Innovation is the key

Mariselle Stofberg

Allvan Farmer believes in himself, his team and the possibilities and opportunities that can be created when one is focused and determined to reach your goals.

“You must have confidence in yourself, in your staff or network circles, and something bigger than yourself. You must stay relevant and current and always be open to learn and evolve with technology.”

Farmer’s career started in the FNB Administration Centre, moving across various roles within the bank, including human resources and IT. He served as the core banking systems manager until 2013. Following a brief stint outside of FNB he has since been part of the formation of the Payment Product House Business Unit.

He holds a BA (Hons) degree in business management from the University of Lincoln and has extensive knowledge and experience in information technology and payment solutions.

As the head of Payment Product House, Farmer will ensure that the FirstRand Namibia group is not found wanting in an operating environment which is extremely challenging in a number of ways.

“The challenges facing the financial services role players are immense and the role the unit has to play in influencing business decision-making cannot be underestimated. I look forward to the new challenges ahead,” says Farmer.

Farmer has worked on a multitude of end-to-end payments technology projects across areas including EFT/switching, cards, payments, fraud management, and settlements. In his previous role he managed the core banking system at FNB IT where he moved to EBank and was part of the EBank start-up from 2014.

The purpose of the Payments Product House is to create efficiencies in payments streams and processing environment through collaboration with stakeholders for continuous successful payments.

Under Farmer’s leadership is a team of energetic, high-performing experts in card acquiring, card issuing, EFT, core banking, regulatory, and payments support who deliver effective and efficient payments related expertise to internal and external stakeholders.

By working in a smaller team in EBank and transitioning back to FNB Namibia, Farmer has learned the true nature of teamwork with his peers and learned that nurturing relationships is essential in ensuring that everyone is always engaged to achieve the end goal no matter the challenges.

“Ensuring the quality of delivery of the end product is always to the benefit of our business, our clients and the NPS,” he said.

“Change is here and always will be and with time we will move to a harmonised payments arena where inclusive payments will open the door to other markets speaking to the needs of the Namibian people.”

Farmer has the ability to pick himself up after every failure and remains cool under intense pressure.

“I strive to push the boundaries of what’s possible in banking and payments whilst ensuring that the new payment trends are joined with internal and external stakeholders to recognise the importance of resilience in the National Payment System, regional payments initiatives and international.”