Financial planning for high-net-worth individuals and retirees in the Eastern and Southern Cape. The plan starts with the life you want, and the numbers are built around it.
The life first
We begin with what you want your money to do: the retirement you have in mind, the family you support, the legacy you intend to leave. The plan is built to serve those decisions.
One coordinated plan
Retirement, investments, tax and estate planning are treated as one plan rather than four separate conversations, so a decision in one area is tested against the others.
A long-term relationship
Markets will move and circumstances will change. We review the plan with you regularly and keep it aligned to the goals it was built for, not to the headlines of the month.
Who We Work With
Coates Capital has advised clients since 2010. We work best with:
- Individuals and families with significant investable assets who want one adviser to see the whole picture: local and offshore investments, retirement funds, property, trusts and business interests.
- People within ten years of retirement, or already retired, who need to turn accumulated capital into a dependable income and make decisions on living annuities, life annuities and drawdown rates.
- Business owners and professionals whose personal and business finances are closely linked and need to be planned together.
Most of our clients live in the Eastern and Southern Cape. We meet in person at our offices in Walmer, Gqeberha, or online, whichever suits you.
Our Approach
Financial planning
A written plan that sets out where you are, where you want to be and the decisions that connect the two, reviewed as your circumstances change.
Investment management
Portfolios are built around when each part of your capital will be needed. Capital for the next few years is held for stability; capital for the long term is invested for growth. Meaningful offshore and rand-hedge exposure is a structural feature, not a short-term call on the currency.
Estate planning
We map how your estate would pass today, identify gaps in liquidity, beneficiary nominations and offshore assets, and work alongside your attorney and fiduciary specialists on wills and trusts.
Tax efficiency
The right assets in the right structures: tax-free savings accounts, retirement annuities, endowments and discretionary portfolios each have a place, and the order in which you use them matters.
We are not tied to any product provider. Our fees are agreed with you in writing, and any remuneration is disclosed before anything is implemented.
Services We Offer
Comprehensive financial planning
Cash-flow projections over the years that matter to you, tested against different assumptions for inflation, returns and spending, and updated at each review.
Retirement income planning
For those approaching or in retirement: how much income your capital can reasonably support, how to structure it between living and life annuities, and how drawdowns should respond to markets and inflation.
Investment management
Portfolio construction across local and offshore markets, with regular rebalancing and attention to capital gains tax, including use of the annual exclusion.
Estate and succession planning
Liquidity planning, beneficiary nominations across funds and policies, offshore assets and executor arrangements, coordinated with your attorney.
Life and disability cover
Making sure the plan holds if something happens to you: life, disability, income protection and severe illness cover reviewed against what your family would need.
Why Coates Capital
Your interests first
As an authorised financial services provider, we are required by the FAIS Act and its General Code of Conduct to act honestly and fairly, with due skill, care and diligence, and in the interests of our clients. We also follow the Treating Customers Fairly principles. Conflicts of interest are managed and disclosed under our published policy.
Not tied to any product provider
We are under no obligation to recommend the products of any particular insurer, platform or fund manager. Recommendations are chosen from across the market on the basis of what suits your plan.
A CFP® professional
Stuart Coates holds the CFP® certification, the internationally recognised standard in financial planning, together with a postgraduate diploma in financial planning from the University of the Free State.
One adviser, throughout
You deal with the same person from the first meeting onward. Stuart knows your plan, your family and your history, and you will not be handed on to a junior.
Our Process
A first conversation (no charge)
A 60-minute meeting in person or online. We discuss your situation and what you want to achieve, and explain how we work and what it costs. If we are not the right fit, we will tell you.
Gathering the picture
If you decide to go ahead, we agree the fee in writing and collect your information. Many clients use our secure Asset-Map tool to set out their household, assets, liabilities and goals in one place.
Your plan
We analyse your position and present a written plan with clear recommendations, usually within three to four weeks of receiving your information, depending on complexity.
Putting it in place
We implement the recommendations you approve and coordinate with your attorney, accountant and product providers so nothing falls between them.
Staying on track
We review the plan with you at least once a year and whenever your circumstances change. You can reach Stuart directly in between.
Situations We Often Help With
Retiring with a lump sum and a decision to make
A couple in their early sixties, with retirement fund proceeds about to become available, need to decide between a living annuity, a life annuity or a combination, and at what drawdown rate. We model each option against their spending and the income they would need through a long retirement, and explain the trade-offs before they commit.
Wealth spread across too many places
A family with retirement annuities, unit trusts, an offshore account, a trust and several policies, built up over twenty years with different advisers. Nobody has looked at the whole picture. We consolidate the view first, then decide what should change.
An estate that would struggle to settle
A property-rich estate with little cash would leave the executor without the liquidity to pay estate duty, CGT on death and the executor's fees. We quantify the shortfall and work with the family's attorney on how to close it.
A business owner preparing to step back
A founder whose wealth sits mostly inside the business needs a plan for the transition: buy-and-sell cover, extracting value tax-efficiently, and building personal capital outside the company.
Meet the Founder
Stuart Coates, CFP®
Founder and principal adviser, with more than 15 years' experience in financial planning for high-net-worth individuals, families and retirees.
After completing a BCom degree in 2004, Stuart moved to Asia, where he was based mainly in Taipei, Taiwan. He worked as an independent communications consultant to the senior management of large multinational companies, including Samsung, Hon Hai Precision Industry and Calyon, the investment banking subsidiary of Crédit Agricole.
Stuart returned to South Africa in 2008 and joined NFB Private Wealth Management in 2009, completing a postgraduate diploma in financial planning at the University of the Free State in the same year. He founded Coates Capital in 2010.
Stuart is passionate about the outdoors and spends his free time hiking, camping, overlanding and SCUBA diving.
Resources and Insights
The Week Ahead
A short brief every Monday on the week's South African and global market events and what they mean for a long-term plan. Free, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Asset-Map
A visual picture of your financial life on one page: your household, assets, liabilities, cash flows, insurance and goals.
Scan the QR code or click below to start your own.
Contact Us
Start with a 60-minute conversation, free of charge and without obligation, at our offices in Walmer or online. We will discuss your situation and goals and explain how we would work together and what it would cost.
Telephone: +27 71 192 3455
Email: stuart@coates-capital.com
Office: 209 Water Road, Walmer, Gqeberha 6070
Coates Capital is an authorised financial services provider, FSP 42167.
Privacy Policy — Coates Capital CC (FSP No. 42167) | Effective Date: 3 March 2026
At Coates Capital CC, discretion and trust form the foundation of every client relationship. As an authorised Financial Services Provider, we recognise that the personal and financial information entrusted to us is both sensitive and significant. We are committed to processing such information lawfully, responsibly and in accordance with the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (“POPIA”).
1. Our Responsibility
Coates Capital CC (FSP No. 42167) is an independent financial services provider offering bespoke financial planning and wealth structuring services. We accept full responsibility for the lawful processing and safeguarding of personal information under our control.
Registered & Principal Place of Business:
209 Water Road
Walmer
Port Elizabeth 6070
2. Information We Collect
In order to provide tailored financial advice and structured planning solutions, we may collect information including:
- Identity and contact information
- Financial position and investment holdings
- Income, assets and liabilities
- Employment and business interests
- Tax-related information
- Risk tolerance and investment preferences
- Medical information (where required for underwriting)
- Banking details
- Records of correspondence and advisory discussions
We collect only information that is relevant and necessary to deliver professional financial advice and to meet our regulatory obligations.
3. Purpose of Processing
Your personal information is processed for purposes including:
- Conducting comprehensive financial needs analyses
- Preparing and presenting financial plans
- Implementing investment, retirement and risk solutions
- Meeting statutory and regulatory obligations (FAIS, FICA and related legislation)
- Identity verification and anti-money laundering compliance
- Ongoing portfolio management and review
- Claims administration
- Risk management and governance oversight
We do not sell personal information, nor do we use it for unrelated commercial exploitation.
4. Legal Basis for Processing
We process personal information where:
- You have provided consent;
- It is necessary to fulfil a contractual mandate;
- It is required by law or regulatory obligation;
- It is necessary to protect legitimate interests;
- It is necessary for the proper performance of advisory services.
5. Disclosure of Information
Your information may be shared, where necessary and appropriate, with:
- Investment platforms and product providers
- Insurers and underwriting entities
- Compliance officers
- Professional advisers (such as auditors or accountants)
- Regulatory authorities where legally required
- Approved technology and service providers
All third parties are required to maintain strict confidentiality and implement appropriate security safeguards.
6. Cross-Border Processing
In certain circumstances, data may be stored or processed outside South Africa, particularly where cloud-based systems are utilised. Where this occurs, Coates Capital takes reasonable steps to ensure that equivalent levels of data protection are applied.
7. Safeguarding Your Information
Coates Capital CC operates from a sole-occupancy registered business premises at:
209 Water Road
Walmer
Port Elizabeth 6070
We implement appropriate technical and organisational safeguards, including:
- Controlled physical access to premises
- Secure storage of physical records
- Restricted access to electronic systems
- Password-protected platforms
- Secure data backups
- Confidentiality undertakings from staff and service providers
Information security is reviewed regularly as part of our governance framework.
8. Retention of Records
Personal information is retained in accordance with:
- FAIS regulatory requirements
- FICA obligations
- Tax legislation
- POPIA storage limitation principles
Records are retained only for as long as legally required or operationally necessary.
9. Your Rights
You have the right to:
- Request access to your personal information;
- Request correction or deletion of inaccurate data;
- Object to processing where legally permissible;
- Withdraw consent (where applicable);
- Lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator.
Requests may be directed to our Information Officer.
10. Information Officer
Information Officer: Stuart Coates
Email: stuart@coates-capital.com
Telephone: 071 192 3455
Information Regulator Registration Number: 2024-016357
11. Lodging a Complaint
If you believe your personal information has been processed unlawfully or in breach of applicable legislation, you may contact The Information Regulator (South Africa).
Website: www.justice.gov.za/inforeg
Email: inforeg@justice.gov.za
We encourage clients to raise any concerns with us first so that they may be addressed promptly and professionally.
12. Updates to This Policy
This Privacy Policy may be amended from time to time to reflect regulatory developments or operational enhancements. The most current version will always be available on our website.
Coates Capital CC | FSP No. 42167 | Effective Date: 3 March 2026
1. Legal Status
Coates Capital CC is an authorised Financial Services Provider licensed and regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA).
- Registered Name: Coates Capital CC
- Trading As: Coates Capital Investment Consulting
- Registration Number: 2010/048817/23
- FSP Number: 42167
- Regulator: Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA)
- Registered & Principal Place of Business: 209 Water Road, Walmer, Port Elizabeth 6070
- Telephone: 071 192 3455
- Email: stuart@coates-capital.com
2. Scope of Authorisation
Coates Capital CC is authorised as a Category I Financial Services Provider to render Advice and Intermediary Services in respect of the following financial products:
- Long-Term Insurance (Subcategories B1, B1-A, B2, B2-A and C)
- Retail Pension Benefits
- Pension Funds Benefits
- Participatory Interests in Collective Investment Schemes
- Long-Term Deposits
- Short-Term Deposits
- Structured Deposits
- Participatory Interests in Hedge Funds
Services are rendered strictly within the scope of licence conditions issued by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority. A copy of our licence and licence conditions is available for inspection at our registered office.
3. Key Individual
Key Individual: Stuart Coates
The Key Individual meets the Fit and Proper requirements prescribed under the FAIS Act and oversees the rendering of financial services.
4. Professional Indemnity & Fidelity Cover
Coates Capital CC maintains Professional Indemnity Insurance and Fidelity Guarantee cover as required under the FAIS Act and applicable regulations.
5. Conflict of Interest Management
Coates Capital CC is committed to identifying, managing and mitigating conflicts of interest in accordance with the FAIS General Code of Conduct. A copy of our Conflict of Interest Management Policy is available upon request.
6. Complaints Procedure
If you are dissatisfied with any aspect of our financial services, you may lodge a written complaint with:
- Complaints Officer
- Coates Capital CC
- Email: stuart@coates-capital.com
- Telephone: 071 192 3455
We aim to resolve complaints within six (6) weeks in accordance with the FAIS General Code of Conduct. If you remain dissatisfied, you may refer the matter to:
Office of the FAIS Ombud
Website: www.faisombud.co.za
Telephone: 012 762 5000
Email: info@faisombud.co.za
Complaints must relate to a financial service rendered and should be submitted within three (3) years of the act or omission giving rise to the complaint.
7. Compliance Oversight
Coates Capital CC is supported by an approved Compliance Officer in accordance with the FAIS Act. Details of our Compliance Officer are available upon request.
8. Treating Customers Fairly (TCF)
Coates Capital CC is committed to the principles of Treating Customers Fairly and strives to ensure that:
- Clients receive clear and appropriate information;
- Advice is suitable and aligned to client objectives;
- Products perform as expected;
- Clients do not face unreasonable post-sale barriers.
9. Important Notice
Financial advice is rendered based on information provided by clients and is subject to applicable legislation and regulatory standards. Clients are encouraged to ensure that all information supplied is accurate and complete.
Coates Capital CC | FSP No. 42167 | Effective Date: 3 March 2026 | Last Reviewed: 3 March 2026
Coates Capital CC ("the FSP"), trading as Coates Capital Investment Consulting, is committed to conducting its business with integrity, transparency and fairness. This Conflict of Interest Management Policy is adopted in accordance with the FAIS Act, 2002 and the General Code of Conduct for Authorised Financial Services Providers and Representatives.
Legal Status
- Registered Name: Coates Capital CC
- Registration Number: 2010/048817/23
- FSP Number: 42167
- Regulator: Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA)
- Registered & Principal Place of Business: 209 Water Road, Walmer, Port Elizabeth 6070
Definition of Conflict of Interest
A conflict of interest means any situation in which the FSP or its representatives have an actual or potential interest that may influence the objective performance of their obligations to a client. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Financial interests
- Ownership interests
- Relationships with product suppliers
- Personal interests that may compromise impartial advice
Commitment to Independent Advice
Coates Capital CC operates as an independent advisory practice. Advice is provided based on:
- Client objectives
- Risk profile
- Financial circumstances
- Regulatory suitability requirements
Remuneration structures are disclosed to clients prior to implementation of any financial product.
Financial Interests
The FSP may receive remuneration in the form of:
- Commission as permitted by legislation
- Fees agreed with clients
- Ongoing service fees
- Non-cash incentives within regulatory limits
All financial interests are managed in accordance with regulatory requirements and disclosed where necessary.
Ownership Interests
Coates Capital CC does not hold ownership interests in product suppliers that would materially influence the provision of advice.
Where ownership interests exist, they will be disclosed to clients in writing.
Associates and Third Parties
- The relationship is evaluated for potential bias
- The client’s best interest remains paramount
- Recommendations are suitability-driven
- No recommendation is made solely to benefit the FSP or any associate.
Gifts and Incentives
The FSP maintains a Gifts Register. Gifts or hospitality:
- Must not influence objective advice
- Must fall within permitted thresholds
- Must be recorded in the register
Employees and representatives are prohibited from accepting inappropriate inducements.
Identification and Management of Conflicts
- Ongoing compliance oversight
- Annual declarations by representatives
- Maintenance of a Conflict Register
- Disclosure to clients where required
- Key Individual supervision
Where a conflict cannot be effectively mitigated, the FSP may decline to act.
Disclosure to Clients
- Disclose the nature of the conflict in writing;
- Explain the potential impact on the client;
- Confirm the measures taken to mitigate the conflict.
Disclosure will be made prior to or at the time advice is rendered.
Monitoring and Review
- Reviewed annually;
- Reviewed upon regulatory amendment;
- Reviewed upon identification of material conflict;
The Key Individual is responsible for oversight of this policy.
Access to Policy
- On request from the FSP; and
- On the Coates Capital CC website.
Governance Statement
Coates Capital CC adopts a zero-tolerance approach to undisclosed or unmanaged conflicts of interest. All advice rendered is governed by the principle that the client’s interests must be prioritised above those of the FSP.
Approved by: Members of Coates Capital CC | Effective Date: 3 March 2026 | Next Review Date: 3 March 2027
Coates Capital CC (FSP No. 42167) Effective Date: 3 March 2026 Last Reviewed: 3 March 2026
Coates Capital CC is committed to delivering financial advice and intermediary services with professionalism, integrity and fairness. We view complaints as an opportunity to improve our service and uphold our commitment to Treating Customers Fairly (TCF). This Complaints Procedure is adopted in accordance with the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, 2002 (FAIS) and the General Code of Conduct for Authorised Financial Services Providers.
What Constitutes a Complaint?
A complaint is any expression of dissatisfaction relating to a financial service rendered by Coates Capital CC, including but not limited to:
- The quality of advice provided
- Alleged financial prejudice
- Administrative errors
- Disclosure concerns
- Service-related dissatisfaction
Complaints must relate to a financial service rendered by the FSP.
How to Lodge a Complaint
Complaints must be submitted in writing and should include:
- Your full name and contact details
- A clear description of the complaint
- Relevant dates
- Supporting documentation (if available)
Complaints may be submitted to:
- Complaints Officer, Coates Capital CC
- 209 Water Road, Walmer, Port Elizabeth 6070
- Email: stuart@coates-capital.com
- Telephone: 071 192 3455
Our Complaint Handling Process
Step 1 – Acknowledgement
Upon receipt of your complaint, we will acknowledge receipt within a reasonable time. Your complaint will be recorded in our Complaints Register.
Step 2 – Investigation
We may:
- Review relevant advice documentation
- Request additional information
- Engage with the representative involved
Step 3 – Resolution
We aim to resolve complaints within six (6) weeks of receipt. You will receive a written response outlining:
- Our findings
- The outcome
- Any remedial action proposed (if applicable)
Escalation to the FAIS Ombud
If you are dissatisfied with our response, or if six (6) weeks have passed without resolution, you may refer the complaint to:
Office of the FAIS Ombud
- Website: www.faisombud.co.za
- Telephone: 012 762 5000
- Email: info@faisombud.co.za
Complaints referred to the FAIS Ombud:
- Must relate to a financial service rendered
- Must generally be submitted within three (3) years of the act or omission
- Must first have been lodged with the FSP
Treating Customers Fairly (TCF)
Coates Capital CC is committed to ensuring that:
- Clients receive clear and appropriate information
- Advice is suitable and aligned with client objectives
- Clients are not subjected to unreasonable post-sale barriers
- Complaints are handled promptly and fairly
Confidentiality
All complaints are handled confidentially and in accordance with applicable data protection legislation.
Governance Oversight
Complaints are:
- Recorded in a formal Complaints Register
- Monitored for systemic risk
- Reviewed as part of our governance oversight framework
Material complaints are escalated to the Members of Coates Capital CC.
Coates Capital CC | FSP No. 42167 | Promotion of Access to Information Act, 2000 (PAIA) | Effective Date: 3 March 2026 | Last Reviewed: 3 March 2026
This manual has been prepared in accordance with Section 51 of PAIA and provides guidance on how to request access to records held by Coates Capital CC. It also addresses certain aspects of the Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPIA), which governs the lawful processing of personal information.
Details of the Private Body
- Name: Coates Capital CC
- Trading As: Coates Capital Investment Consulting
- Registration Number: 2010/048817/23
- FSP Number: 42167
- Registered Address: 209 Water Road, Walmer, Port Elizabeth 6070
- Telephone: 071 192 3455
- Email: stuart@coates-capital.com
Information Officer
- Information Officer: Stuart Coates
- Email: stuart@coates-capital.com
- Telephone: 071 192 3455
- Information Regulator Registration Number: 2024-016357
Guide to Using PAIA
A guide on how to use PAIA is available from the Information Regulator and contains information on the purpose of PAIA, how to request access to records, and available remedies.
- Information Regulator (South Africa), JD House, 27 Stiemens Street, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2001
- Website: www.justice.gov.za/inforeg
- Email: inforeg@justice.gov.za
Records Held by Coates Capital CC
5.1 Corporate Records
- Registration documents
- Member resolutions
- Financial statements
- Tax records
- Insurance policies
5.2 Financial Services Records
- Client financial needs analyses
- Records of Advice
- Investment and insurance documentation
- Client identification documents (FICA)
- Compliance documentation
- Complaints register
- Conflict of Interest register
5.3 Human Resources Records
- Employment contracts
- Payroll records
- Training records
- CPD documentation
5.4 Operational Records
- Service provider agreements
- IT service agreements
- Risk management documentation
- Business continuity planning documentation
5.5 Marketing Records
- Website content
- Marketing materials
- Client communications
Purpose of Processing Personal Information
- Rendering financial advice and intermediary services
- Conducting financial needs analyses
- Complying with FAIS and FICA obligations
- Identity verification
- Claims administration
- Regulatory reporting
- Fraud prevention and risk management
Categories of Data Subjects
- Clients
- Prospective clients
- Employees
- Service providers
- Business partners
Recipients of Personal Information
Personal information may be shared only where necessary and lawful with:
- Product providers
- Investment platforms
- Insurers
- Compliance officers
- Regulatory authorities
- Professional advisers
Request Procedure
A request for access to records must:
- Be made using the prescribed Form 2 (Regulation 7)
- Provide sufficient detail to identify the requested record
- Specify the right being exercised or protected
- Be submitted to the Information Officer at the contact details above
Fees
- Personal requesters are not required to pay a request fee
- Other requesters may be required to pay a request fee
- Access fees may apply for reproduction of records
- Fees will be charged in accordance with the PAIA Regulations
Grounds for Refusal
Access to records may be refused where disclosure would:
- Involve unreasonable disclosure of personal information
- Reveal commercially confidential information
- Breach legal privilege
- Prejudice law enforcement or regulatory processes
Where access is refused, written reasons will be provided.
Security Measures
- Controlled physical access to premises
- Secure storage of records
- Password-protected systems
- Restricted access to information
- Secure data backups
Availability of the Manual
- On the Coates Capital CC website
- Upon request from the Information Officer
Approved by: Members of Coates Capital CC | Effective Date: 3 March 2026 | Next Review Date: 3 March 2027
Lifestyle Financial Planning