Page 5 - FIA Insight - Q3 - 2022

Lizelle van der Merwe, FIA CEO

THOUGHTS

FROM OUR CEO

The New FIA Strategy

his edition of the magazine provides insights on This includes fair treatment of clients and transformation
the impact of digitization and how it’s becoming that supports inclusive and sustainable economic growth
Tmore difficult for industries to gain clients limited in South Africa.
attention. Members are no different, to be relevant in an ever-
changing industry, the FIA had to refresh its strategic priorities I would like to highlight to the readers who we are –
to meet expectations of members and stakeholders. the FIA is a community of professional advisory and
intermediary businesses that firmly believe:
In February 2022, the FIA Board and senior management
team met in Sandton to review the FIA Strategy for the • that clients benefit from independent financial advice
next 3 years. The previous strategy implemented from and intermediary services.
November 2017 to December 2021, focused on increasing • that professional intermediaries play a very important
membership value, building a center of intelligence, role in the South African economy as they are
improving the FIA’s level of representation, and enabling instrumental to significant economic activity and much
transformation. Despite several challenges during this needed job creation.
period, including capacitating the organization from • that professionalism is an imperative for the
“ground up” and the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, sustainability of the intermediary model.
many of the outcomes were achieved. • that development supports transformation of
the sector.
The FIA is one of the four recognized trade associations in
the financial services sector. The other trade associations Our mission is to guard, develop, promote, and
represent banks, life insurers and non-life insurers. represent professional advisory and intermediary
communities, that work together to secure a sustainable
In the period ahead, the FIA will strongly be focusing on future for advisory businesses, for the benefit of clients and
implementing three strategic pillars to secure a sustainable all stakeholders in the financial services industry.
and inclusive future for professional intermediary businesses,
for the benefit of clients and all other stakeholders in the Our vision is to be a trusted source and preferred
financial services industry. The strategic pillars include voice for advisors and intermediaries in South Africa.
Professional and Organisational Development,
Representation and Advocacy and Financial Sector and The board also spent time challenging the
Market Information to promote the value of advice and core values which the FIA rests upon. It
intermediary services. The strategic pillars will also assist in was agreed that respect, credibility,
addressing the inhibitors and gaps identified by the board. professionalism, commitment,
and passion will form the We value our relationships
Professional and Organisational Development will foundation on which we serve our with our members a great
focus on skills development, consumer education and members and industry at large. deal. Our door is always open
transformation. Advocacy and Representation will and you are welcome to
focus on building capacity in our regulatory department to We are very excited about this contact us at any time to share
influence and guide policy and regulatory developments in new chapter. We believe that whatever is on your mind.
a constructive manner that leads to positive outcomes for members and stakeholders We’d love to hear from you.
stakeholders. Financial Sector and Market Intelligence will experience greater value
will assist in obtaining relevant information and interpret and support from the FIA. Lizelle
data to engage stakeholders in a meaningful manner. I wish to express my deepest lizelle@fia.org.za
thanks to ALL members for
The FIA will continue to engage with all relevant their support. Everything we have
stakeholders to ensure that our actions effectively achieved and still aspire to achieve is
contribute towards the strategic priorities of the sector. for the benefit of our members.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION 3 rd QUARTER 2022 FIA INSIGHT 5