Momentum Asset Management has announced the appointment of Mario Fisher as Chief Investment Officer: Systematic Strategies, effective 15 January 2026, further strengthening its quantitative and systematic investing capability.

Mario brings nearly 30 years of experience across quantitative research, portfolio management, data science and systematic investment process leadership. He joins Momentum Asset Management, as part of Momentum Investments, with a strong track record of building and leading high-performing investment teams, as well as designing robust and scalable systematic investment frameworks.

He holds a Master of Science in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Commerce in Information Systems from the University of Cape Town. Over the course of his career, Mario has held senior roles, including Head of Quant Research and Portfolio Management at Old Mutual Investment Group, Chief Data Scientist and Head of Quant Analytics at Prescient Investment Management and Lead Portfolio Manager on flagship global and local quantitative equity funds. His experience also includes quantitative leadership roles across South Africa and London at institutions such as Futuregrowth, Deutsche Bank and the Royal Bank of Canada.

Roberts Grava, CEO of Momentum Asset Management, notes that “Mario brings both academic strength and extensive hands-on experience in complex model design, quantitative research and the operational frameworks that support robust investment processes. His unique blend of investment acumen, technical depth, leadership experience, and business-building capabilities are all qualities that will be instrumental as we strengthen and scale our Systematic Strategies business.”

In his new role, Mario will lead Momentum Asset Management’s systematic strategies across research, portfolio design, model governance, infrastructure and long-term strategic development, working closely with the broader investment leadership team to drive the next phase of growth in this critical capability in Momentum Investments.

The appointment forms part of a carefully planned leadership transition. Following a long and distinguished tenure, Loftie Botha, portfolio manager and head of Systematic Strategies, will be leaving and the team is working closely together to ensure a smooth succession. Momentum Asset Management will continue to monitor developments and remains committed to maintaining continuity, stability and the ongoing strength of its systematic investment offering.

“Loftie has made an exceptional contribution throughout his tenure. He was instrumental in shaping our systematics strategies offering, strengthening our team, supporting our growth, and further maturing our capabilities. We wish him success and joy as he enters this next chapter,” says Grava.

“But we also look forward to welcoming Mario to the business and to the expertise, leadership and energy that he will bring to the firm’s Systematic Strategies business. These changes represent an important moment in the journey of our Systematic Strategies business, with a new chapter of leadership, innovation and strategic direction.”