Join Tony from Cover as he interviews Yvonne Perumal, the Head of Group Legal at Liberty within the Standard Bank group. In this engaging discussion, Yvonne shares her career journey, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, confidence, and mentorship. She talks about transitioning from legal roles to business development in Africa, the value of strategic networks, and balancing high-profile work with personal well-being. Yvonne also offers insightful advice for women in the early stages of their careers and highlights her commitment to mentor future legal talents. Don't miss her tips on leadership, growth, and making an impact in the financial and legal sectors.

Join Tony from Cover as he speaks with Kgolagano Zaza Leola, the Head of Collections at Credit Guarantee Insurance Corporation. In this insightful conversation, Kgolagano shares her experiences and expertise, discussing the economy's current pulse, the challenges SMEs face, and the essential skills needed in the credit insurance industry. Kgolagano also provides a personal glimpse into her career journey, her passion for helping businesses navigate difficult times, and future aspirations for both her and the company. Learn about the misconceptions around credit guarantee insurance and the impactful role this corporation plays in supporting businesses across South Africa.

Join Tony from Cover as he interviews Nicola, a 2025 Certified FPI Financial Planner of the Year & Wealth Manager at Private Client Holdings. Nicola shares her excitement about the recognition, her motivation for entering the contest, the rigorous process involved, and her journey in financial planning. They discuss the importance of continuous learning, holistic financial planning, and the profession’s evolving nature. Nicola also reveals her passion for education and how her diverse background has enriched her career. Tune in for valuable insights into the standards and challenges faced by today's top financial planners.

  Tony from Cover Magazine interviews Vincent Gaudel from LexisNexis Risk Solutions about the rising importance of sanctions lists on businesses. The discussion covers key findings from a recent report on major sanctions lists, especially in light of the war in Ukraine, trends in sanctions actions, and the implications for financial services. Vincent shares insights on the complexity of compliance, the significance of US secondary sanctions, and the state of financial services in South Africa in relation to the gray list. This conversation sheds light on the critical need for effective compliance processes to maintain financial integrity globally.

  In this insightful episode, Tony from Cover Magazine sits down with Dr. Marion Morkel, Chief Medical Officer at Sanlam, to discuss the latest trends in health and insurance claims statistics. They delve into key observations such as the rise in cardiovascular and cancer claims, the impact of diseases of lifestyle, and the concerning increase in younger people making claims. Dr. Morkel also highlights the important role of early diagnosis and lifestyle management, especially in the context of a growing awareness among the younger population. This conversation sheds light on how these trends affect the insurance industry and offers valuable lessons for both health professionals and the general public.

Inside the Excitement of IUM Golf Day: Planning, Prizes, and Partnerships In this episode, we delve into the intricacies behind IUM Golf Day, an event meticulously planned and executed by an in-house marketing team. Learn about the unique allure of multiple chances to win luxury cars, the extensive planning involved, and how the event fosters industry relationships. Discover insights on insurance practices and the integration of advanced technology to support brokers and clients alike. Join us as we explore how face-to-face interactions and strong partnerships set this company apart in the competitive landscape.

In this episode of the Cover Mindshift Series, Tony interviews Omar Gemei, the head of Global Placement and Bowing at Marsh for India, Middle East, and Africa. Omar discusses the recent 4% decline in commercial insurance market rates as reported in the Q2 Marsh Global Insurance Index, attributing the decline to increased competition and higher market capacity. He highlights the specific trends in the South African market, noting even greater rate reductions for large, risk-managed clients due to competition between local and London wholesale markets. Additionally, Omar touches on the resilience of the EA region's casualty market compared to the US. He also explains the growing role of alternative risk financing through self-insurance and captive insurance, particularly among sophisticated, multinational companies. The discussion extends to the dynamic cyber insurance market, where increased competition and better understanding of risks have led to declining rates in South Africa. Omar addresses concerns about the industry's capacity to underwrite cyber risks, emphasizing the significant learning and experience gained over recent years.

n this interview, Tony from Cover speaks with Elke Brink, a wealth advisor at PSG Consult. Elke discusses her unexpected path to a career in finance, her educational journey, and the impact of earning her CFP designation. She shares insights on building client trust, particularly as a young female advisor, and the importance of continuous learning in the ever-changing financial landscape. Elke emphasizes the significance of starting early to build a client book and maintaining a holistic understanding of financial planning. The discussion also touches on the benefits of working with a reputable brand like PSG Wealth.

In this episode of the Mind Shift series, Tony interviews Jan-Hendrik, head of underwriting at Western National Insurance, about the challenges and importance of agricultural insurance. They discuss the current state of insurance penetration in the farming community, the evolving risks due to operational changes like diversification into processing and manufacturing, and the significance of full disclosure. The conversation emphasizes the crucial role of brokers in helping farmers understand and mitigate risks, ensuring comprehensive coverage and compliance with regulations. Specific issues such as non-disclosure, joint ventures, and the integration of new infrastructure like solar panels and cold storage are also covered.

Join Tony from Cover as he engages in a comprehensive discussion with Gavin Horne, a seasoned senior underwriter at R&SA, about the importance of risk surveys in the insurance industry. Throughout their conversation, Gavin sheds light on the intricacies of conducting risk surveys, the critical role they play in assessing and pricing insurance, and the responsibilities of insurers, brokers, and clients in this process. Gain valuable insights into how thorough risk assessments lead to better-informed underwriting decisions, improved insurance terms, and enhanced client relationships. Don't miss this in-depth exploration of one of the most vital aspects of modern insurance.

In this episode, Tony from Cover interviews Jeanette Marais, Group CEO of Momentum, discussing the company's exceptional financial results and strategic initiatives. Jeanette highlights the diversified success of Momentum's nine businesses, with notable achievements despite minor setbacks in Africa. The conversation touches on the company's impact strategy, emphasis on collaboration across business units, and efforts to grow its advice footprint. Jeanette also talks about the turnaround in the short-term insurance segment and shares insights into the future of the industry amid economic and political uncertainties. The interview underscores the importance of financial advice and Momentum's commitment to client-focused strategies.

In this discussion, Tony from Cover interviews Daniel Stoch, Head of Research and Development at Discovery, focusing on the growing significance of income continuation benefits in the insurance industry. Daniel emphasizes the essential role of income protection, particularly for younger individuals, by outlining that future income is a significant financial asset that should be safeguarded. He discusses industry trends and claim statistics, revealing that Discovery paid out substantial amounts in income protection claims and holds significant reserves for ongoing claims. They also touch on the types of common claims, such as musculoskeletal issues and cancer, and the impact of these claims on different age groups. The conversation highlights the importance of holistic financial planning, combining life cover, disability cover, severe illness cover, and income protection. Additionally, the positive impact of Discovery’s Vitality program on reducing claim risks and promoting healthier behaviors is discussed.

In this conversation, Tony from Cover interviews Steve Piper, head of underwritten intermediary sales at Hollard Life Solutions, about their new product, Hollard Estate Solutions. The innovation aims to simplify estate planning for financial advisors and clients by providing a comprehensive, digital, and user-friendly platform. This platform not only creates a will but also calculates the cost of death and the impact on the family, helping advisors offer better, more informed advice. The discussion delves into the market needs, the challenges of estate planning, and the alarming statistics of South Africans without valid wills. The platform is designed to reduce administrative burdens on advisors, offering optionality in executorship, and ensuring an ongoing review of clients' estate plans to adapt to changes in their lives.

In this episode, Brent sits down with Kali Bagary,  VP for Business Development – Africa and Nordics, at Sapiens, to discuss significant breakthroughs in AI-driven data migration for insurers. They delve into how AI is reducing risks, costs, and time for complex legacy data migrations, particularly in long-term insurance policies. The discussion covers the benefits of clean, accurate data for operational efficiency, cross-selling, and customer experience. They also explore the challenges of integrating legacy systems with digital portals and the new skills required to leverage these opportunities, with a look at exciting developments Sapiens is working on, including a fully automated digital platform and innovative underwriting solutions.

In this episode, Tony interviews Daniel van Andel, Head of Platform and Advisor Proposition at Allan Gray, to discuss the current challenges and opportunities facing financial advisors in South Africa. They explore findings from a recent industry barometer report, touching on topics such as compliance, succession planning, fee structures, business growth, technology adoption, and the evolving role of behavioral coaching in financial advice. Daniel shares insights on how advisors are adapting to regulatory changes, leveraging technology, and focusing on their core value to clients. The conversation provides a comprehensive look at the trends shaping the advisor landscape and offers practical perspectives for professionals navigating this dynamic industry.

In this episode of "Mind Shift Series," host Tony from Cover interviews Darryl Grater, Chief Growth Officer at Discovery Insurer and Vitality Drive International. They discuss the evolving landscape of insurance distribution in South Africa, highlighting the central role of brokers, the impact of technology and data-driven solutions, and the increasing regulatory and compliance challenges facing the industry. Darryl emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships between insurers and brokers, the need for specialized and client-centric approaches, and the growing focus on risk management and advisory services. The conversation also explores how both large and small brokers are adapting to digital transformation and the ongoing shift in client expectations.

In this episode, Tony interviews Leo Holesgrove, Guidewire’s South Africa lead, about the evolving role of brokers in the insurance industry and how Guidewire’s technology is shaping their future. They discuss the increasing demand for digital, seamless insurance experiences, and how Guidewire’s platforms help brokers streamline workflows, improve efficiency, and enhance client relationships. Leo shares real-world case studies from Canada, Argentina, and the UK, illustrating how Guidewire’s solutions have driven broker engagement and satisfaction globally. The conversation also explores future trends such as automation, AI, and omnichannel engagement, emphasizing the importance of robust, flexible platforms for brokers to remain competitive and deliver value in a rapidly changing environment.

Gary Tessendorf, regional director at Sapiens, shares how artificial intelligence is revolutionising the insurance industry across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. Drawing from real-world deployments, the interview highlights: Embedded AI Across the value chain: AI is no longer an add-on - it’s integrated into core systems like underwriting, claims, and policy administration Real-Time underwriting & personalisation: Tools now offer brokers a 360-degree customer view, enabling tailored pricing and faster decisions Data migration breakthroughs: AI is de-risking complex legacy data migrations, with South African insurers leading global examples Local market dynamics: Insurers are pursuing both large-scale transformations and agile, modular experiments to test and scale AI capabilities Ethical & responsible AI use: Focus is on optimisation, not downsizing, with embedded guardrails ensuring safe deployment Solving real problems: From fraud detection to dynamic pricing, AI is being applied to high-impact use cases with measurable results Closing the skills gap: Demand for AI talent is growing, and Sapiens is helping bridge the gap with global expertise AIE’s Role in Innovation: The African Insurance Exchange fosters meaningful dialogue, partnerships, and strategic planning Conclusion: AI is not a future concept -it’s a present-day differentiator. Sapiens is helping insurers unlock its full potential with the right tools and guidance.

In this insightful conversation, Graham Harvey, CEO of Cardinal, shares how the company is navigating the complex realities of insurance technology. From compliance pressures to double data capture, Cardinal’s tools aim to simplify and streamline broker workflows. Graham unpacks how their Super User Forum ensures client-driven innovation, and how new acquisitions in claims, self-service, and surveying enhance broker value. While AI is still in its “show me the money” phase, real traction is happening in digital transformation and robotic automation. Execution, not just innovation, is where Cardinal believes true value lies. 

In this episode, Tony sits down with Mark Barrow, Executive Head for South Africa and National Marketing Manager at Mirabilis, to unpack the shifting terrain of construction and engineering insurance. From an oversupply of capacity in small to medium projects, to ESG pressures, treaty reinsurance constraints, and the impact of global disruptions, Mark offers a grounded yet optimistic view of the market. He also shares insight into government infrastructure projects, the role of PPPs, and growth opportunities in mining and across Africa. If you’re in insurance, underwriting or infrastructure development, this is essential listening.