Team

Lionel De Nicola: Cape Town

Lionel is an experienced consultant who specialises in the Financial Services industry. He began his career as an investment professional in London before founding Solve in 1997. With extensive experience across all sectors of the Financial Services industry, he has successfully taken part in numerous project engagements.

Lionel holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the London School of Economics. As one of the founding directors of Solve, he is currently responsible for managing the Cape Town office.

Chris Lourens: Johannesburg

Chris has nearly 30 years of experience in the Financial services and Investment Industry, both as a participant and consultant.

He holds a Master’s degree in Economics, specialising in Money and Banking, and has been a featured speaker at numerous international conferences covering a range of topics including Risk Management, GIPS, Performance Fees, and Corporate Governance. His extensive business expertise encompasses areas such as Risk Management, Treasury, Regulatory Reporting, Investment Management, Fund Accounting and Unit Pricing, System Evaluation and Implementation, Global Investment Performance Standards, as well as Performance, Attribution, and Strategy. Additionally, Chris contributed as a part-time lecturer for a B.Com.Hons in Investments and an MBA in Risk Management for several years. He joined the team in 1998 and currently leads the Johannesburg practice.

Chantal Hannabus

Chantal joined Solve Business Consulting in 2016 and serves as Chief Financial Officer for both Solve Business Consulting and its sister company, Grasp Data Translation Services. As CFO, she is responsible for the financial management and reporting of the group, including preparing and presenting monthly management accounts, and ensuring strong financial discipline and transparency across both businesses.

In addition to her CFO role, Chantal heads the Operations function for Solve and Grasp. She plays a critical role in ensuring the efficient and effective running of both businesses, enabling the consulting and client-facing teams to focus on revenue-generating activities. She also manages the human resources function and oversees all vendor and third-party relationships, including auditors, IT service providers, HR consultants, and legal advisors.

Chantal’s combination of financial oversight and operational leadership is central to the smooth, compliant, and scalable operation of the Solve group, supporting both day-to-day execution and long-term business sustainability.