Strong partnerships create value that compounds
Partnerships that stand the test of time tend to share a few common characteristics: deep trust, a commitment to excellence and a willingness to adapt as circumstances change. These qualities matter especially in financial advice where professional relationships often extend across decades of client decisions, market cycles and regulatory change.
This is the kind of partnership that Old Mutual has sought to build with independent financial advisers in South Africa. Over the past five decades, the profession has been constantly reshaped by new regulation, rising client expectations and ever more sophisticated advice practices.
Crucially, this partnership is designed to support independent financial advisers without compromising the independence that defines their role in the industry.
And through these shifts, our role of supporting advisers has also had to evolve.
Old Mutual has been at the forefront of this change since we established our Independent Distribution business in 1976 with the simple aim of providing financial solutions that independent advisers could offer to their customers. Since then, we’ve evolved to offer broader structures that are designed to help advice practices operate more sustainably and grow over time.
“The strength of our business has never been about product features or distribution channels. It’s always been about relationships,” says Prabashini Moodley, CEO of Old Mutual Life and Savings. “Which is why we value the IFA community so highly, and have invested in forging strong links, which creates value that compounds over time.”
The depth of these relationships is also reflected in independent industry research. In the 2025 NMG Risk Report, for instance, Old Mutual was ranked number one for relationship management.
This recognition highlights the quality of engagement between Old Mutual and independent financial advisers. Importantly, it reflects respect for the adviser’s independence, rather than control over it.
For independent financial advisers, that relationship often becomes the practical bridge between strategic guidance, operational support and access to broader expertise.
Infrastructure that evolves with the profession - As the profession has become more sophisticated, independent financial advisers have needed more than just product access. Today’s advice practice is a true partnership where Old Mutual respects adviser’s independence and autonomy in running their businesses and serving their clients.
Today, advice practices rely on operational systems that scale, digital tools that streamline workflows and guidance that helps them navigate increasing regulatory and business complexity.
Old Mutual’s Independent Distribution business supports independent financial advisers through a national network of Business Consultants who work alongside advice practices on business development, operational efficiency and strategic growth.
This team is at the core of the Old Mutual Independent Distribution value proposition. Every Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) is paired with a highly skilled Business Consultant to ensure they derive maximum value from the partnership and plays a hands-on role in helping IFAs strengthen and grow their practices.
The advisers who succeed are not those who work in isolation, but those who build partnerships that create value over time.
