This month we chat with Hans Overbeek, Founder and CEO of Cyber Finance, a leading financial solutions provider offering a range of effective debt counselling services that provide consumers with an affordable repayment solution and ultimately financial freedom. To date, his company has helped over 5,000 SA consumers become debt free and has been voted Top 10 National Debt Solutions Provider.

Describe yourself in 3 words.

Precise, modest, no-nonsense approach.

Describe the Cyber Finance business model briefly.

Cyber Finance operates as a personal debt and financial management company (registered Debt Counsellors). For the last six years, we went for a niche position: “best in the market”. Our personal approach to our clientele, excellence in service and care, and high expertise in solving complicated financial problems for our clients are what sets us apart from other debt counsellors.

How do Cyber Finance’s services differ from traditional banks?

Cyber Finance is not a bank. We give advice to all consumers in South Africa about their financial situation and wellbeing and offer solutions to improve them. We do this without creating new loans and more debt.

What are the main requirements for an individual to be approved for a debt consolidation program with Cyber Finance?

The main requirements are; they need to be over-indebted according to regulation 23A of the National Credit Act. This relates to credit risk profile, salary level, debt levels and cost of living.

The past two years have been especially hard on consumers. How has that impacted your business?

We have had an influx of inquiries and we expect an increased interest in our services for the next 12 months. Especially with our excellent reputation for our “free financial assessments” which enables the consumer to have a 360-degree view of their finances (in-depth analysis).

What are the main focus areas in your digital marketing strategy?

Communicating clearly and penetrating the awareness of consumers with lots of good articles and honest advice. We strictly follow the code of the NCR.

How will developments in technology change business in South Africa in the near future?

With the increase of mobile apps, better mobile devices and increased internet access, consumers will have more access to valuable information and make better decisions. The costs of client service can be decreased and translated into better products and services at a lower price.

What advice do you have for aspiring tech entrepreneurs?

Success comes through hard work and never giving up. Follow the direction of your dreams and don’t deviate. At all times be open to learning and improving.

When I’m not working, I’m…

Working. I am very passionate and involved and feel dedicated to improving people’s lives. 1 day per week I dedicate to my children, my son who is 8 and my daughter who is 11. In order to balance out my life better I have started my first hobby; making my own salamis, cooked hams and parma hams. This passion started while I worked as a consultant for a meat producer in the Parma, Italy region.