Futureproof your business with analysis and opinion from SA’s industry experts.
Following engagement with more than 400 brokers on Bryte’s annual roadshow this year, Pierre Geyer, Executive Head: Broker Distribution at Bryte sat down with FAnews to discuss the industry’s future. “Reflecting on these recent engagements, I’ve realised once again that the insurance industry can only thrive when we achieve a symbiotic balance between the human touch and technology,” he says.
When it comes to financial crime, the warning signs are almost always there, but not always spotted in time. In South Africa’s current, tightened regulatory environment, failing to detect red flags early can expose accountable institutions to reputational and legal fallout that far outweighs the cost of vigilance. Hawken McEwan, Director of Risk & Compliance at nCino KYC Africa shares the red flags to watch out for…
As customers increasingly look for digital offerings to suit their modern lifestyles, a new wave of tech-first companies is entering the market. Jaco Oosthuizen, MD at YuLife SA, asks: Can legacy insurers keep up?
The newly established National Financial Ombud Scheme of South Africa has released its first annual report. Its findings reveal valuable insights that can help clients prevent claim rejections in future, and show that intermediaries matter more than ever, writes Tarina Vlok, MD at Elite Risk.
Technology is moving so fast, clients want more and more, and the old lines between our roles are getting blurred. But, asks Michael Nicolaou, Johannesburg Branch Manager at Howdie Insurance Administrators, what if we told you that this isn’t a threat? What if it’s the biggest opportunity you’ve ever had?
Stocks are not merely pieces of paper or pixels on a screen. A share represents fractional ownership in a real business. This fundamental principle informs everything – from how a company’s intrinsic value is assessed to acting on behalf of clients as stewards of their capital. Here’s what that looks like in practice.
For brokers, reputation isn’t built in marketing campaigns. It’s built in the pressure moments, and it can be lost just as quickly. Every broker knows those moments. The late-night call after an accident. The claim that drags on for months. The renewal that hangs by a thread. In those situations, clients aren’t thinking about premiums or paperwork. They’re thinking about whether their broker will deliver.
The financial services landscape isn’t just changing; it’s accelerating into uncharted territory. As intermediaries, we find ourselves at the intersection of regulatory transformation (one example is COFI), technological disruption (such as AI), and evolving client expectations. The question isn’t whether we need to shift gears, but how strategically we execute that shift to emerge stronger and more client-focused than ever before, writes Lizelle van der Merwe, CEO of the FIA.
By turning empathy into an acronym and unpacking the values it stands for, we can create a powerful blueprint for building stronger client connections, says Wimpie van der Merwe, CEO of Global Choices.
Generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) is reshaping industries across the globe, with non-life insurance being no exception, writes Nicholas Dempsey, Executive for On Platform Business Solutions at Old Mutual Insure. In South Africa, insurers are already leveraging this powerful technology to streamline operations, improve customer experiences and accelerate quotes handling. But the impact goes beyond efficiency: Gen AI also holds promise for tackling long-standing challenges like financial exclusion and fraud, opening the door to a more inclusive and responsive insurance sector.
After a lot of talk and debate around its merits and risks, the two-pot retirement system came into effect a year ago. Here’s a look at how South Africans have responded and how it’s impacting clients and the industry. If two-pot fatigue has you hoarding headlines in an ever-growing to-be-read folder, consider this your executive summary.
“The financial services sector, and intermediaries in particular, face unprecedented change. Emerging technologies are revolutionising the way we interact with clients and product suppliers, while we are grappling with an ever-growing regulatory and compliance workload. It is against this backdrop that I step into my two-year term as President of the FIA,” writes Ronald King, President of the FIA.
For financial intermediaries aiming to scale their businesses efficiently, growth through acquisition – when backed by strategic funding – can be a powerful tool. By leveraging financing solutions effectively, firms can overcome capital constraints, expand their market presence, and create long-term value, writes By Andrew Reid, Executive Head of Continuity Solutions.
A single spark is all it takes. As climate change turns up the heat, the risk of fire to homes and businesses is on the rise. With the right advice, cover and preparation, property owners can manage their risk – and brokers are their first line of defence, writes Sharon Paterson, CEO, Infiniti Insurance.
The future of finance isn’t just about products. It’s about partnerships and platforms that work for people and value that’s shared. Michele Jennings, Chief Executive at glu shares how glu’s Profit-Share benefit creates lasting value for members.
Winter is a season of elevated risk for clients, which also makes it a season of broker opportunity, writes San-Maré Van Zyl, Chief Operations Officer at MUA. Read on for ways to engage with clients during the cold season – helping them avoid unfortunate events and fostering a closer relationship.
