Jack Halfon serves as both the founder and chief executive officer of Atlas Finance, a prominent microlending institution in South Africa. Beyond his professional role, Jack is an avid amateur photographer, showcasing his artistic talent in the recently published photography collection titled “Faces and Places.”
For over two decades, Jack Halfon has been instrumental in shaping Atlas Finance into a paragon of customer service, ethics, and responsibility within the microfinance industry. Starting as a small business in Johannesburg, Jack’s leadership has transformed Atlas Finance into one of South Africa’s largest microlenders, boasting over 170 branches nationwide. Despite this substantial growth, Jack remains unwavering in his commitment to core values that matter most to Atlas Finance’s customers: honesty, transparency, and a dedication to assisting borrowers in securing the loans they need. Since its inception in 1994, the company has facilitated over two million loans, each of up to R8000, solidifying the notion that clients at Atlas Finance are treated like family.
Jack Halfon considers Atlas Finance an integral part of a dynamic and diverse South African family striving to make positive contributions to their communities and the world at large. Over the years, both Jack personally and Atlas Finance as a corporate entity have contributed to various organizations focused on providing essential resources such as food, clothing, shelter, and educational opportunities. Recipients of their philanthropic endeavors include notable entities like Inkwenkwezi School in Soweto, FeedSA, Othandweni Children’s Village, Miracle Drive Trust’s Grow Your Life, Kraaipan Youth Foundation, Warm the World, and the Phuthaditjhaba Community Centre in Alexandra.
Beyond his professional and philanthropic commitments, Jack Halfon finds immense joy in his roles as a proud husband, father, and grandfather. Witnessing the growth of his family is a source of great happiness for Jack. His passion for photography has taken him around the globe, capturing the essence of people and places through his lens. In 2011, Jack published “Faces and Places,” a collection of his black and white photography, with all proceeds dedicated to supporting South African charities. Jack’s multifaceted contributions and commitment to making a positive impact both professionally and personally showcase a leader deeply rooted in principles of compassion, community, and creativity.