What’s inside… FAnews Magazine February 2026
A new year, a new edition… and once again, the pace shows no signs of slowing. The insurance industry has carried its momentum straight into 2026, with a busy start that mirrors the way 2025 ended. Overall sentiment remains positive, despite some restructuring at certain companies. Encouragingly, several notable appointments have been made, reinforcing confidence in the sector’s resilience and future direction.
At the senior level, conversations around skills gaps and loyalty are becoming more frequent. It’s a reminder that, even in a strong and evolving industry, people remain at the heart of it. Interestingly, risk management is making a mark. Claims, particularly complex ones, are becoming fewer. While this is undoubtedly good news for insurers, it does raise questions about the future role of claims professionals. Is this a temporary phase, or a trend we should be concerned about?
From an underwriting perspective, Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to dominate discussions. Many believe AI will take over the “mundane” tasks, freeing underwriters to focus on higher-value work. As with claims, however, this shift also sparks debate about jobs and skills. On the other hand, brokers are experiencing a different kind of change, and it’s an exciting one. Their role is evolving, the traditional job description is expanding, and new opportunities are emerging for new entrants who want to do more than the conventional broker role.
And then, of course, there’s The Insurance Apprentice. Filming is complete, and we’ve made some bold changes this year: a new format, a new set, and a new host - Thapelo Mokoena. Real-life issues have never been more prominent in a reality show focused on insurance, and we cannot wait to share the first episode when it airs on 2 May on eExtra.
It’s a new year, and with it comes fresh opportunities. Let’s embrace the change, focus on meaningful impact, and continue driving positive transformation in our industry. If you have a burning issue or if there’s a specific topic or issue you’d like us to explore within the insurance or financial services industry, please do reach out. If we can tackle it, we will.
Enjoy the read!
Non-life (IISA Approved)
2026 insurance regulatory outlook: key changes ahead
The co-insurance paradox: evaluating market trends in capacity and claims
The unexpected claims that make insurers stop and think
2026: big risks, bigger opportunities
Leading in the age of the unquantifiable
Why risk management matters beyond insurance
Life, Investments, EB, Healthcare, etc (FPI Approved)
The cost and consequence of delayed succession planning
Rethinking third-party risk under the FSCA’s draft cyber template
Record of advice ‘faux pas’ costs adviser R613k
Understanding King V™: a new era of reporting
The evolution of life annuities
Inflation, longevity and market risk: inform advice on living annuity drawdown rates
The list of articles worth reading continues…
In the news
Industry voices on 2026: insight, advice, and urgency
Navigating 2026: gaps and opportunities in SA’s financial industry
When education cover becomes too clever for its own good
Profiles
Hollard’s vision for tomorrow: insights from Andrew Coutts
Momentum Corporate on AI, hype and retirement reality
Celebrating unsung heroes: Blake Dyason’s love for trails
Africa Specialty Risks - a new era for specialty coverage in South Africa
Standard Bank’s Linah Mabena on leading the evolution of insurance brokerage
MNK International brings expertise to the South African market
Regular Feature
When strategic plans fade: lessons from history
Legal
Medical negligence claims that require thinking outside the box
Client & Culture
Where should brokers and advisers clean up processes
Going beyond empathy in insurance in 2026
Technology
Climate and cyber risks: the future of insurance innovation
Non-life
The non-life sector in 2026: navigating pressure, finding possibility
If AI cuts care, we’ve done it wrong
How data analytics and AI are redefining predictive underwriting
New risks, new opportunities: building insurance solutions for creators and influencers
How Africa can harness financial inclusion to combat climate risks
Investments
Your clients’ biggest assets aren’t in their investment portfolios
“Cautious optimism”: a catchphrase for SA investors through 2026
Life
Beneficiary disputes in living annuities: A wake-up call for insurers and advisers
People & Perspectives
Retirement: the emotional transition we don’t plan for
Editor’s thoughts:
It’s February. The year is no longer “new” – it’s real. The plans are in motion, the pressure is back, and the industry isn’t slowing down for anyone. Use this edition to sharpen your thinking. Challenge a view. Start a better conversation with a client or colleague. Let it shape how you show up in 2026 – not just how you tick a CPD box.
Enjoy the read!
