IMAS FINANCE: Invaluable Advice When and Where It Matters Most

While the majority of us would still flinch, to a greater or lesser degree, at the prospect of rewiring our house, identifying and fixing a leak or rebuilding walls – we even employ the services of a personal trainer when we decide to get fit – in the age of DIY-everything it is easy to mistakenly believe that it is possible to apply the same logic and go-it-alone attitude when it comes to financial planning.  

Although there are many perceived barriers to appointing a financial adviser, in reality almost everyone could benefit from professional financial advice. In this period of high inflation, market volatility, and economic uncertainty, there has probably never been a better time to seek specialist advice. Being increasingly time-poor, while ever-more information overloaded, are two of the most compelling reason, as well as the peace of mind that financial services is one of the most heavily regulated industries in South Africa.

An independent advisor is able to wade through the myriad areas covered by financial planning to succinctly identify key needs, narrowing down the available options and sifting through the abundant extraneous noise. The ability to personalise financial management and goals, make well-informed decisions and optimally structure a portfolio all factor highly in making this financial oracle indispensable, but above all, for most, is the potential for money saving it entails.

LIVE FINANCIALLY WELL

In addition to benefiting from the more favourable fees and structures that have emerged as the financial planning industry has matured, employing the services of an advisor can avoid expensive financial planning mistakes such as not making use of available tax breaks or investing too conservatively. Everything conspires to push this previously-thought luxury to being of paramount importance, and one South African specialist is waiting in the wings with the very best in financial wellness solutions, fulfilling all financial services needs.

“We are a trusted and authorised financial services provider that cares about the financial wellbeing of our members. Our purpose is to empower our members to live financially well while creating shared value for our members,” iMasFinance states, “enabling them to benefit from shared value through providing innovative financial solutions.”

The iMasFinance offering entails its entering into agreements with supportive, progressive companies, “those wanting to invest in their greatest assets, their employees.”

“In essence, we invest in your employees by offering complimentary financial wellness training as well as short-term financial advisory services, housing solutions, personal loans, purchase cards and vehicle finance.” Through its unique operating model, customers subsequently become members, and, as a financial co-operative, receive a share of profits through the iMasRewards programme. “They become a part of our organisation through our membership,” the company explains. “At iMasFinance the core of our existence is shared value.”

Also on offer is a business-to-business value proposition that includes insurance, group schemes and building loyalty and rewards programmes for other financial institutions. “We strive to be the most rewarding workplace financial services provider, enabling our members to benefit from shared value through providing innovative financial solutions.”

The spirit of cooperation, support, and power in partnership bleeds through everything that iMasFinance continues to achieve for its members. “We understand that strength lies in numbers and as such, we work collaboratively to achieve our goals,” the company sets out. “We pride ourselves in being experts in our field; hence, we continually learn and grow to keep up with the latest innovations.”

INCLUSION SUPPORTS GROWTH

iMasFinance has undergone a major evolution in recent years, embarking on a wholesale re-positioning and rebranding journey from Iemas Financial Services Co-operative, in a move designed to epitomise accelerating digital capabilities alongside several further initiatives. “iMasFinance’s commitment to its customers – better known as its members – and employer affiliates is out priority and remains a key strategic focus,” the company, synonymous with affordable and trusted financial products and services across a litany of sectors and industries, was at pains to stress.

“The rebranding strategy reflects the Co-operative’s purpose which is to both empower and protect members to live financially well while creating shared value,” assessed Banie van Vollenhoven, Group CEO at iMasFinance. “Our refreshed iMasFinance brand strives to get closer to our members through digital solutions and fulfil their financial needs. We will also continue to empower them with financial health while creating the kind of shared value proposition that is relevant for the African market.

“Our business excellence model prides itself in offering solutions that are almost unmatched when it comes to affordability and personal financial services offered in the work environment,” van Vollenhoven added. “The reputation and equity created under our brand is a valuable asset; we are building on this as we pursue new segment opportunities, digitisation and future business growth for the benefit of our members.

“With a rich legacy spanning over 84 years, iMasFinance has been helping employers with affordable employee benefits by providing solutions that promote financial inclusion.”

This is set to be the key, furthered iMasFinance National Manager: Group Brand Ambassador, Eddie Brandt, determining the future of financial services in South Africa and the rest of the continent: digital enablement and financial inclusion.

“Managing your finances at anytime from anywhere has become the norm,” Brandt stresses. “However, financial services have to be accessible in rural areas as well, and that is why we have recently invested in the revamping of our regional offices so that we can service our members better in the areas where they work and live. Major banks have also expanded their physical presence in the last few years by opening more regional branches.”

This balance is crucial: while we may be increasingly and unavoidably immersed in a digital era, investment in these branches as bastions of a channel-of-choice strategy, allows customers to personally interact with advisers in their preferred way, and easily access digital channels. Everything about iMasFinance’s new visual identity relates to its diverse customer base and better expresses the Co-operative’s purpose, van Vollenhoven concluded.

“The new logo features a shield which represents financial security and wellness while the striking purple will continue to be the prominent colour. Our brand drives Value Reimagined, representing our undertakings to build value for our customers. This is the golden thread that will be carried through all aspects of our business and our stakeholders can look forward to enhanced customer journeys experiences.”