ASISA was formed in 2008 by members of the Association of Collective Investments (ACI), the Investment Management Association of South Africa (IMASA), the Linked Investment Service Providers Association (LISPA) and the Life Offices’ Association (LOA). These associations disbanded and their staff, assets and activities were transferred to ASISA.

This coming together of the four associations marked the beginning of a new chapter for the savings and investment industry.

ASISA operates as a non-profit company and is empowered by a mandate from an industry that manages assets of nearly R7.7 trillion and is therefore considered a formidable partner around Government’s negotiation table where we proactively engage on policy, regulatory and issues of common concern.

ASISA’s strategic purpose and mandate is to continue to strengthen relationships with key stakeholders and to remain a trusted partner to these stakeholders in the financial services industry.

While it is ASISA’s role to ensure that the key contributions by ASISA members to support the nation’s savings, development and transformation initiatives are valued and recognised, we have also been tasked with ensuring that as a collective our industry remains relevant and sustainable.

ASISA will work towards promoting a culture of savings and investment in South Africa by playing a significant role in the development of the social, economic and regulatory framework in which our members operate, thereby assisting members to serve their customers better.

As part of its mission ASISA aims to:

• Actively promote a transformed, vibrant, and globally competitive financial sector that reflects the South African demographics.
• Develop and actively participate in education, transformation and social development projects.
• Continue to build a strong national economy by encouraging and incentivising South Africans to save.
• Promote transparency and disclosure.
• Create an environment enabling of more holistic regulation.
• To always have a consumer focus.
• Endeavour to ensure ethical and equitable behaviour by members by applying a code of ethics and standards.
• Help create a simple and efficient regulatory framework that promotes savings and investment.
• Engage with Government to ensure the creation of level playing fields for all members while at the same time promoting healthy competition.
• Collectively engage with Government on policy issues and actively partner with Government on promoting South Africa as a financial centre.