|
Name: |
Asif Laher
Founder Laher Insurance South Africa |
Could you provide a brief journey of how you arrived where you are today? I was bitten by the bug and since then, I have been in the industry for the last 25 years. Twenty-one years ago, I took the bold step of starting my own company, which is still running today. In South Africa, because of the huge crime problem, risk and insurance become an integral part of one’s life and business. Your involvement with clients becomes personal and hands on, therefore you just become immersed in the industry and I suppose you’re in it for life (pardon the pun , we only do risk insurance excluding life).
What does your role involve? I am also involved in product development, which is interesting and creative as you need to be innovative and be ahead of the pack. I still enjoy visiting clients and interacting with them at their place of business.
What is your greatest achievement to date? Which of your products/services deliver the best results? In our market, crime classes are very important (theft, money, goods in transit and so on). These products if handled very sensitively during claims are your best marketing and advertising tools.
What are the strengths of your business? What are the factors contributing to the success of your company? What are the obstacles faced in running your business today? Also, I think lack of product knowledge among industry people and clients is another obstacle.
Where do you see the Islamic finance industry, maybe in the next five years? We cannot, in the name of Islam, deliver inferior products and services. We must deliver a better final product than the conventional market.
Name one thing you would like to see change in the world of Islamic finance? If Shariah law is given precedence and our Niyyah (intention) is correct, by the grace of Allah, all the business and profit principles will automatically fall into place. For almost 20 years, Laher Insurance has been proudly servicing the needs of its clients, and has grown to become one of the leading insurance brokers in South Africa. Visit www.laher.co.za Laher Insurance deals solely in short-term insurance, and specializes in commercial (business), personal (household contents, personal effects and motor) and marine insurance. It is also a member of the Independent Brokers Council. The company has also lodged a guarantee through the Intermediaries Guarantee Facility (IGF) with the South African Insurance Association (SAIA). |