Joao Frasco, Chief Investment Officer at INN8 Invest, says increasing market volatility and shifting investment dynamics are forcing advisers to adopt more disciplined, outcome-focused portfolio strategies, while deeper collaboration with discretionary fund managers is becoming essential to delivering consistent client outcomes.
Luke Morawitz, Country Manager of Allianz Trade South Africa, says rising geopolitical tensions and higher global cost pressures are increasing insolvency risks for businesses, making cash-flow resilience and stronger credit risk management more important than ever.
Mpumi Tyikwe, CEO of Sasria, says the insurer’s strong financial recovery and capital growth position it to expand its mandate, strengthen resilience, and better address emerging risks such as climate-related events and socio-economic shocks.
Allianz Trade has appointed Luke Morawitz as Country Manager for South Africa, effective 1 February 2026, while he retains his role as Head of Credit. A 14-year veteran of the business, Morawitz succeeds into the leadership role reporting to Luca Burrafato, Head of MMEA.
The Allianz Risk Barometer 2026 highlights cyber incidents as the top global risk for a fifth year, with AI surging to second place amid rapid adoption, while geopolitical tensions, regulation, and business interruption continue reshaping the global risk landscape.
Joao Frasco, Chief Investment Officer at INN8 Invest, says increasing market volatility and shifting investment dynamics are forcing advisers to adopt more disciplined, outcome-focused portfolio strategies, while deeper collaboration with discretionary fund managers is becoming essential to delivering consistent client outcomes.
The transition to COFI is not merely a compliance exercise but a deeper shift toward trust-centred, client-focused financial planning, requiring firms to strengthen culture, governance, leadership and client experience through intentional, long-term transformation.
Mareli Mans, Head of FundsAtWork & GI Product & Pricing at Momentum Corporate, says Momentum Corporate’s decision to remove traditional insurance ceilings for healthy HIV-positive employees reflects a modern, wellness-based approach that aligns underwriting with current medical realities and promotes greater financial inclusion.
Bertie Nel, Head of Financial Planning and Advice at Momentum, says South Africans should view their monthly income not just as a means of survival, but as the foundation for building long-term wealth through disciplined saving, investing and financial protection.
Adriaan Pask, CIO of PSG Wealth, says long-term investment success depends less on predicting markets and more on disciplined behaviour, consistent saving, appropriate asset allocation and avoiding emotional reactions during periods of uncertainty.
Sebatian Mullins, Head of Multi-Asset and Fixed-Income at Schroders Australia, says markets may be underestimating the economic risks of the Strait of Hormuz remaining closed, warning that prolonged energy disruptions could trigger higher inflation, weaker growth and a global stagflationary shock.
The platform helps investment managers, administrators and investment platforms modernise their businesses through intelligent technology that reduces operational friction, lowers cost and creates capacity for growth.
The year started on an optimistic note for the local economy, with expectations of faster growth, lower inflation and falling interest rates. The Government of National Unity (GNU) seemed to be settling in after a few challenges last year, while the February Budget was well-received by the market, showing a gradual improvement in South Africa’s fiscal position.
Wynand van Vuuren, Client Experience Partner at King Price Insurance, says credit shortfall cover protects motorists from having to repay the difference between an insurer’s payout and the outstanding finance owed on a written-off or stolen vehicle.
Andries Wiese, Head of Agriculture at Hollard, says rapid technological advancement and the expansion of agribusinesses beyond farming are reshaping agricultural risk, requiring insurers and brokers to adopt more holistic, tailored risk management and insurance solutions.
Werner Strydom’s appointment as CEO of GENRIC Insurance marks a leadership transition focused on continuity and growth, leveraging his deep internal experience to build on the company’s entrepreneurial culture and drive expansion in specialised insurance markets.
Sherry Sibeko, Executive Head for Personal Lines at Miway Insurance, emphasises that understanding policy details, including cover, exclusions, costs and conditions, is essential for consumers to make informed decisions and avoid unexpected claim outcomes.
Christelle Colman, CEO and Founder of Ami Underwriting Managers, says Guaranteed Value Cover gives homeowners flexibility by offering an alternative to valuations, helping reduce the risk of underinsurance and unexpected reduced payouts at claims stage.
Tandiwe Cimela, Executive of ELITE Risk Acceptances, says sustainable business success is built on consistency, accountability and sound judgement, emphasising that while technology enhances efficiency, strong leadership and disciplined decision-making remain essential to long-term resilience.
The African Insurance Awards (AIA) 2026 will take place on 7 June 2026 in Cairo, celebrating excellence and innovation across the industry. Nominations are open until 13 April 2026 across categories including CEO, Insurance Company, Innovation, and InsurTech of the Year.
Alex Thomson, co-founder of Naked Insurance, says Naked’s launch of a native ChatGPT app capable of generating binding car insurance quotes signals a future where AI assistants will increasingly help consumers compare, manage and personalise financial services on their behalf.
Andrew Russell, Group CEO & Managing Director of Iress, says the partnership with Thoughtworks will accelerate platform modernisation and AI integration, helping wealth management clients improve efficiency, innovation and data-driven advice capabilities in increasingly complex markets.
Webber Wentzel partners, say South Africa’s Draft National AI Policy marks a major shift toward formal AI regulation, urging organisations to strengthen governance, engage in public consultation, and prepare for a multi-regulatory, sector-specific compliance environment.
Lumetrade by Lumepay introduces institutional-grade digital asset infrastructure in Africa, enabling faster, transparent, and compliant cross-border transactions, addressing costly inefficiencies in traditional banking systems and positioning digital assets as a viable rail for value transfer across the continent.
Personalisation is evolving but remains underutilised. Andrew Solomon, Client Strategy Director at Achievement Awards Group, explores its challenges—data complexity, AI integration, and resource constraints. Despite these hurdles, businesses can start small, refine strategies, and gradually enhance customer engagement through tailored experiences.
Complaints are an inevitable aspect of running a business. Handling these customer grievances effectively is crucial, not only for maintaining a good relationship with the complaining customer but also for safeguarding your business’s reputation - especially in an era where social media can amplify an individual’s voice
Janeesha Ragubeer, Area Manager at Business Partners Limited, foresees a promising season ahead for South African small businesses, offering her insights on three actionable strategies to help them flourish this spring.
