Charles Meyerowitz It’s no secret that small businesses – and the individuals behind them – are cash-strapped in the current environment. Finding the liquidity to fund growth and operations is increasingly tricky as access to credit becomes tighter – but the answer may be sitting in the garage or around your wrist. Charles Meyerowitz, co-founder, and CEO of Lamna , a specialty asset-backed financier, says that in many cases people hold valuable assets but experience temporary liquidity problems in their business or personal capacity. “People simply have money tied up in luxury assets like cars or watches,” says Meyerowitz. “Collateralised lenders, like Lamna, focus on creating quick, discreet cash injections for people by exchanging high valued assets for loans, all facilitated in a secure online environment.” “This, amongst other factors, is what sets Lamna apart from the traditional pawn shop industry and it has revolutionised the way that individuals think of the funding met...

With the anticipated repo rate announcement happening later this week, and ongoing economic uncertainty experienced by South Africa in recent months, banks are unlikely to loosen the provision of credit any time this year. This means South African borrowers – both businesses and consumers – must continue to endure a harsh interest rate environment. Charles Meyerowitz, co-founder and CEO of Lamna , a specialty asset backed financier, says that in light of these persisting challenges, South African consumers and SMEs should carefully assess the type of debt they take on. “South Africa’s uncertain economic climate continues to pose significant challenges for borrowers and as a result people should consider alternative funding sources that don’t require personal sureties,” says Meyerowitz. “Traditional lenders usually require that you sign sureties and therefore put yourself at risk when taking on debt.”  With businesses needing access to cash in order to trade and grow, Meyerowi...