Meet the Black Swan Capital team
At Black Swan Capital we always take a team approach to looking after our clients. If you need support or urgent advice, you do not have to worry about a key person being sick or on vacation. There is always someone that can help you, that understands your position, and is qualified and experienced to ensure you receive the best advice at all times.
We have all lived outside our home country and navigated the challenges of life abroad, so understand the need for clear guidance. Each adviser brings expertise and our collective approach means every strategy is strengthened by shared insight. The result is independent, objectives-based advice that’s carefully crafted, genuinely considered, and aligned with the life you’re building wherever you end up!
We would like to take this opportunity to re-acquaint you with the team, starting with our newest team member, Michelle. Every member of our team is a highly qualified, and experienced financial planner with expertise in the unique needs of international professionals, that are living outside their own country.
The Black Swan Capital Team
Michelle Haantjes
Originally from South Africa, Michelle has been a part of the Black Swan Capital team since August 2025. She obtained a degree in Investment Management at the University of Pretoria, after which she obtained the globally recognised Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) status.
Michelle worked in wealth management and advisory in Johannesburg before relocating to the Netherlands and is a valued member of the Black Swan Capital advisory team.
Like all our team, Michelle is a fluent English speaker, and she also speaks Afrikaans and basic Dutch. When not at work she is passionate about horse riding, and enjoys good food, good wine and travel.
Bene Zurlo
Benedetto has been a part of the Black Swan Capital team since 2020.
Bene obtained an Honours Bachelor degree in Politics, Psychology, Law & Economics with a focus on Economics from the University if Amsterdam in 2020. He went on to graduate with a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the same university in 2022. He continued his study to achieve a Level 3 Certificate in Wealth and Investment Management via the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments (CISI).
Bene is now based in Italy, is passionate about food, enjoys hikes in the mountains and you might find him on stage doing stand-up comedy in his spare time in both English and Italian! Bene speaks English, Italian, and French.
Elmey Olivier
Elmey is the Black Swan Capital relationship manager and paraplanner. Originally from South Africa, Elmey has been with Black Swan Capital for 3 years.
She has a Bachelor degree in Law and Economics from the University of the North West in South Africa. She then obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Estate and Trust Administration at the University of the Free State, followed by a Postgraduate Diploma in Financial Planning.
An avid runner and having completed her first marathon, she is now training for her first ultra-marathon. When not working and running, she likes to indulge in good food and travel with her husband. Elmey speaks English, Afrikaans and is learning Dutch.
Edward Mainwaring-Burton
Ed is a co-founder of Black Swan Capital and has been working as a financial planner looking after international professionals and expatriates since 2009. He is originally from the UK and has worked in Switzerland, France, the UAE, The Netherlands, and across the EU.
Ed has a Certificate in Wealth Management and a Certificate in International Securities and Investment from the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investments (CISI) and is in the final stretch of his Masters of Business Administration at University of Cumbria.
As Managing Director, Ed’s days are divided between working with clients, providing good advice, and as a part of the management team, running Black Swan Capital.
One of Ed’s key hobbies is motorsport both on track and as a spectator. He is very capable of pairing any event with a good wine, having trained and worked as a sommelier before becoming a financial planner 15 years ago. He is also quickly developing his Dutch skills supported by his Dutch wife and bilingual children. Edward speaks English, French, and Dutch.
Bianka Bussay
Bianka joined Black Swan Capital in 2022 and previously worked and lived in Spain, Australia, and originally, Hungary.
Bianka has studied a Doctorate of Law, a Bachelor of Business Administration and Management, and a Master of Marketing at the University of Pec. She also obtained the Levell IV Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning at the Chartered Insurance Institute.
When away from the office, Bianka likes to engage in mentally stimulating strategic board games, is a competitive table tennis player, and enjoys travel.
Bianka speaks English, Hungarian, Spanish, German and is learning Dutch.
David Bellingham
David is originally from Australia and has lived and worked in Hong Kong, Singapore, France, the Netherlands and across the EU. He began working as a financial planner in 1998.
David originally studied a Bachelor of Applied Science at the University of Wollongong, before completing a Master of Business Administration at the University of Technology, Sydney. He then completed a Diploma of Financial Planning at Deakin University, and a Graduate Diploma in Certified Financial Planning (CFP) at Western Sydney University.
David is a founder of Black Swan Capital and enjoys working with his colleagues running the company and engaging with clients, helping them to achieve their financial goals.
Away from work he travels visiting his adult children around the world, loves a good book, long gravel bike rides and daily exercise to stay sharp. He also holds the voluntary position of Treasurer of the Australian Business in Europe, Netherlands chamber supporting business and professional relations between the two countries.
David speaks English, moderate French and basic Dutch.
James Hughes
James is the Chairman at Black Swan Capital. James graduated with a Bachelor of Economics, and then a Master of Economics at Cambridge University.
Originally from the UK, James has lived and worked between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom for 25 years and is currently based in Hong Kong. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Buchanan Capital Limited, the parent company of Black Swan Capital. He works with the team to help oversee the business, set direction, and ensure the Black Swan Capital remains client focused in all actions.
James has a busy time when not at work with his 5 children and when able to get away he enjoys hiking, trail running, equestrian sports and adventure races. James speaks English and basic German.
