Setting the pace in a changing life insurance landscape
March 2026
As the South African life insurance market continues to evolve, advice-led solutions, flexibility, and relevance are increasingly shaping the industry.
In our team, these trends are not new, they’re the foundation of our needs-matched approach and continue to set us apart in the market.
Projects and trends we’re excited about
One of the most exciting trends we’re seeing this year is the growing alignment between advisers’ business strategies and BrightRock’s product offering. Key FSP partners have confirmed that our needs-matched cover integrates seamlessly into their advice processes, enabling advice to be driven by client needs rather than product limitations.
To build on this momentum, we’re introducing more focused monthly engagements with strategic partners, supported by targeted growth strategies aimed at deepening collaboration and increasing market share. As the market becomes more advice-driven and regulated, BrightRock’s ability to adapt cover as clients’ needs change remains a powerful differentiator for Financial Advisers.
Celebrating our team’s achievements
Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and this year has given us plenty to celebrate:
A special congratulations to Matt Cilliers who recently welcomed his first baby, a proud and exciting milestone;
Brandon Dabrowa and Paul van As both got engaged, adding some wonderful celebratory news to the team;
Michelle Olivier, recently promoted from Distribution Specialist to Managing Distribution Executive, relocated with her family from Polokwane to Nelspruit and has already made a strong impact building the BrightRock brand in the region;
We’re also delighted to welcome Nico Venter back into management. Now based in Cape Town, Nico brings valuable experience from his time in Pretoria and further strengthens our leadership bench.
These moments reflect not only professional growth, but the strong culture and sense of community within the BrightRock team.
What we’re proud of as a team
Over the past year, the team delivered consistent year-on-year growth in activated Annualised Premium Income (API) while maintaining a low lapse rate, highlighting strong client retention and the long-term value of our solutions.
Our average premium per policy increased by more than 10%, reflecting growing market confidence in BrightRock’s proposition and the quality of advice delivered through our IFA partners. Most importantly, this growth has allowed us to extend meaningful cover to more South Africans, staying true to our purpose of protecting what matters most.
Strengthening our distribution model
To support future growth, several strategic enhancements are underway. This includes the appointment of dedicated Servicing Specialists in Bradley’s area, focused on extra cover buy-up and cover conversion sales within existing adviser practices. As our book matures, this creates greater opportunities to service existing policies and unlock additional value.
We’re also exploring a shift in our outbound sales strategy, moving from a maintenance-focused model to an acquisition-led approach. By expanding the Distribution Specialist team and focusing on the top 100 Financial Advisers and key brokerage writers, we aim to deliver an industry-first experience through enhanced digital engagement and improved accessibility.
Looking forward
Looking ahead to 2026, increasing Distribution Specialist broker penetration remains a key strategic lever. Broader and more frequent broker engagement is expected to drive stronger API flows, accelerate new business growth, and further entrench BrightRock as a high-impact, efficient distribution partner.
#LoveChange
Welcome to BrightRock, the needs-matched money company
When you think about your money, you’re actually thinking about your life. About the people you love and the things you want to do. And about life’s big Change Moments – like when you land that job, make a home, tie the knot or start a family.
At BrightRock, we want to help you make money decisions that reflect your life, your changing needs, and all the things that are really important to you.