A blend of skill,
experience,
and risk tolerance.

Team

Royce Long
Royce Long CA (SA), CFA
Royce began his investment career at RMB Asset Management. During his 14-year tenure there, he managed money across an array of products, eventually finding his niche as Head of Financials research. He was also a member of the asset allocation committee and played an integral part in its decision making process. His learnings at RMB formed the basis for his investment philosophy on which Obsidian Capital was founded. Royce co-manages the four investment strategies that Obsidian Capital offers. He is married, with two kids, and spends his downtime with a baited line in the waters off the Transkei coast. He is also a Comrades finisher and triathlon competitor.
Richard Simpson
Richard SimpsonBSc Hons, PDM
Richard worked as senior investment professional at RMB Asset Management for 14 years, culminating in him holding the positions of Chief Strategist and Head of Resources research. He also formed part of the asset allocation committee. Richard co-founded Obsidian Capital in 2007 and is jointly responsible for the four investment strategies that Obsidian Capital offers. He has a fascination for the macroeconomic environment and how it impacts incumbent investments. Richard is married, with three young kids, has a penchant for challenging multi-stage mountain biking races, and enjoys a glass (or two) of red wine.
Chris Stainforth
Chris StainforthB Ag. Man. Hons (Ag Econ)
In the early part of his career, Chris worked for corporates such as Investec, Fleming Martin, JP Morgan and Stanlib in various senior roles. However, upon leaving the corporate world he established multiple ventures with corporates. This included SIM Sense for Sanlam Investment Management and StoneHouse Capital with Liberty Holdings. Chris then initiated and managed multiple corporate transactions in the Asset and Wealth Management industry for various clients. In 2007, he founded Counterpoint Asset Management and grew the business to the point where it merged with RECM and later acquired Bridge Capital. He has since exited the merged entities and took a year’s sabbatical in which he was involved in a capital raise for a UK based technology APP. Chris subsequently joined Obsidian in July 2021 as CEO.

Chris is married with two children. He is a keen sportsman and has completed multiple iron man events and a Comrades Marathon. Chris is also an accomplished swimmer, competing on the masters swimming circuit and enjoying open water events such as the Robben Island crossing.

Liam Arron
Liam ArronBCom Investment Man. (Hons)
Having completed his BCom Investment Management degree at the University of Pretoria, Liam joined Obsidian Capital as a graduate in May 2017. He has passed all three levels of the CFA certification.

His responsibilities at Obsidian include trade execution, portfolio administration, and 3rd party relationship management.

He makes meaningful contributions to the investment debate, particularly as the in-house Bloomberg specialist. For his sins, Liam is a Manchester United supporter. He enjoys socialising with friends, travelling, spending time outdoors, and watching sport.

Tayler Blackbeard
Tayler BlackbeardBCom Investment Man. (Hons)
Tayler recently completed his BCom Investment Management degree at the University of Pretoria.

He was born and raised in Durban and began his journey into the financial world of investment given his fascination with global markets. He enjoys the complexity of markets and is always eager to grow and better his knowledge of the economic machine.

He is a passionate fly fisherman and takes every opportunity he can to go and target trout and yellowfish. He also enjoys the social golf game on a Saturday.

Alex Holmes
Alex HolmesBEng Mechanical Engineering
Alex joined Obsidian in January 2023 after graduating from the University of Pretoria with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.

He has a passion for investing and a keen interest in global financial markets, particularly equity markets. He is eager to learn and is currently a CFA level 1 candidate.

Alex is an avid sportsman and enjoys rowing, cycling, and running.