Types of Financial Planners

Collectively, long-term insurance agents and long-term insurance brokers are referred to as Financial Planners.

Long-term Insurance Agents

Long-term insurance agents are typically contracted or employed by a long-term insurer like Sanlam and will advise clients on Sanlam products and services. They are often also accredited to sell products of competitor companies. In terms of their unique contract with a long-term insurer and in accordance with the stipulations of the Long Term Insurance Act they represent the insurer. Clients who make use of long-term insurance agents therefore have recourse against the long-term insurer that contracted or employed the planner.

Sanlam's BlueStar Planners

BlueStar practices offer clients a one-stop shop and access to specialised services such as life insurance, estate planning, short-term insurance, retirement planning and investment planning.

BlueStar practices are built on the premise that financial planners cannot be experts on all the solutions in the market, given the vast variety of financial needs from categories of clients. This model allows financial planners to specialise so that they can identify the most appropriate solutions to meet their clients' needs.

The BlueStar concept positions the relationship between the client and the financial services provider, instead of between the client and an individual planner. You still receive personalised service, but the advice doesn't depend on only one individual. This ensures the continuity and longevity of the relationship. You can get advice for all your financial needs in one location.

The financial advice given through BlueStar practices is backed by Sanlam, which provides security to both you and the financial planner. Products sold are not restricted to Sanlam's.

Long-term Insurance Brokers

Long-term insurance brokers represent the interests of their clients with one or more insurers and are authorised to sell a variety of companies' products and services. The broker may provide advice on and sell products from Sanlam as well as other companies. The advice is considered "independent” and the broker personally stands in for the advice dispensed (not Sanlam).