POPIA: Protecting Data. Powering Innovation.

Cybercrime tops the global risk list, yet South Africa ranks below average in preparedness – what does this mean for compliance in the digital age?

According to PwC’s Insurance Banana Skins 2025 report, cybercrime is the #1 global risk and #2 in South Africa, while regulatory change ranks 6th globally and 11th locally. South Africa’s preparedness score sits at 3.18 vs. a global average of 3.27, signalling a critical gap.

For insurers, underwriting managers, and brokers, this isn’t just a compliance conversation – it’s about protecting client trust, enabling seamless operations, and staying competitive in a digital-first market. Compliance frameworks like POPIA are no longer back-office concerns; they shape how you manage risk, integrate technology, and deliver value to policyholders.

Why Compliance Matters More Than Ever

  • Underwriting managers need accurate data for risk assessment without exposing sensitive client information.
  • Brokers handle large volumes of personal data daily – every email, document, and quote must comply with POPIA.
  • Insurers face reputational and financial risk if compliance fails, especially with cybercrime topping risk lists.
  • POPIA provides the guardrails for responsible innovation. It ensures that as insurers adopt AI, predictive analytics, and automation, data protection and governance remain uncompromised.

What Others Miss

Most industry posts frame compliance as a burden. Here’s the reality:

  • Trust is currency: In a market where cybercrime tops risk lists, clients choose partners who guarantee data security.
  • Compliance enables innovation: POPIA isn’t a barrier – it’s the framework that makes AI and digital transformation sustainable.
  • Integration is critical: Secure APIs allow insurers to connect with fraud detection tools, climate data sources, and analytics platforms without violating compliance standards.

Tial’s Compliance-First Innovation

Tial Technologies is not an FSP, so we don’t fall under POPIA as a regulated entity from a policyholder policy level – this responsibility rests with the Tial client. However, we comply with our own POPIA-related requirements expected from system providers and enable insurers, underwriting managers, and brokers to meet compliance obligations by embedding data protection features directly into the system, including:

  • User rights and role-based access controls to prevent unauthorized data exposure.
  • Document encryption for secure storage and transmission.
  • API-driven integration with third-party tools while maintaining strict governance.

This means every stakeholder from insurers to brokers – can innovate confidently, knowing their technology partner prioritises security and compliance at every level.

Broker-Specific Compliance Tips

  • Use role-based access: Ensure only authorised users can view sensitive client data.
  • Encrypt client documents: Quotes, policy schedules, and claims documents should never be sent unprotected.
  • Audit user activity: Regularly review system logs to detect unauthorized access attempts.
  • Integrate securely: When using third-party tools for CRM or analytics, confirm they meet POPIA standards.