Location: Cape Town
Employment Type: Permanent
Industry: Wealth Management / Financial Services
Salary: Market Related
Reference: PC002084/LS

Our client, a well-established wealth management firm, is looking for an experienced Risk Specialist to join their Cape Town team. This opportunity is ideal for a motivated professional with 3–7+ years’ experience in risk insurance or financial services, particularly in advising on and managing life risk products.

The successful candidate will possess a relevant financial qualification, be FAIS compliant, and either hold or be able to obtain accreditation with major life insurers. Strong technical expertise, excellent client relationship management skills, and a meticulous approach to administration and compliance are essential.

Please include a recent professional profile photo with your application.

Key Requirements

• Grade 12 (Matric).
• Relevant financial qualification (e.g. CFP or other NQF-aligned qualification).
• 3–7+ years’ experience in risk insurance or financial services.
• FAIS compliant for providing risk advice.
• Accredited with major life insurers, or willing and able to obtain accreditation.
• Proven experience advising on and servicing life risk products.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and comfortable using technology.
• Experience with CRM systems, preferably XPlan.
• Valid driver’s licence.
• Fluent in both English and Afrikaans (written and spoken).
• Strong technical knowledge of life risk products and policy structuring.
• Excellent communication and client relationship management skills.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Strong understanding of compliance requirements and commitment to ethical practices.

Key Responsibilities

Client Relationship Management

• Manage and service an allocated portfolio of risk clients.
• Conduct policy reviews, amendments, and provide claims support.
• Ensure all client interactions comply with FAIS requirements.
• Serve as the primary contact for all client risk-related enquiries.

Risk Advice & Planning

• Provide professional advice on life, disability, severe illness, and income protection products.
• Conduct comprehensive needs analyses and recommend suitable risk solutions.
• Support Wealth Advisors and Wealth Specialists with client risk planning.
• Identify gaps in existing cover and recommend appropriate protection strategies.

Integration of Acquired Business

• Assist with onboarding and integrating risk portfolios from merger partners.
• Review existing policies to ensure they remain competitive, relevant, and compliant.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients acquired through mergers.

Insurer & Stakeholder Management

• Liaise with life insurers regarding underwriting, policy servicing, and claims.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key product providers.
• Ensure ongoing compliance with insurer accreditation requirements.

Compliance & Administration

• Ensure all advice and servicing activities comply with FAIS legislation and internal policies.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date client records using XPlan or the relevant CRM system.
• Assist with audits and provide supporting documentation as required.

Business Development

• Identify opportunities to expand the existing risk portfolio.
• Support Wealth Advisors by identifying and implementing cross-selling opportunities.

Working Hours

Monday to Friday: 08:00 – 17:00

Application Information

If you meet the above requirements, we encourage you to apply.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive feedback within 10 working days of submitting your application, please consider your application unsuccessful. Your CV may be retained for future opportunities matching your skills and experience.

10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Risk Specialist Position

1. What does a Risk Specialist do?

A Risk Specialist helps individuals and businesses protect their financial future by recommending suitable insurance solutions. This includes advising clients on life insurance, disability cover, severe illness cover, and income protection. The role also involves reviewing existing policies, processing amendments, assisting with claims, and ensuring clients have the right level of financial protection as their circumstances change.

2. What qualifications do I need to become a Risk Specialist?

To qualify for this role, you should have:

• Grade 12 (Matric)
• A relevant financial qualification such as CFP or another NQF-aligned qualification
• FAIS compliance to provide financial advice
• Accreditation with major life insurers (or the ability to obtain it)
• A valid driver’s licence

Having additional certifications in financial planning or risk management can further strengthen your application.

3. How much experience is required?

Applicants should ideally have between 3 and 7 years (or more) of experience in the financial services or risk insurance industry. Experience in advising clients on life risk products, managing client portfolios, and working with insurers will be highly beneficial.

Candidates with a proven track record of delivering excellent client service and maintaining long-term client relationships will have an advantage.

4. What skills are employers looking for?

Successful Risk Specialists possess a combination of technical expertise and strong interpersonal skills. Employers typically look for candidates who have:

• Excellent communication skills
• Strong relationship-building abilities
• High attention to detail
• Problem-solving skills
• Strong administrative capabilities
• Knowledge of life insurance products
• Compliance awareness
• Good organisational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Confidence when advising clients

Being comfortable with technology and CRM systems is also essential.

5. What types of insurance products will I be advising clients on?

Risk Specialists generally provide advice on a range of financial protection products, including:

• Life Insurance
• Disability Cover
• Severe Illness (Critical Illness) Cover
• Income Protection
• Funeral Cover (where applicable)
• Business Risk Insurance
• Key Person Insurance
• Buy-and-Sell Agreements

Your role is to recommend solutions that best suit each client’s financial needs and long-term goals.

6. Is this role mainly office-based or does it involve meeting clients?

This position offers a combination of office-based work and client interaction. While much of your administration, compliance work, and policy servicing is completed in the office, you may also:

• Meet clients in person
• Attend financial planning meetings
• Visit businesses
• Conduct annual client reviews
• Meet with insurance providers

Having a valid driver’s licence is therefore an important requirement.

7. What software or systems will I be expected to use?

Most financial advisory firms use specialised systems to manage client information and policies.

Common software includes:

• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Outlook
• CRM systems such as XPlan
• Insurance provider online portals
• Compliance management systems

Being technologically confident helps improve efficiency and client service.

8. What career growth opportunities are available?

A Risk Specialist role provides excellent long-term career prospects within the financial services industry.

Possible career paths include:

• Senior Risk Specialist
• Wealth Advisor
• Financial Planner
• Portfolio Manager
• Risk Consultant
• Practice Manager
• Regional Sales Manager
• Independent Financial Advisor
• Wealth Management Executive

With additional qualifications and experience, many professionals progress into leadership or advisory positions with higher earning potential.

9. What makes someone successful in this role?

The most successful Risk Specialists focus on building trust with clients rather than simply selling products.

Key qualities include:

• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Empathy
• Strong listening skills
• Product knowledge
• Consistency
• Attention to detail
• Excellent customer service
• Compliance with financial regulations
• A genuine passion for helping people protect their financial future

Long-term success often comes from maintaining strong client relationships and providing ongoing advice as clients’ needs evolve.

10. Why should I apply for this Risk Specialist opportunity?

This position offers the chance to work with a respected wealth management team while building a rewarding career in financial services.

Benefits include:

• Permanent employment
• Market-related salary
• Opportunity to work with established clients
• Exposure to leading life insurers
• Career development within wealth management
• Professional growth through ongoing learning and accreditation
• Collaborative and supportive working environment
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact by helping clients secure their financial future

If you enjoy working with people, have strong financial knowledge, and are passionate about providing trusted advice, this could be an excellent next step in your career.