SDT's Freda du Toit to speak at annual Life Assurance forum in November

The annual Life Assurance 2007 forum will take place 27 to 29 November at the Park Hyatt in Rosebank; it aims to address the latest challenges facing the industry today.

The forum attracts all major life assurance organisations in South Africa, creating an interactive platform that addresses concerns with regard to the proposal of new commission structures and innovation in the industry where buyers and sellers can best understand the challenges and opportunities.

"The South African life assurance industry forms a vital part of the foundation of the country's economy in growing a savings culture," says Freda du Toit, executive director of SDT Financial Software Solutions and a speaker at the forum.
"This industry is facing a number of daunting challenges, among them the long-term impact of HIV and Aids on pricing and claims experiences. The market runs the risk of becoming over-regulated with tax changes and increased competition. There is also a need for disclosure and transparency of the business, new legislation and improved perception in the eyes of the public."

The forum offers an in-depth opportunity to discuss how to make the industry one in which effective competitive forces can be made to work for the benefit of consumers, the wider economy and ultimately the industry itself.

By attending the forum guests will have the opportunity to hear industry leaders thrash out key issues and understand how to prepare for making changes that lie ahead. They will gain an overview of regulatory frameworks and the impact of legislation on the life assurance industry and discuss the challenges facing companies when breaking into emerging markets. It offers methods for discovering innovative distribution channels available to life assurers and identifies the latest trends in consumer buying patterns in the industry.

The forum's panel of speakers include:

* Ed Pieret, immediate past president of LUASA;
* Chris van der Walt, MD of Intermediary Support Services;
* Anton Swanepoel, consultant at SAFSIA/Crux Consulting;
* Freda du Toit, executive director of SDT Financial Solutions;
* Dirk Oosthuyse, consultant and actuary at ABSA;
* Michael Dalby, business development director at All Life;
* John Solomon, assistant general manager at African Life Assurance;
* Lawrence Mkwanazi, CEO of LMFS Brokers;
* Richard Firth, CEO of MIP Holdings;
* Chris Hart, economist at ABSA;
* David Barnes, head of investor relations at Sanlam;
* Chris Busschau, senior manager at Standard Bank Insurance Brokers;
* Claire van Zuylen, director at Bowman and Gilfillan;
* Isaac Mohlaping, director at Black Brokers Forum/BBSN; and
* Hermann Waschefort, director at Kwanda/LUASA.