Empowering Women in Finance: Danni Oosthuizen

We are pleased to present the seventeenth episode of our Women in Finance series, featuring Danielle Oosthuizen, a Senior Compliance Administrator at Foster Denovo. In this episode, Danielle reflects on her relocation from South Africa, her experiences at Foster Denovo, and the progression she’s made within the company. She also shares valuable advice for those aspiring to build a career in the finance industry.

Danielle discusses her journey into the financial services industry and her career progression within Foster Denovo

“I didn’t plan on a career in financial services, however it just sort of happened. It all began in South Africa, working alongside my dad, a Financial Planner. Fresh out of school I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do but I was eager to earn money and gain some work experience, so I started as his Personal Assistant. What began as a temporary job turned into a few years of experience that unknowingly laid the foundation for my future.

Working with my dad, I got firsthand exposure to the financial planning industry. I learned about policies, investment strategies, and the importance of meticulous client service. I handled administrative work, organised client files, and slowly began to understand the broader financial landscape. This experience proved invaluable later in my career.

However, life took a turn when my then-boyfriend (now husband) decided to move to the UK for a job role. I followed, and while the transition was exciting, breaking into the UK job market was a challenge. Despite my years in financial planning, the lack of UK experience and different industry terminology made finding a role difficult. The financial sector in South Africa was far more digitalised at the time, whereas the UK was still heavily reliant on paper-based processes. This cultural and operational shift was a shock.

After months of searching, I got my break at a financial company called Aspire, working as a Personal Assistant to the Director. He was a fellow South African who had established himself in the UK and saw my potential, giving me the chance I needed. Learning the ins and outs of the UK financial system was an adjustment. I had to understand different tax regimes, different rules, and even different terminology, but I adapted and grew in my role. I spent hours studying UK financial policies and regulations, often comparing them to what I had learned in South Africa to bridge the knowledge gap.

Three years after working in the UK I took a break to focus on being a mum. Returning to work was daunting, and I wasn’t even actively searching when a recruitment agency reached out about a role at Foster Denovo. Walking into my interview, I was struck by the energy. It was colourful and a dynamic workplace filled with young professionals. It was a stark contrast to my previous small firms, and I knew this was where I wanted to be.

I began my journey as a Client Executive, gradually taking on more responsibilities. A pivotal moment came when two key team members in Compliance unexpectedly left, and I was asked to step in temporarily while a replacement was found. With only three days of training, I quickly immersed myself in spreadsheets, regulatory requirements, and administrative coordination. Though initially challenging, I embraced the tasks and discovered a passion for compliance. What started as a short-term assignment evolved into a fulfilling career path, leading me to transition into compliance permanently. Since then, I have advanced within the department, now managing compliance administration and annual reviews, ensuring seamless operations across the company”.

Valuable lessons from Danielle’s growth and experiences throughout her career journey

“One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to stay open to opportunities. I encourage my colleagues to learn every aspect of their work, even roles outside their immediate responsibilities. You never know where it might lead you. My willingness to step up when needed has propelled my career forward in ways I never anticipated.

The financial industry is evolving rapidly, with technology playing a key role. While automation and AI are making processes more efficient, companies must strike a balance to ensure human interaction remains at the heart of client relationships. Foster Denovo has done this thoughtfully, embracing innovation while valuing the human element. We now conduct virtual client meetings, integrate digital compliance tracking, and streamline administrative tasks without sacrificing a personalised service”.

Reflecting on encouraging more women to join the finance industry

“Flexible working arrangements are crucial to supporting women in the industry. Many of us juggle career ambitions with family responsibilities, and companies that accommodate this reality will attract and retain more female professionals. Having strong female role models in leadership also makes a difference and seeing women excel in senior positions proves that balancing career and family is possible.

The stigma that women must choose between career and family is slowly changing, but I do think there is still progress to be made. More companies should offer flexible schedules, remote working options, and better parental leave policies to support working mums. The financial services industry has traditionally been male-dominated, but with the right support structures, we can encourage more women to pursue leadership roles.

Danielle gives her advice for those beginning their career journey

“My advice for those starting in financial services is simple: stay curious and open-minded. You may start in one role but find unexpected opportunities in another. Learn as much as you can from those around you, embrace challenges, and never be afraid to take on something new.

My career wasn’t meticulously planned, but by saying “yes” to opportunities and continuously learning, I found a role I love. The financial industry is full of possibilities and sometimes, you just have to take the leap.

Looking ahead, I see the industry evolving with more tech-driven solutions, but the need for human expertise will never disappear. The future belongs to those willing to adapt, learn, and push boundaries. And I for one, am excited to see where it takes me next”.