting roles. Though these positions gave me some experience in finance and accounting, I quickly realised they weren’t truly fulfilling.

I came across an opportunity for a trainee financial planner and, although I wasn’t entirely sure what the role involved, I decided to give it a shot. As I progressed through the in-house training and started interacting with clients, I realised I had found my career. Financial planning combined everything I loved: working closely with people, understanding their stories, and applying my financial knowledge to help improve their lives.

2. What’s the biggest highlight of your career in wealth management?

Wealth management has given me the chance to meet incredible individuals who have accomplished amazing things. A few years ago, I had the privilege of working with a foundation founded by Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The highlight was meeting the Archbishop himself. Even in his 80s, he had an extraordinary gift for making genuine connections and made everyone in the room feel truly heard. He laughed easily and shared so much of his warmth and presence.

3. What do you find most rewarding about managing people’s wealth?

The blend of human connection and financial expertise. Wealth management isn't just about numbers – it’s about understanding people’s lives, their challenges, and their dreams. It’s incredibly fulfilling to help clients navigate seemingly complex financial decisions, especially during life’s unpredictable moments.

Life is full of changes. Since moving from South Africa in January 2022, I've experienced firsthand what it feels like to have your life turned upside down. That's why I find it incredibly rewarding to support clients through their own transitions, helping them navigate what these changes mean for their financial future. Knowing I can help their money work for them in ways that fit their evolving needs gives me a deep sense of fulfilment.

4. What’s the worst non-financial investment you’ve made?

I am not a person who buys ‘stuff’, but I am known to indulge those that I love. A few years ago, my husband reached, as he put it, ‘a milestone birthday’ and decided that he wanted a particular classic car in need of restoration. I duly obliged. For the next few years, the car sat in the garage until eventually he sold it – unrestored. The iPad I bought him at the same time, however, is still in use.

5. If you could pick one financial habit for everyone to have, what would it be?

Start early and pay yourself first, no matter how much you earn – or at the very least, start now. Modern life constantly demands our money, making it easy to prioritise spending over saving. However, even small amounts invested today can grow substantially over time. The earlier you start, the more you benefit from the power of compounding. I've never met a client who regretted investing too much.

6. In your 20+ years of experience, how have you helped people achieve their financial ambitions?

A formative memory that shaped my career is seeing my father continue working simply because he wasn't sure if he and my mum had enough money to retire. This experience made retirement planning a special focus for me. Many people don’t seriously think about life after work until they’re close to retiring, often focusing on what to do with their money rather than what they want their money to do for them. I enjoy helping clients envision how they want to spend their time and with whom, so we can create a plan that brings that vision to life. Periods of transition, like retirement, are challenging. But having financial decisions that truly support your goals can make those transitions a lot smoother and more fulfilling. 

7. In your view, what makes a great wealth manager?

A great wealth manager combines technical expertise with a thorough understanding of your unique needs, achieved by listening attentively – not only to what you say but also to what you may leave unsaid. They should challenge your thinking constructively and work with you to create a financial plan that truly makes sense to you. Since the relationship is highly personal, trust and open communication are essential. You should feel confident that your wealth manager is genuinely committed to your long-term financial success and will walk the path with you.