Who we are
The story behind Africa's Guarantee & Bond Specialists.
Over 20 years of specialist underwriting in every facility we structure.
PCBS was founded in 2005 on a single belief: that specialist guarantees and bonds deserve specialist underwriting.
More than two decades on, our knowledge has deepened, our sector reach has grown, and our underwriting team has never been stronger.
Below, you’ll find the milestones that shaped us and the experts powering PCBS.
Our milestones
Innovation & agility from the start.
PCBS has anticipated market shifts, absorbed hard lessons and emerged stronger each time. We’ve built a company as resilient as the guarantees and bonds we issue.
PCBS opens its doors
Founder Lukas Marquart sees a gap in the market for a construction guarantee company, as only banks and two other businesses offer this specialist service.
First underwriting mandate
Guardrisk Insurance Company Ltd invites us to underwrite for them in a cell-captive environment.
World Cup growth surge
South Africa’s construction industry booms in the lead-up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup. PCBS experiences rapid growth as demand for construction guarantees skyrockets across the country.
Hard lessons. Stronger foundations
The post-World Cup period brings major claims – first from failed power plant projects, then from contractor liquidations in the aftermath of the construction frenzy. These are among the most testing years in our history. We pay out. We learn. We adapt.
Turning point
After several years of big losses, we make the decision that defines the PCBS we are today. We fundamentally re-evaluate and revolutionise our underwriting philosophy – tightening our risk-assessment processes, deepening our sector knowledge and building the framework that has produced some of the lowest claim ratios in the market ever since.
Partnership with Bryte Insurance
PCBS begins underwriting for Bryte Insurance. This partnership brings A-rated claim-paying ability and a formal mandate that underpins every facility we issue today.
Court Bonds added to our product range
After being approached by a specialist intermediary to underwrite Court Bonds, PCBS expands into the fiduciary sector, bringing the same disciplined underwriting approach to executors, trustees and estate administrators in South Africa.
Critical mass reached
PCBS reaches a significant milestone in guarantee and bond volume – the result of sustained growth from 2019, driven by our dedicated team and the strength of our broker partnerships.
20th anniversary
PCBS celebrates its 20th anniversary as one of Africa’s leading guarantee and bond specialists, with one of the lowest claim ratios in the South African market. We are recognised by Bryte Insurance for Best Year-on-Year Growth (3rd Place).
First Reinsurance Forum
PCBS hosts its first reinsurance forum, bringing together leaders from across the global reinsurance community. This is the beginning of a new annual tradition where informed discussion, discovery and connection meet in an unforgettable setting.
Our values
Everything we do is guided by our clients' needs.
Expertise, innovation and transparency are the principles behind our products.
Expertise
We bring deep knowledge and insight to each project. Our decades of experience in specialist insurance — and our understanding of the risk profiles unique to each sector we serve — shape every underwriting decision we make on your behalf.
Innovation
Our creative, tight-knit team and flat organisational structure keep us agile. We anticipate market shifts, adapt our underwriting strategy and find solutions where more rigid organisations see obstacles.
Transparency
Clear, honest communication is the foundation of every long-lasting client relationship we've built. We empower you to make informed decisions by openly explaining how every guarantee and bond works.
Meet the team
Get to know the PCBS Guarantee & Bond Specialists.
These are the people who assess your risk and structure a facility around your needs.
Click on the team member to read their bio.
Lukas Marquart
Beauty Khuzwayo
Tunga Changamire
Shaun Lavery
Honest Chikeya
Shaina Mower
Joey Peterson
Khuselo Johnson Mbatyazwa
Bonga Somhlahlo
Francis Kingston
Francis Kingston
Strategy & Growth Executive
BCom (Information Systems, Economics & Management); PDM; MBA; RE5; RE1
Francis brings over 20 years of experience in surety and guarantees to the PCBS team. His career includes senior roles as Underwriting Manager at Lombard Insurance, Head of Guarantees at Hollard Insurance and Credit Specialty Growth Leader at Marsh, giving him deep expertise in underwriting, client-relationship management and training. Francis excels at solving client challenges, applying a sharp, solutions-driven mindset that delivers real value to clients and brokers alike.
Away from the office… Francis is an avid golfer and padel player who also loves hiking and beach walks – and you’ll never catch him turning down a good cup of coffee!
Contact our expert underwriters today.
You’ll speak with someone who knows guarantees and bonds and can help you find the right facility for your next project.