Sharp Thinking
Elevated Outcome

Over a decade of delivering expert guidance to South Africa's financial leaders. From actuarial consulting to risk assurance, we provide the insights that matter when stakes are highest.

Sharp Thinking
Elevated Outcome

Over a decade of delivering expert guidance to South Africa's financial leaders. From actuarial consulting to risk assurance, we provide the insights that matter when stakes are highest.

Our Approach to Your Success

The Shard provides integrated consulting across risk assurance, actuarial services, accounting, and analytics. Our multidisciplinary team transforms complex challenges into clear strategies that drive confident decision-making and measurable results.

Multi-Disciplinary Excellence

Our team’s diverse skill set means we tackle problems holistically. By fusing skills across actuarial science, accounting, risk assurance, and data analytics, we offer 360° solutions that traditional firms struggle to match. This collaborative approach ensures no aspect of a risk or opportunity goes overlooked.

Independent Insight, Impartial Guidance

We serve as a trusted advisor, not just as a vendor, providing unbiased perspectives to enhance governance and decision-making. Every recommendation is made with our client's best interests at heart.

Tailored Solutions for Unique Challenges

No two clients are the same. We design custom solutions for each organisation's specific needs - whether it's navigating new regulations, optimizing processes, or innovating with data - ensuring our success is measured by your success.

Clarity in Complexity

Specializing in “non-standard” consulting, we pride ourselves on making the complex simple. Our experts translate technical actuarial and analytical concepts into plain language, so stakeholders at all levels can grasp the insights and act with confidence.

Trusted By Industry Leaders Across Insurance, Banking & Government

40k+

We deliver integrated consulting solutions that transform complexity into competitive advantage. Explore Our Services We combine actuarial precision, risk assurance, and analytics to drive confident decision-making.

Clarity, Confidence, Value - Delivered Strategically

Founded in 2013, The Shard (Pty) Ltd is a dynamic, 100% black-owned consulting firm based in South Africa. We bring together actuaries, auditors, accountants, and data scientists under one roof to provide integrated solutions in Risk Assurance, Actuarial Consulting, Accounting, and Analytics. Our agile, experienced team delivers independent and impartial advice to help clients make informed decisions, translating complex financial and technical concepts into clear, actionable strategies. As a Level 1 B-BBEE contributor with 135% procurement recognition, The Shard combines world-class expertise with a proud commitment to empowerment and excellence.

Our Services At A Glance

Risk Assurance & Advisory

Helping strengthen risk management, internal controls, and compliance. Our auditors and risk specialists work with you to improve governance processes, perform independent internal audits, assess regulatory compliance, and enhance overall control effectiveness. We ensure stakeholders benefit from a rigorous, unbiased evaluation of your organization’s risk and control environment.

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Actuarial Services

Providing both traditional and innovative actuarial consulting. From insurance valuations, pricing and product development to solvency assessments and IFRS 17 implementation support, our actuaries help quantify and mitigate financial risks for insurers, pension funds, banks, and beyond. We also offer independent peer reviews and serve as outsourced Chief Actuary where needed.

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Accounting & Advisory

Guiding clients through complex accounting standards and financial reporting challenges. Our chartered accountants assist with IFRS compliance (IFRS 9, IFRS 17 and more), financial statement preparation, audit readiness, and process automation. We provide technical accounting papers, train finance teams on new standards, and even second interim CFOs to ensure your finance function runs smoothly and transparently.

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Analytics & Insights

Leveraging data science and AI to unlock business value. Our analytics team builds models for fraud detection, customer segmentation, credit risk modelling, and operational optimization. From predictive analytics to cutting-edge AI solutions (including deploying GPT-4 powered chatbots for clients, we help you transform data into actionable insights and competitive advantage.

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12+

Years of Experience

40k+

Leading Institutions Served

4k+

Satisfied Clients

100%

Satisfied Clients

Why Choose The Shard?

We Provide Expert Advice, Tailored For You

Boutique Attention, Big-Firm Capability

As a boutique firm, we offer personalized service and senior-level attention that larger firms often can’t. Yet our team’s credentials rival those at global consultancies – including qualified Fellows of the Actuarial Society (FASSA), chartered accountants (CA(SA)), certified auditors and experienced data scientists. You get top-tier expertise with the agility and cost-effectiveness of a smaller firm.

Proven Track Record

We have delivered successful outcomes for organizations across industries. Over 40 leading institutions – from major insurers and banks to government agencies and innovative start-ups – trust The Shard as a partner. Our portfolio of clients includes names like Old Mutual, Sanlam, Hollard, Discovery, Standard Bank, National Treasury and more, a testament to the breadth and quality of our work. We are proud to be trusted by industry leaders to solve complex problems and drive growth.

Empowerment and Transformation

As a 100% black-owned firm, The Shard is also committed to empowerment and transformation in the industry. We invest in developing young talent and promoting diversity within our team, echoing our broader mission to uplift the communities we serve. Choosing The Shard means partnering with a firm that not only understands the market context, but is actively contributing to a more inclusive economy.

Commitment to Excellence and Integrity

As a boutique firm, we offer personalized service and senior-level attention that larger firms often can’t. Yet our team’s credentials rival those at global consultancies – including qualified Fellows of the Actuarial Society (FASSA), chartered accountants (CA(SA)), certified auditors and experienced data scientists. You get top-tier expertise with the agility and cost-effectiveness of a smaller firm.

Integrated Multidisciplinary Approach

Unlike siloed consultancies, The Shard intersects multiple disciplines to provide well-rounded solutions. Our actuaries, auditors, accountants, and analysts collaborate on engagements, offering you a one-stop solution that considers all angles – be it financial, regulatory, operational or technological. This integrated approach accelerates problem-solving and innovation.

Insights & Thought Leadership

Sharing Our Expertise

In a fast-changing world, we help our clients stay ahead of the curve. Our professionals regularly publish insights and thought leadership on emerging trends, risks, and opportunities. Recent topics include: Climate Change Risks for South African Insurers, the future of National Health Insurance (NHI), and the impact of AI on financial services. We also share our expertise in external media – for example, discussing strategies to combat insurance fraud in Times Live. Explore our Insights section for articles, podcasts, and videos that reflect our forward-thinking perspective and deep industry knowledge. By keeping clients informed, we strive to not only solve today’s problems, but also anticipate tomorrow’s challenges

IFRS 17 Implementation

The Shard offers IFRS 17 implementation to successfully assist insurance companies from Gap Analysis to post implementation.

01-12-2021

Client Success Stories

Real-world results speak louder than words. The Shard delivers impact. We are proud of the feedback we receive from clients. Here's what one had to say

"The Shard's actuarial team provided exceptional support during our IFRS 17 implementation. Their ability to translate complex technical requirements into actionable strategies was invaluable. They didn't just deliver a solution—they empowered our team to sustain it."

CFO, Major South African Insurer

"Working with The Shard transformed our approach to risk management. Their multidisciplinary team identified gaps we hadn't seen and provided practical, implementable recommendations. Their independence and integrity gave our board complete confidence in the process."

Head of Internal Audit, Leading Bank

"The Shard's analytics team helped us build a fraud detection model that has already saved us millions. What impressed us most was their ability to explain complex AI concepts in plain language, ensuring our entire leadership team understood the value and limitations of the solution."

CIO, Insurance Company

"As a start-up navigating regulatory compliance for the first time, we needed expert guidance without the big consultancy price tag. The Shard delivered exactly that—senior-level attention, tailored solutions, and genuine partnership. They've been instrumental in our growth."

Founder & CEO, Fintech Start-up

"The Shard's accounting advisory services were critical during our financial reporting transformation. Their chartered accountants provided technical expertise on IFRS 9 and IFRS 17, trained our finance team, and even stepped in as interim support when we needed it most. True partners."

Finance Director, Pension Fund

"What sets The Shard apart is their integrated approach. Instead of hiring separate consultants for actuarial, risk, and analytics work, we got a cohesive team that worked seamlessly together. The result? Faster delivery, better outcomes, and significant cost savings."

COO, Government Agency

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes The Shard different from other consulting firms?

The Shard stands out through our integrated multidisciplinary approach. Unlike traditional consultancies that operate in silos, we bring together actuaries, auditors, accountants, and data scientists under one roof. This allows us to tackle complex challenges holistically, considering financial, regulatory, operational, and technological angles simultaneously. As a boutique firm, we also offer personalized, senior-level attention with the agility and cost-effectiveness that larger firms cannot match.

What industries do you serve?

We primarily serve the financial services sector, including insurance companies, banks, pension funds, asset managers, and fintech start-ups. We also work with government agencies, particularly on regulatory compliance and policy analysis. Our clients range from major institutions like Old Mutual, Sanlam, Discovery, and Standard Bank to innovative start-ups and public sector organizations.

Where is The Shard located?

Our offices are located at Building B, 2nd Floor, 1 Sturdee Avenue, Rosebank, Johannesburg, 2196, South Africa. However, we serve clients throughout South Africa and have experience working with organizations across the African continent.

What is The Shard's B-BBEE status?

The Shard is a Level 1 B-BBEE contributor with 135% procurement recognition. We are 100% black-owned, demonstrating our commitment to transformation and economic empowerment in South Africa.