Our Team
ZAID
Zaid Paruk CA(SA) is a seasoned investment professional with over 20 years of investment experience, including more than 15 years in professional portfolio management and investment analysis roles. Prior to founding Wealthvest Investment Management, Zaid led a team and co-managed investment funds at Aeon Investment Management, overseeing AUM exceeding R22 billion across local and global mandates. His career also includes experience at PwC, Greybond Group, and Balondolozi Investment Services.
Coming from a South African entrepreneurial family with roots in global trade, Zaid developed a strong passion for business and investing from an early age. After initially managing funds for friends and family, Zaid successfully built a career in institutional asset management, earning a reputation for strong risk-adjusted returns and disciplined capital stewardship. Zaid founded Wealthvest and leads the team with a focus on delivering long-term investment excellence, exceptional client service, and trusted management of client capital.
Outside of work, Zaid is a loving husband, father and outdoor adventurer.
MUHAMMAD
Muhammad Paruk CA(SA) has built a distinguished career with a deep commitment to financial stewardship and impact. Muhammad’s global professional journey includes roles at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), working across both South Africa and in Australia.
His time in Australia broadened his global perspective and refined his approach to finance and business. He has since returned to South Africa, where he is focused on contributing meaningfully to economic growth and financial empowerment.
As a co-founder and director of Wealthvest Investment Management, Muhammad plays an active role in shaping the firm’s strategic direction. His work centres on building a client-focused, forward-thinking investment business grounded in integrity, innovation, and long-term value creation, whilst contributing to a more inclusive and resilient financial landscape in South Africa.
Outside of work, Muhammad is an avid runner having completed marathons in both South Africa and Australia.
TAZKIA
Tazkia Banderker is a Business Development and Operations Analyst, where she supports client engagement; onboarding processes, and strategic initiatives. She holds a BCom in Financial Management and has a strong foundation in financial analysis, client relations, and operational efficiency. Tazkia works closely with advisors, and fund administrators to ensure seamless service delivery and alignment with business objectives.
With experience across investment management, property administration, and small business operations, she brings a well-rounded and practical approach to problem-solving. She is particularly passionate about ethical investing and contributing to sustainable, long-term financial growth.
Outside of work, Tazkia runs a luscious ‘chai’ business which is well renowned for its exceptional taste and great vibes.
AYANDA
Ayanda Mvandaba is the Chairperson of Wealthvest Investment Management, bringing a unique blend of technical financial expertise, rigorous governance experience, and entrepreneurial agility to the board. A Chartered Accountant by profession, Ayanda has extensive experience across asset management, corporate consolidations, and financial services auditing, having previously held senior positions at various institutions. She actively consults on high-value M&A transactions and high-value valuations within the financial services and tech sectors.
An accomplished non-executive director, Ayanda serves on multiple boards and regulatory bodies, frequently chairing Risk and Audit committees, and is a member of the SAICA Southern Regional Council. Her exceptional leadership has earned her recognition as a Mail & Guardian Top 200 Young South African and a SAICA Top 35 Under 35 Finalist.
Ayanda is deeply committed to strategic innovation and sustainable value creation that lifts up communities. She balances her corporate governance portfolio with running her own corporate and social enterprises. She holds an Honours degree in Accounting and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Commerce specialising in Financial Reporting, Analysis and Governance.
Maryam Gopal
Maryam Gopal is a Junior Investment Analyst at Wealthvest Investment Management, where she supports the investment team across equity research, portfolio analytics, valuation modelling, and investment reporting. She holds a Bachelor of Business Science specialising in Finance from the University of Cape Town and is a CFA Level II candidate with the CFA Institute.
Her work focuses on portfolio monitoring, performance and attribution analysis, company research, financial modelling, and supporting investment decision-making.
Outside of work, Maryam enjoys spending time with friends and family and travelling to explore new places.
Faheemah Ahmed
As a Junior Investment Analyst, I support the investment team by conducting financial research, analysing market trends, and evaluating investment opportunities to contribute to informed investment decisions. I enjoy turning numbers into stories, asking the right questions, and uncovering the insights hidden in the data because every figure has something interesting to say.
Inspired by Warren Buffett’s philosophy that “Price is what you pay. Value is what you get”. I believe the best investment decisions come from looking beyond the numbers to understand the true value of a business.
Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my furry family and taking on DIY home renovation projects that let me get creative and bring new ideas to life.