Charles Savage is the driving force empowering a new generation of South African investors. As the architect of EasyEquities and the CEO of parent company Purple Group, he champions financial inclusion, making the once-exclusive world of stock market investing open to everyone.
Savage’s journey, rooted in more than 20 years of financial innovation – from pioneering contracts for difference in South Africa to creating automated trading platforms – culminates in a mission to help more South Africans build wealth. His drive extends beyond finance; he has a passion for sea toys and has also ventured into the horse-racing industry as chair of 4Racing. His impact is clear: fostering a more diverse investor base and tirelessly working to make financial growth a reality for all.
If money could talk, what would it say about your spending habits?
It would probably laugh and say: “This guy knows how to have a good time with a passion for Purple 😉.” I’m a big believer in living life fully, but always with the guardrails of long-term growth and sustainable wealth building. Every rand is a soldier – it’s either working for me or it’s being spent with passion.
What’s the most significant financial lesson you’ve learnt from your own investment experiences?
Patience and conviction are everything. Markets are irrational, volatile and often chaotic, but over the long term, true value always rises to the surface. My journey with EasyEquities is proof of that – when you democratise access and let time do its thing, amazing growth happens.
If there’s a stock you wish you had invested in earlier, what would it be and why?
Locally, it would be Capitec. Its ability to disrupt traditional banking in South Africa with simplicity and customer-centric solutions is nothing short of revolutionary. Internationally, it has to be Nvidia. Its role in driving AI, gaming and cloud computing is transformative. It has built the backbone for some of the most important technological advancements of our time, and the scale of its innovation is just staggering.
What’s the most extravagant purchase you’ve ever made, and do you still think it was worth it?
Definitely all my sea toys – fishing skis, surfboards, rods, jet skis and everything in between. I’ve got a passion for the water and everything you can do in it. Whether it’s riding waves, reeling in a catch or exploring the deep blue, it’s all about stacking up experiences and memories for a life well lived. Was it worth it? Absolutely. It’s not about the gear; it’s about the freedom, the moments and the pure connection with nature.
What’s an unconventional asset class you’ve considered investing in?
A racehorse. There’s something uniquely captivating about the sport – the tradition, the community and the thrill of race day. It’s not your typical investment, but it’s one that combines passion with opportunity in a way few things can.
What advice would you give to young professionals about building wealth and managing their finances?
Start now; start small, but start. The power of compounding is the closest thing to magic you’ll find in finance. And don’t just invest – invest in things you understand and believe in. Your conviction will carry you through the tough times.
What is your retirement plan?
Honestly? To never really retire. I love what I do, and I want to keep building, learning, and investing for as long as I can. I don’t think retirement should mean stopping – it should mean shifting focus to passion projects and legacy building. It’s about spending all your time on the things that get you out of bed the earliest, and allow you to spend the most time with the people who inspire and love you the most. If I can wake up every day and do the things I love with the people who matter, then that’s the best kind of retirement I can imagine.
What financial trend do you think is overrated, and why?
NFTs [non-fungible tokens] and the Metaverse. I understand the excitement around digital ownership and virtual worlds, but I think the hype has outpaced reality. NFTs still lack true utility beyond speculation, and the Metaverse, while a fascinating concept, hasn’t proven its ability to become a mainstream platform for daily life. Too many people are betting on an idea that’s still years away from tangible value, if it ever gets there.
If you were not in your current role, what company would you work for in a heartbeat?
Frankly, I don’t think I’m employable or could do anything other than what I’m doing right now. So that would probably leave me running a surf shop on the beach with good views of the local break. Up at sunrise, checking the swell, helping people catch waves, and living life on my own terms. That sounds like the right kind of “job” if I wasn’t doing this.
If you could give your younger self one piece of financial advice, what would it be – and would you actually listen?
Buy more equities and hold. And yes, I’d probably listen, because I’ve always been a believer in the power of markets to build wealth over time. I might have just doubled down earlier if I knew then what I know now.
How can South Africa achieve widespread financial literacy and inclusion?
It starts with access and education. That’s been the mission of EasyEquities from day one. You break down barriers, democratise access and meet people where they are. If you empower someone with the right tools and the right knowledge, you change their life – and, eventually, you change a country.
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