FIA appoints new president and vice president

The Financial Intermediaries Association of Southern Africa (FIA) recently elected Arnold van der Linde as the member representative organisation’s President for the 2013/2015 term. Arnold will be ably assisted by Jay Ramsunder, who was appointed as the F

Arnold and Jay’s appointments follow a comprehensive voting process by the FIA membership that culminated in a Board vote at the FIA’s 2013 Advisory Council. The Advisory Council took a number of decisions that will enable the organisation to better fulfil its duty to members going forward.

The FIA structure is made up of volunteers from among its membership and the FIA election processes exemplify the transparency and corporate governance that the financial services industry strives for.

The Advisory Council is an opportunity for the Branch Chairs and Vice Chairs from the organisation’s 25 branches to guide the Board in important strategic and operational decisions.

“The 2013 meeting played out over two days with a number of issues begin vigorously debated,” says Van der Linde. “Perhaps the most significant structural change was to expand the FIA Board from 11 to 15 members by the inclusion of regional directors.”

In addition to the newly created Board positions, the FIA Board comprises six elected Directors, the chairperson of each of the organisation’s Executive Committees (Employee Benefits, Financial Planning, Healthcare and Short Term Insurance) and the chairperson of the Advisory Council.

“Following the elections and 2013 Advisory Council the FIA is optimally structured to fulfil its mandate to members,” concludes Van der Linde. “With our members’ sanction the FIA Board and executive can continue to engage the regulators and other financial services stakeholders to represent, protect, promote and further their interests.”