Fifteen years of Loving Change

Ready for a little bit of time travel? Hop in, fasten your seat belt, and let’s set the controls for 2011. What a year it was.

On the global news front, protesters were camped out on Wall Street, decrying inequality and corporate excess.

At the movies, Harry Potter was battling it out with Tom Cruise for top slot at the box office.

Adele was topping the pop charts, closely followed by Maroon 5 with their dance hit "Moves Like Jagger”.

In New Zealand, the All Blacks defeated France by a single point to win the Rugby World Cup, with the Boks finishing in fourth place.

And around a dining room table in Johannesburg, a life-changing event was taking place.

A brand-new company was taking shape, based on the bold idea that our needs change in life as we change.

In 2011, BrightRock was born.

From that zero-base start, the company has grown into a significant force.

Today, BrightRock is South Africa’s fourth-largest life insurer in South African intermediated individual risk market, with a market share of around 13%. It’s grown at approximately 7% over the past year, outperforming the market average of 5%.

But the numbers only tell part of the story, says Suzanne Stevens, BrightRock co-founder and CEO.

“The real measure of any life insurer lies in how it shows up when it matters most,” says Suzanne.

In the past year, BrightRock paid more than R930 million in claims. Since the first policies were written in early 2012, total claims paid have exceeded R7.6 billion.

BrightRock’s total cover in force now stands at more than R388 billion.

“Importantly, our outcomes for clients reflect our commitment to the principle of Treating Customers Fairly,” says Suzanne.

The latest National Financial Ombud Scheme annual report shows that BrightRock accounts for just 1% of consumer complaints received.

While the industry average for findings wholly or partially in favour of complainants is around 25%, the equivalent figure for individual life complaints against BrightRock is just 8%.

Looking ahead, as we step back into our time machine, how will BrightRock shape the next 15 years?

“When BrightRock introduced the concept of needs-matched life insurance, it was a world first,” says Suzanne.

“Instead of rigid, one-size-fits-all policies, we designed flexible, modular solutions aligned to policyholders’ changing needs over time. It was a deliberate shift, from static cover to a living financial tool.”

In a digital-first world, clients expect more than a payout at claim stage. They want personalised, flexible, technology-enabled solutions that deliver value throughout their lives.

The opportunity lies in transforming life insurance from a passive product into an active financial tool that supports both long-term wealth creation and immediate wellbeing.

“That insight sits at the heart of what BrightRock has believed from the beginning,” Suzanne adds.

Fifteen years after that dining room table conversation, BrightRock stands as a clear example of how bold ideas, executed with discipline and purpose, can reshape an industry.

“Our needs-matched approach remains globally relevant,” says Suzanne. “Our performance reflects resilience and responsible growth.”

Looking ahead to the next chapter, Suzanne believes one thing is for sure.

“Change will not slow down. But then, change has always been our territory. With Love Change as our guiding light, we remain ready to evolve our industry and improve the lives we touch, for good!”