As we reach the halfway point of 2026, it is an appropriate time to reflect on what has been another exceptional six months for Orion Wealth Managers (OWM).

Despite continued uncertainty and volatility in global markets, our focus has remained constant: delivering trusted advice, exceptional service and sustainable long-term value for our clients, while strengthening each business within Spirit Invest.

The first half of the year has highlighted the resilience of our business model, the calibre of our people and the value of the partnerships we continue to build across South Africa. These achievements would not have been possible without the dedication, professionalism and commitment of our employees, advisors, specialists and management teams.

One of the key highlights has been the continued expansion of our advisory businesses. During the first six months of 2026, we welcomed 21 new Advisory Partners and four new Merger Partners, representing several billion rand in Assets Under Management. This is a significant achievement and a strong endorsement of the Orion Wealth Managers value proposition, our culture and the support we provide to our partners.

The second quarter was particularly successful for our Merger & Advisory division, with several important partnerships concluded. I would like to extend a warm welcome to our newest Merger & Advisory Partners: Johann Meyer, Kobus Steenkamp, Warren Kruger, Dion Steyn and GB Jordaan. We are delighted that you have chosen to partner with Orion Wealth Managers and look forward to supporting the growth of your businesses and delivering outstanding outcomes for your clients.

A special welcome must also be extended to NBC Holdings and its Personal Financial Advisors division. Following their visit to the OWM head office during the second quarter, NBC Holdings has decided to partner with Warwick Wealth. We are extremely pleased to welcome the NBC team into the broader OWM family and look forward to building a meaningful and successful long-term partnership.

Our growth is also reflected in the continued strengthening of our internal teams. We welcome Nicholas Jackson, who has joined Warwick Wealth as Merger & Advisory Manager for the Western Cape. Nicholas will play an important role in supporting the ongoing expansion of the division.

We also welcome Lydia Engelbrecht to Silverthorn Employee Benefits as Employee Benefits Administrator. Lydia joins Jason Lubbe, General Manager of Silverthorn, and the broader team at an exciting stage in the development of the business.

Congratulations are extended to David Gerrard on his well-deserved promotion to Wealth Specialist in the Gauteng region. David’s dedication, performance and commitment have earned him this opportunity, and we wish him every success in his new role.

I would also like to congratulate Lauren Hean, Managing Director of Appleton Fiduciary Services, on reaching the remarkable milestone of 10 years with the company. Lauren’s leadership, loyalty and unwavering commitment have made a significant contribution to the success of Appleton and the broader group. Thank you, Lauren, for a decade of outstanding service.

It is equally important to celebrate personal milestones within the OWM family. Congratulations to Nicole January from our Commissions team, who celebrated her 40th birthday in February, and to Candice Williams from our Banking Department, who celebrated her 40th birthday in April. We wish them both every happiness as they enter this exciting new decade.

On behalf of everyone at OWM, I would also like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Client Relationship Officer Linda-Marie Dryer on the arrival of her beautiful baby girl. We wish Linda-Marie and her family every happiness as they begin this special new chapter together and look forward to welcoming her back in due course.

Looking ahead, the opportunities before Spirit Invest remain exceptionally exciting. Our pipeline of prospective partners continues to grow, our businesses are well positioned for further expansion and we remain committed to investing in our people, technology and client service capabilities.

While the external environment will continue to present challenges, I remain confident in the strength of our businesses, our leadership teams and the culture that underpins everything we do.

The Romans coined the phrase Per aspera ad astra — “Through hardships to the stars.” It reminds us that meaningful and lasting success is built through resilience, determination and a shared sense of purpose. These qualities continue to define OWM.

As we enter the second half of 2026, we do so from a position of strength. Together, we have navigated challenges, embraced opportunities and continued to build a business capable of achieving even greater success.

Finally, thank you to every employee, advisor, specialist and business partner across OWM for your continued commitment, professionalism and passion. Your contribution is the foundation of our success and I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together during the first half of the year.

I wish you all a successful and rewarding second half of 2026.