Expert compliance guidance tailored to your business
Keeping up with regulatory requirements can be complex, particularly when legislation changes or a compliance issue requires specialist input.
Masthead Consulting Services gives businesses access to experienced compliance professionals who can provide practical guidance and advice based on their regulatory obligations and business needs.
Whether you want to determine the focus of every consultation or would prefer a structured annual compliance plan, you can choose the consulting approach, frequency and level of support that works for your business.
Compliance support for your regulatory environment
Our consulting services are available to businesses that need expert guidance and support across a range of regulatory requirements.
FAIS
For financial service providers (FSPs) that need guidance on their obligations under the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS Act) and related regulatory requirements.
FICA
For accountable institutions, as defined in Schedule 1 of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FIC Act), that need guidance on their obligations under the FIC Act and related legislation, including compliance processes to combat money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.
NCA
For credit providers that need assistance understanding and meeting their obligations under the National Credit Act (NCA).
POPIA
For businesses that need guidance on their obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and support with privacy and data protection compliance.
Choose the consulting approach that works for you
Every business has different compliance needs. Masthead Consulting Services offers two approaches so you can choose how your consulting support is structured.
Client-Directed Consulting
You set the agenda
Client-Directed Consulting gives you the flexibility to determine what your consultant focuses on at each engagement.
You choose the frequency of your consultations and the number of consulting hours you need. At each consultation, you decide where you would like your consultant to focus based on the priorities of your business at that time.
Your consulting time can be used for matters such as:
Specific compliance questions
Compliance issues affecting your business
Guidance on regulatory requirements
Reviewing compliance documents or processes
Understanding regulatory changes
Assistance with implementing regulatory requirements
Other compliance matters relevant to your business
This option may suit businesses that manage their compliance internally but want access to specialist expertise when specific questions, challenges or compliance matters arise.
Structured Consulting
A planned approach to your compliance
Structured Consulting provides a more planned approach to managing your compliance requirements throughout the year.
You choose the frequency of your consultations and the number of consulting hours you require. Masthead then develops a structured annual compliance plan customised to your type of business and applicable regulatory requirements.
Your consultant works through the plan with you during your scheduled engagements, helping you focus on relevant compliance areas throughout the year.
Structured, but still flexible
Compliance priorities can change and sometimes an urgent matter needs immediate attention.
If this happens, you can choose to pause the planned activity for that consultation and use the engagement to focus on the compliance issue that requires assistance.
You can return to your structured compliance plan at a subsequent consultation.
This gives you the benefit of a planned approach to compliance without losing the flexibility to respond to the needs of your business.
Which consulting option is right for your business?
Client-Directed Consulting may suit you if:
You prefer to determine the focus of each consultation
You know where you need assistance
Your compliance priorities change regularly
You want access to expertise when specific matters arise
Structured Consulting may suit you if:
You want a planned approach to compliance throughout the year
You would like Masthead to develop an annual compliance plan for your business
You want guidance on which compliance areas to address
You still want the flexibility to prioritise urgent matters when necessary
With either option, you select the consulting frequency and number of hours that suit your business.
What’s included in Masthead Consulting Services?
Preparation for each engagement
Your consultant prepares for the consultation based on the agreed focus or structured compliance plan.
Your consultation
Engage with your consultant virtually or onsite, depending on the service arrangement selected.
Feedback following your consultation
Receive a report covering the matters discussed during the engagement.
Telephone and email support
Use your allocated consulting hours to access ongoing guidance and assistance between scheduled engagements.
Regulatory information
During consultations, your consultant can share relevant information about current and upcoming legislation affecting your business.
Consulting support that fits your business
Choose your engagement frequency
Consultations can be scheduled:
Monthly | Quarterly | Half-yearly | Annually
Choose how you engage
Consultations can take place:
Virtually | Onsite
Add support when your needs change
If your business requires additional assistance, further consulting hours can be added.
Additional support for FSPs
For financial service providers using Masthead Consulting Services:
Selected Masthead templates are available to customise for your business
You receive the monthly Mastering Compliance newsletter
You receive important regulatory updates and reminders about key compliance deadlines
Fit & Proper services can be added separately if required
Under this Consulting Services offering, Masthead does not act as the Compliance Officer on record with the FSCA.
Practical compliance expertise when you need it
Whether you need help with a specific compliance matter or want a more structured approach throughout the year, Masthead Consulting Services gives you access to practical guidance shaped around your regulatory environment and business needs.
Speak to Masthead about the consulting option that works for your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Client-Directed and Structured Consulting?
With Client-Directed Consulting, you determine what your consultant focuses on at each engagement. With Structured Consulting, Masthead develops an annual compliance plan for your business and works through the plan with you during scheduled consultations. You can still pause the plan when an urgent compliance matter requires attention.
How often can I meet with my consultant?
Consulting engagements can be arranged monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or annually, depending on the option selected and your business needs.
Can consultations be held virtually?
Yes. Engagements can be conducted virtually or onsite, depending on the service arrangement selected.
Can I add more consulting hours if I need them?
Yes. Additional consulting hours can be arranged if your business requires further support.
Does Masthead become my Compliance Officer?
For FSPs, no. Under this Consulting Services offering, Masthead does not act as the Compliance Officer on record with the FSCA.
WHO ARE WE
Established in 2004, Masthead (Pty) Ltd offers nationwide compliance and business support to independent financial advisors, corporate FSPs, credit providers, legal and property practitioners, and others. We help our clients navigate key regulations like FAIS, FICA, POPIA, and the National Credit Act. With a team of experts, we provide practical solutions across compliance, practice management, and business development to help businesses stay compliant and thrive.
Masthead (Pty) Ltd is part of the Masthead Group, alongside Masthead Financial Planning (Pty) Ltd – a licensed FSP dedicated to supporting financial advisors with streamlined operational and regulatory solutions.
Known for her strategic thinking and pragmatic leadership style, Joleen brings more than 22 years of experience across financial services, strategy, adviser distribution and business transformation. She leads the Masthead Group, a leading South African advisory, compliance and practice management businesses serving the financial services industry. Her career spans senior leadership roles at Discovery, Old Mutual and Masthead, where she has built a reputation for helping businesses navigate regulatory change, drive sustainable growth and deliver meaningful outcomes.
Her leadership philosophy is that lasting success is achieved by aligning strategy, people and purpose.
Joleen holds a BCom (Accounting) from the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) and an MBA from the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business.
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LAURENCE MULLER
Finance Director & Chief Operating Officer
Laurence joined Masthead as Head of Finance in 2007. Two years later he was appointed to his current position as Financial Director and has since served as a director on the Masthead board. During 2021 he was also appointed as COO.
Laurence has a BAcc and BCompt Honours degree and is a Chartered Accountant (CA(SA)). He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Financial Planning through the University of Stellenbosch Business School and is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and member of the Financial Planning Institute (FPI). He has also successfully completed the FSCA’s RE 1 and 5 Examinations.
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ANRI DIPPENAAR
Head of Compliance
Anri Dippenaar is the Head of Compliance at Masthead, where she leads Masthead’s compliance offering across a broad range of regulated industries. She has extensive experience in financial services compliance and is recognised for her ability to translate complex regulatory frameworks into practical, scalable compliance solutions that strengthen governance and operational resilience. Under her leadership, Masthead supports a wide range of regulated businesses, including independent and corporate financial services providers (FSPs), insurers, UMAs, binder holders, crypto asset service providers (CASPs), as well as accountable institutions such as legal practitioners, property practitioners and high-value goods dealers.
Anri is actively involved in industry forums and regulatory workstreams relating to COFI and broader regulatory reform, and is a regular speaker at national conferences, where she is known for delivering pragmatic, implementation-focused insights on regulatory change and compliance best practice.
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SHERLENE NEETHLING
Head of Operations
Sherlene has more than 25 years’ experience in Financial Services having worked in the Employee Benefits, Linked Product and Life Assurance environments prior to joining Masthead in 2006.
Sherlene has a wealth of experience having worked in many areas including, product marketing, traditional marketing, and operations. As Head of Operations at Masthead, she leads the IT, marketing, operations and learning centre teams.
Sherlene has a marketing qualification and a Certificate in Journalism.
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ANDRIA HIBBERT
Head of Corporate Accounts and Regional Manager
Andria has been in the financial industry for more than 33 years having worked in banks and insurance companies. She joined Old Mutual Broker Distribution in 1995 as an Admin Manager in Durban and later joined Masthead when they opened their doors in October 2004 as the Regional Services Manager for KwaZulu-Natal. Five years later she was appointed as the Regional Manager in KwaZulu-Natal and in 2014 she was transferred to Johannesburg as the Regional Manager.
In 2020, she took on the additional role of National Key Account Manager and was responsible for managing all Corporate Accounts. In 2022, Andria was promoted to Head of Corporate Accounts and transferred to the Western Cape as Regional Manager.
Andria has a BCom in Industrial Psychology degree. She is also a registered Compliance Officer with the FSCA for CAT I, II, IIA, and IV and has successfully completed the FSCA’s RE 1 and RE 3 Examinations.
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MAQBOOL SONDAY
Head of Finance
Maqbool joined Masthead as a Financial Accountant in 2008. Seven years later he was appointed as Finance Manager and then appointed to his current position as Head of Finance in 2022.
Maqbool has a BCom Accounting degree from the University of the Western Cape. From 2003 and 2005, he completed his articles at SizweNtsalubaVSP and in 2006 he went on to complete his BCom Honours degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
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HEIDI DE LANGE
Regional Manager and Compliance Officer
Heidi has more than 33 years’ experience in the financial services industry. In 2004, she moved from Old Mutual to Masthead as a Regional Service Manager. Nine years later she was appointed as Regional Manager of the Gauteng North, Limpopo and Mpumalanga region and went on to become a Compliance Officer to complement the management offering.
Heidi has a BCom Entrepreneurs degree from Unisa and she is approved as a CAT I and CAT II Compliance Officer. She has also successfully passed all the FSCA’s Regulatory Examinations.
