Who we are

The Fiduciary Institute of South Africa (FISA) was formed in June 2008. The institute has its origins in the Association of Trust Companies, a prestigious body that was founded in 1932 to represent the interests of trust companies and their clients.

Membership of FISA has been broadened to include anyone active in the broader fiduciary industry, that is an individual or company holding assets for another party, often with the legal authority and duty to make decisions regarding financial matters on behalf of the other party.

Activities of FISA members include but are not restricted to the drafting of wills, administration of trusts and estates, tax and financial advice and the management of client funds. There are currently 22 member companies that collectively manage in excess of R160 billion, draft several thousand wills each year and administer some 40 percent of deceased estates handled by the Master's Office.

FISA actively invites membership from individuals who meet its entry requirements, be they from a legal, accounting, financial planning or other background. In this way FISA aims to assist in transferring skills to the broader industry as well as to set and maintain high ethical standards.

Benefitting its members, FISA works closely with government, advising on fiduciary law, helping to reduce cumbersome legislation and streamlining many processes, particularly within the office of the Master of the High Court.

The public can be assured that FISA-accredited practitioners meet rigid minimum standards in fiduciary competence, integrity and honesty and also have the necessary administration systems to provide a professional service. FISA is a self-regulating body with the powers to discipline members and revoke licences.