Bernard was born in 1949 in Kimberley, South Africa. He attended Pretoria Boys High School and studied accountancy at the University of Witwatersrand.

Bernard spent 42 years building Investec, moving to the UK in 1997. Investec started with 6 staff members and now there are over 10,000 staff members worldwide. Bernard is now retired and is involved in various private equity funds and does some charity work.

Bernard is married to Dayle and they have two married children and a granddaughter.
Bernard breeds horses in South Africa and Ireland, as well as follows Liverpool Football Club (he is a lifelong supporter). Bernard also listens to 60 and 70’s music notably Pink Floyd.