Who is Jack Halfon?

A lifelong entrepreneur equally recognized for his accomplishments in finance and philanthropy, Jack Halfon splits his time between responsibilities as chief executive officer of Atlas Finance (Pty) Ltd and various community projects in and around Johannesburg, South Africa. Born and raised in what is now Zimbabwe, Mr. Halfon attended David Livingstone Junior School and Churchill Boys High School in Harare before beginning a diverse and successful entrepreneurial career. With only 300 rand to his name, Mr. Halfon eventually moved to South Africa in search of greater economic opportunity and the chance to make a difference in the world. Although mired in financial difficulties for many years, Mr. Halfon emerged triumphant and subsequently established himself as an important figure in South Africa’s microlending industry.

In 1994, Jack Halfon founded Atlas Finance to provide South Africans with the economic assistance needed for household bills, car payments, school tuition, and other immediate expenses. Since then, the company has experienced tremendous growth, granting more than two million loans to individuals, families, and small business owners nationwide. Today, Atlas Finance boasts more than 170 branches in Johannesburg, Pretoria, Cape Town, Rustenburg, Soweto, Durban, and elsewhere, offering the full spectrum of short-term loans to meet clients’ specific needs.

jack 1An active philanthropist and volunteer, Jack Halfon gives back whenever possible to some of South Africa’s poorest communities. Formerly in partnership with Stop Hunger Now Southern Africa, Mr. Halfon and Atlas Finance donated tens of thousands of nutritious meals to malnourished children who would not otherwise qualify for government support. Mr. Halfon has also supported Malatjlie, an impoverished settlement near Lanseria International Airport, by donating a library and giving to Miracle Drive Trust’s Grow Your Life program, which provides the settlement’s residents with food and other necessities. Other organizations to benefit from Mr. Halfon’s contributions include Chabad House Johannesburg, the Phuthaditjhaba Community Centre in Alexandra, Woodrock Animal Rescue, Kraaipan Youth Foundation, and Warm the World.

When not working, Jack Halfon enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren. A photographer as well, he has taken countless pictures of people, villages and natural wonders around the world. Some of these can be found in his book, Faces and Places, a photographic and cultural journey through time and space. To learn more about Mr. Halfon and his book, visit jackhalfon.com.

Jack Halfon can be reached at jackhalfon@jackhalfon.com.