What’s inside… FAnews Magazine November 2025
The year 2025 has been packed with shifts - some good, some challenging, and a lot that’s reshaping our industry for the better. New ideas have taken root, old paradigms are being questioned, and the landscape is transforming before our eyes. In this whirlwind of innovation and disruption, we're beginning to see a glimpse of the future that will define the years ahead.
Let’s start with the big one: COFI. It’s alive, well, and one of the hottest topics across the industry. The energy is mixed - some are excited, others anxious - but the promise is clear. COFI aims to streamline processes, align culture and conduct, and put clients firmly at the centre. Still, getting there won’t be easy. For many smaller practices, the transition feels overwhelming. Technology, compliance, and process alignment aren’t optional anymore. If you’re struggling to keep up, now may be the time to find a partner or a new environment that offers the support and guidance you need to navigate this new era.
On another note, it is interesting to read that new car sales for October were the highest in a decade - a welcome boost for the economy. Optimism is creeping back, and that’s something to celebrate. But here’s the catch: those shiny new Chinese-brand vehicles everyone’s raving about? Parts availability is already proving to be a massive problem. So, dear broker, make sure your clients have long-term rental cover in place, because that “temporary inconvenience” could last much longer than expected.
Speaking of a better economy, it’s positive to see that medical scheme increases are generally more moderate. This is largely due to a notable drop in CPI in 2025 compared to previous years, with CPI averaging 4.4% in 2024 and 6.0% in 2023. This provides slight relief following the steep double-digit increases seen in prior years. Another positive is that there has been a dramatic uptake in insurance products such as Gap cover, as well as a surge in low-cost benefit primary care options - not only enabling greater access to private health care for previously uncovered lives but inadvertently relieving the burden on our state healthcare.
As we wrap up 2025, I want to thank everyone who reads, shares, and engages with FAnews. You keep us inspired to keep asking questions, digging deeper, and bringing the stories that matter to this industry.
Here’s to a hopeful, resilient, and forward-looking 2026. Let’s keep learning, adapting, and showing the world what makes this industry truly extraordinary.
Enjoy the read.
CPD Articles
Non-life (IISA Approved)
COFI demands more: are you ready to lead a business?
Systemic risks and infrastructure: how insurance enables resilient growth
A very good year: 90% of South Africa’s non-life insurers report improved results
The value of data in managing cell captives
Local insurers are redefining resilience in South Africa’s hospitality sector
Management 101 – cybersecurity on top, geopolitical volatility enters top 10
Life, Investments, EB, Healthcare, etc (FPI Approved)
Conduct of Financial Institutions: understanding re-licensing ramifications
Optimising client portfolios for emerging investment trends
Financial education is key to preserving intergenerational wealth
Avoiding risk could be the riskiest move of all
The impact of regulation on benefit design
Drawn-out NHI timeline gives Gap cover a long, long lease on life
The list of articles worth reading continues…
In the news
A turning point for Mergers and Acquisitions (M&As) in SA’s intermediary market
The emotional blueprint behind SA’s financial choices
The future of financial advice – a digital-first, API enabled landscape
Growth and competition in SA’s financial services
Profiles
Santam Specialist’s new identity: embracing agility, innovation, and growth
TIH | Game-changing fire risk protection for your clients
Momentum Corporate | Beyond the numbers: demographic and healthcare shifts impacting group life insurance pricing
Global Choices | Kid Flights: the helicopter of hope, saving lives across South Africa
Regular Features
Climate change, risk management and insurance: the problem of externalities
Client & Culture
When clients expect more: meeting the new insurance standard
Are we truly obsessed with customer service?
Non-life
Are insurers riding the wave of change?
Protection against potential liability claims for hospitality business owners
Navigating the unseen: the evolving landscape of haulage insurance
Ombudsman overturns insurer’s PI claim rejection
Adapting to a changing climate
Technology
Legacy systems harm much more than insurers’ operations
Investments
SA equities outperform US and world indices over five years
The illusion of liquidity
Private credit is the new black
Clients should focus on long-term fundamentals, not short-term shocks
Optimising client portfolios for emerging investment trends
Life
When people are the business
Retirement
Cybersecurity: the silent risk to pension funds
Healthcare
Integrating AI into the health and health insurance landscape
The impact of regulation on benefit design
Bridging the 2026 healthcare gap requires new financial planning
Drawn-out NHI timeline gives Gap cover a long, long lease on life
Brokers, medical schemes and private hospitals back AI for positive patient outcomes
AI in healthcare: what’s next?
Medical schemes' average increases for 2026
Editor’s thoughts:
The November edition is packed with relevant content and plenty of learnings in most of the articles. It’s about much more than just doing your CPD articles; this is insightful, strong and relevant for you, no matter where you work in the industry. It’s November… this year is history. Enjoy the last bit…
