COVER Magazine

Income Continuation: The Cornerstone of Financial Security - Daniel Stoch, Discovery

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.

Building Bridges in Estate Solutions: A Discussion with Steve Piper

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.

Bridging Legacy Systems with Digital Solutions: The Sapiens Approach

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.

Advisor Challenges and Opportunities: Daniel van Andel's Perspective

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.

Mind Shift Series Brokers and Beyond: Darryl Grater Explores New Paths in Insurance Distribution

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.

Exploring Guidewire’s Impact on the Broker Industry

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.

AI meets insurance, transforming the industry with intelligent technology

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.

Efficiency, Innovation & Execution: Cardinal’s Tech Roadmap

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. 

Engineering Insurance Under Pressure: A Sector Adapting to Change

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. 

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