It began on a naturally warm Wisdom Wednesday, the 2nd of April, in the heart of a golden South African autumn. With its hallmark purpose and professionalism, the Insurance Institute of Gauteng (IIG) hosted its inaugural in-person Insight Session of 2025, graciously hosted at the esteemed Clyde & Co offices in Sandton.
As the morning unfolded, guests were swiftly welcomed and scanned in, before being ushered elegantly into a curated networking space where they were treated to barista-crafted beverages of their choice. The room soon filled with the buzz of conversation, as peers and thought leaders across the insurance spectrum reconnected and exchanged ideas ahead of the formal opening, presided over by IIG President, Wilmine Prinsloo.
This gathering is widely regarded as one of the industry’s most exclusive professional engagements, offering a space for top-tier networking and compelling content designed to spark collaboration around the insurance sector’s most pressing issues; chief among them, how we as a collective can build a more sustainable, resilient economy through proactive, informed, and visionary decision-making.
Despite being scheduled for just three hours, the session felt like a fleeting moment because of the depth of engagement and spirited discussion. Professionals across disciplines came together not just to listen, but to lean in and contribute, evidencing a shared commitment to shaping the future of insurance.
Thought Leadership at Its Finest
Clyde & Co set the tone for the morning with two of their own distinguished speakers, who tackled some of the most complex and timely topics facing our industry.
First to the podium was the formidable Nicol Britton, a respected authority in Insurance Regulation. True to the sentiment, “ladies first,” Nicol captivated the audience from the moment her opening slide lit up the screen. Her presentation provided an incisive exploration of the regulatory landscape shaping the insurance market, addressing key strategic themes that all professionals—whether underwriters, brokers, or reinsurers—must respond to with agility and foresight.
Her session focused on the importance of regulatory frameworks that uphold accountability, ensure financial stability, and safeguard policyholders; highlighting why regulatory literacy is no longer optional in today’s evolving insurance ecosystem. Nicol also broadened the dialogue to include the impact of climate change, urging the industry to move beyond compliance toward resilience-building.
Following a brief tea break, Arthur James delivered a masterclass, in demystifying the complex and often controversial intersection between cryptocurrency and insurance. In a clear and composed style, Arthur unpacked the implications of the COFI Bill, the rise of crypto assets, and how these digital instruments are reshaping risk, regulation, and insurance policy design.
In nutshell, he addressed the heightened exposure to cybercrime and fraud, as well as the challenges of asset valuation to an extent, all of which complicate underwriting and claims processes. Arthur’s presentation was not only informative but sparked passionate conversations during the networking lunch that followed; proof that the industry is eager to understand and prepare for this emerging frontier.
A Future Fuelled by Connection and Collaboration
As always, the IIG remains steadfast in its mission to Engage, Connect and Grow: a philosophy that continues to underscore the value of in-person engagements in a digitally saturated world. This event was a powerful reminder that when the right people gather with purpose, ideas ignite, partnerships form, and the future of our industry is shaped.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our stakeholders, sponsors, and partners who continue to champion these platforms.
Here’s to a year of insight, intention, and innovation.
Thuso Mafumo | Head of Procurement – Claims, Procurement & Cost Containment – ABSA Group
