Hwalani Mabaso is a transformational executive, visionary strategist, and award-winning leader in the financial services industry. With over two decades of experience across banking, wealth management, insurance, and investment, she has consistently broken barriers, championed inclusion, and led high-performing teams across South Africa’s most respected financial institutions.
Currently serving as Executive: Everyday Advice and Distribution at Absa. Hwalani is entrusted with leading the execution of Absa’s bancassurance strategy. She oversees a national operation spanning ,multi-tied advisors, Digital Advice Fintech and voice-led advice platforms,ensuring client acquisition, retention, and long-term financial empowerment for all. Her leadership is defined by growth, innovation, and a deep commitment to financial wellness and transformation.
Her leadership journey includes high-impact roles such as Head of Client Coverage for Wealth and Investment at Standard Bank and General Manager of Absa Bank and other roles at Nedbank, Old Mutual , Liberty life and Alexander Forbes Internationally recognized, Hwalani was named one of the Mail & Guardian’s Women Changing South Africa in 2019 and a Top 100 Global Voice for Women in Tech in 2023. She was also a Top 40 Young Achievers Finalist at Standard Bank in the same year.
She holds an MPhil, BCom Honours, and BCom in Communication Management from the University of Pretoria, alongside an LLB from UNISA. Her commitment to lifelong learning has seen her complete global leadership programs including:
- IMD Business School: Transformational Leadership & Digital Transformation
- Duke Corporate Education: Executive Leadership
- Coventry University: Diversity and Inclusion
- University of Cape Town: Fintech – Disruption in Finance
Beyond the boardroom, Hwalani serves as Chairperson of the University of Venda Centre for Entrepreneurship, a former Senator at the World Business Angels Investment Forum, and a Founding Board Member of Women in Tech South Africa. She also holds membership with the Institute of Directors SA.
Her influence extends into media and public discourse, having been a spokesperson for Absa Insurance, featured on SABC 1’s Rize Mzansi, and contributor of numerous thought leadership articles in the financial planning space. A compelling speaker, she engages national and global audiences on topics such as wealth creation, legislation, pension reform, gender equity, and governance.
Her entrepreneurial spirit shone through as Managing Director of the Eco Design Initiative, where she raised over R30 million and led international partnerships across Sweden, Denmark, and Switzerland.
Fluent in seven South African languages, Hwalani embodies the spirit of Pan-African leadership—rooted in purpose, driven by impact, and guided by excellence. With unwavering commitment to transformation and empowerment, she continues to shape a more inclusive and prosperous future for Africa.