Q & A: Insurance and Asset Management | Standard Bank Group
inequality, and unemployment. We believe education is a key driver in developing the human capital required for inclusive economic growth.
How does IAM measure the long-term success and real-world impact of its education programmes?
Through tangible outcomes; specifically, improved academic performance and progression into further study opportunities. Across our programmes, participating learners have shown consistent gains. Mathematics results have improved by 8 – 15 %, while Physical Science performance has increased by 7 – 12 %. In some interventions, Mathematics distinction rates have exceeded 25 %, and Bachelor Pass rates have surpassed 90 %.
These outcomes demonstrate that targeted support can translate into meaningful progress and improved long-term prospects for learners.
At what stage should financial education ideally begin, and how is IAM helping to introduce it into schools earlier?
Financial education should begin early and continue throughout the life of an individual. IAM supports the introduction of financial education at appropriate stages along the learner journey, starting in schools and extending into higher education institutions, workplaces and communities.
How is the Business Unit working with schools, NGOs, and government to expand the reach of its education programmes?
We scale our education programmes through a partnership model that works within the existing education system. We fund and grow NGO-led solutions aligned with the Department of Basic Education( DBE) curriculum and national priorities. This approach helps address learning and skills gaps while strengthening overall system capacity.
We formalise partnerships through:
• Funding agreements with clear outcomes
• Shared monitoring and evaluation
• Regular reporting and impact reviews
• Ongoing oversight to ensure alignment with CSI objectives and DBE priorities
This structure improves accountability, enables scale through blended delivery models, and supports sustained collaboration with NGOs, schools, and government.
Can you share a standout success story from one of IAM’ s education initiatives?
A strong example is the Primestars Maths and Science
Programme, endorsed by the DBE. In 2025, the programme reached more than 30 000 learners through a hybrid model combining cinema-based learning, rural outreach, and digital platforms.
Improved Maths and Science performance has increased learners’ chances of accessing Bachelor programmes and pursuing STEM-related qualifications.
The programme also supports teachers by providing additional resources and improved teaching techniques, strengthening the overall quality of STEM education.
How are your programmes adapting to the rise of digital learning and technology-driven skills?
We are adapting by supporting technology-enabled and blended learning models that extend education beyond the classroom. Given ongoing inequalities in infrastructure access, we use a flexible hybrid approach tailored to each school’ s context and resources. This includes in-person delivery, digital learning where possible, and broadcast or mass media channels to reach larger audiences.
This blended model improves scalability, continuity, and resilience while expanding access beyond traditional schooling environments.
What are the challenges that IAM has faced in rolling out these education initiatives, and how have you overcome them?
One of the main challenges is the scale and complexity of learning gaps, particularly in under-resourced environments. In response, we have refined its focus on Education for School Learning and Development, investing in more targeted interventions that deliver measurable results.
Another challenge is uneven infrastructure and digital readiness across schools. If not carefully managed, rapid digitisation can deepen existing inequalities.
To address this, we take a context-sensitive approach that combines face-to-face support with low-bandwidth, offlinecapable digital and broadcast solutions. We also support educators in using technology effectively.
This ensures programmes can scale without excluding learners or disrupting core schooling priorities.
Insurance and Asset Management( IAM) is a Business Unit of the Standard Bank Group. Anchored by Liberty, IAM represents the Group’ s consolidated insurance and asset management businesses, including STANLIB and reflects the Group’ s commitment to delivering trusted financial solutions. www. futuresa. co. za 85