Hi there,

InsureTalk59 is approaching and registrations are filling up fast. This session kicks off the year by exploring new horizons in financial advice — from the changing reality of crypto and smarter portfolio thinking to global perspectives and the future of advisory services.

Next week’s edition once again brings the insurance community together for fresh insights, meaningful discussion, and conversations that help shape where our industry is headed.

Secure your place for InsureTalk59 and continue the journey with us. Book early and be part of the conversations shaping the future of insurance.

WHAT'S ON THE AGENDA?

EMILE VAN DER LINDE 
Head of Operations | EasyCrypto

Topic: Crypto Isn’t What You Think It Is Anymore

A practical, beginner-friendly overview of how crypto has moved into the mainstream over the past year. We’ll cover key developments such as stablecoins, institutional adoption, ETFs, payment networks, and banks integrating crypto, alongside real-world use cases and the main risks professionals and customers should understand.

ANTHEA GARDNER 
Founder and Managing Partner | Cartesian Capital Asset Management

Topic: Your ideal portfolio

The local equity market was up 37% in 2025. Bonds continue to rally in 2026 despite lower yields last year. The GNU seems to have settled down (mostly), Reserve Bank has implemented a 3% Inflation Target, the Rand trading comfortably below 16 against the US Dollar – petrol and diesel prices making life a bit easier for South Africans – but where to from here?

LIZELLE VAN DER MERWE
CEO | Financial Intermediaries Association of Southern Africa (FIA)

Topic: FIA Industry Update

Lizelle shares a monthly briefing on the latest developments impacting intermediaries, including regulatory changes, market trends, and key issues shaping the insurance landscape — helping professionals stay informed and prepared.

RIANET WHITEHEAD
FAnews | Co-owner and Editor

Topic: FAnews Industry Insight
Rianet delivers a timely media perspective on the stories, trends, and conversations shaping the insurance sector, highlighting key developments and thought leadership emerging across the industry.

RISH TANDAPANY 
Group Chief Operating Officer, Purple Group | Global Fintech & Transformation Leader

Topic: An Overseas Perspective Aimed at Operations People

Rish explores how leading global teams from afar sharpens focus, discipline, and empathy. Drawing on diverse markets, I share how operational cohesion, cultural respect, and alignment to our South African ethos remain the anchors for delivering excellence across multiple time zones and satellite operations.

HIGGO VAN BILJON 
Head of Product: EasyRetire Retail | EasyEquities

Topic: The Future of Financial Advice

His will focus on how financial advice is evolving in response to demographic shifts, technology, and changing investor behaviour — with a strong emphasis on investments rather than insurance.

Headline Event Partner Spotlight

We’re thrilled to welcome EasyEquities back as our Headline Event Partner for the first edition of InsureTalk in 2026. Thank you for your support and commitment to strengthening thought leadership, innovation, and industry dialogue at South Africa’s leading insurance conference series. Your partnership helps fuel the conversations that shape the future of the insurance community.

We’re excited to welcome you online next Thursday and look forward to sharing another impactful InsureTalk with you.

Warm regards,
The InsureTalk Team