
Expanding access to insurance should remain at the centre for insurers
The article unpacks the significance of partnerships in the insurance business and how the direction could expand customer reach and simplify access.
Futureproof your business with analysis and opinion from SA’s industry experts.

The article unpacks the significance of partnerships in the insurance business and how the direction could expand customer reach and simplify access.

Dealers of high-value goods such as art, cars, commercial vehicles, machinery and even jewellery must adhere to FICA regulations targeting financial crimes or they will incur significant penalties. How will this impact consumers?

Technological innovation has moved the needle in industries across the board. In the world of insurance, innovations like artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and telematics have provided insurers with an invaluable source of customer data and social trends.

Earlier in 2023, I was speaking at a conference on Linktank’s specialist topic of finding, selecting, and implementing the right technology for advisory practices. Mid-way through, a member of the audience asked me for advice around solutions to assist in the mitigation of cybersecurity risks.

The 2024 African Insurance Exchange will take place from 21 to 24 July at Sun City and online. We spoke to a few of the sponsors to find out more about their involvement.

Hollard recognises the crucial role played by insurance in providing a safety net for consumers in some of life’s unpredictable circumstances. At the same time, we acknowledge that the complexity of the process can sometimes discourage consumers from purchasing certain insurance products.

Gary Ferguson, Chief Claims Officer at IUM gives a comprehensive look at why businesses require insurance and what type of insurance they need.

Record-breaking climate catastrophes in 2023 suggest the sustainability of short-term insurers are under threat. Soul Abraham, Retail Chief Executive, Old Mutual Insure, unpacks what the industry needs to take heed of in order to remain viable in South Africa.

“The growing number of large catastrophe reinsurance claims locally, coupled with rising global losses, has caused reinsurance premiums to increase significantly,” says Tavaziva Madzinga, Group CEO, Santam. With the insurance sector facing an escalating risk landscape, he shares how, with proper planning, these risks can be managed.

Upholding corporate governance principles is a collective responsibility for success in the South African insurance industry. It starts at the top, but it shouldn’t stop there.

Amid the changing insurance needs of businesses in 2024 and beyond, brokers have a key role to play in helping their clients’ businesses grow, says Sharon Paterson, CEO, Infiniti Insurance.

Personalising advice for retirement planning is more efficient than ever with new products and tools designed for client-centric planning, says Fareeya Adam, Head of Annuities at Momentum Wealth. “Visualising retirement outcomes through user-friendly charts enhances understanding for clients.”

“It is now time for insurers and brokers to put into practice what they advocate.” Wimpie van Der Merwe, CEO of Global Choices, explores how unlocking the benefits of the Experience Economy can transform the perception of insurance from a commodity into something that adds tangible value to the customer’s life.

A third of South African house buyers are 50-plus and traditional ideas of how we live our lives are fast evolving and changing the paradigm of how we view people’s working careers. “With over-55s wanting to live fuller lives, what can we offer them?” asks Graham Easton, Divisional Executive for Research & Insights at Liberty.

At a recent meeting of the World Federation of Insurance Intermediaries (WFII) in Mexico City, Butši Tladi was elected to lead the federation as it enters its milestone 25th anniversary year.

While digital communication tools have become increasingly common, Bestmed Medical Scheme still values face-to-face interactions with healthcare advisors to foster trust, understanding and collaboration.