Affirming the roots

Abstract

Sanlam returned to insurance and the delivery of value-adding financial services by disposing of a large investment in a banking company, thereby freeing up its capital for financial services diversification at last. Aggressive pruning of non-performing operations in the domestic and international markets, business operational restructuring, and a new management philosophy put Sanlam on the road to improved efficiency. With a focus of value-adding financial services to the entry-level market, as well as established markets in the UK, Sanlam improved return on equity employed, and positioned itself for global expansion. From an emerging market the path dependence of empowerment strategies were reinforced in new markets. From a strong strategy directing central management platform, optimal operational authority at the level of transacting positioned the company as a global player.