Vilasen Pillay

I am a dedicated and accomplished professional in the financial services industry with over five years of senior management experience. As an Insurance Manager, Key Individual, and Credit Manager, I managed teams, contributed to outstanding service, and earned certificates of appreciation.

My expertise includes risk assessment, vendor management, and strategic planning. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of commerce degree in Financial Management at UNISA, I hold certifications in Regulatory Examinations 1 & 5, Wealth Management, Management Development Program and Long-term insurance. I possess 270 FAIS credits aligned with FAIS and FSCA requirements and proficiency in Microsoft office and Lean Six Sigma accreditations.

I bring strong problem-solving, logical thinking, and communication skills. As an Employment Equity Committee member, I foster a diverse work environment. With experience in financial distribution, reinsurance, and product development, I excel in stakeholder engagement, call center operations, and BI analysis. I am results-oriented, committed to excellence, and eager to contribute to organizational success.

Possess extensive experience in operations, management, and finance, spanning multiple industries including retail e-commerce, microfinance, insurance, food convenience, logistics, and banking. Most recently, they served as Operations Manager at Vantage Pryce, leading digital retail expansion and e-commerce fulfilment. Prior roles at Letsatsi Finance and Loan (Pty) Ltd encompassed leadership positions in funeral insurance, call centre and collections management, credit management, and business intelligence analysis, evidencing versatility and strategic acumen.

Earlier positions included operational management at Sitara, financial advisory at Old Mutual, business administration at Chep SA in logistics, and a significant tenure at Standard Bank overseeing home loans and vehicle finance operations. Across all roles, key responsibilities featured business development, process improvement, team leadership, compliance oversight, customer acquisition, and strategic planning. Career moves were motivated by professional growth, family responsibility, business opportunity, and financial stability.

Summary of Licenses, Certifications, and Education

• Licenses & Certifications: Extensive qualifications in financial services, including 22 FAIS CPD hours for the 2024/2025 cycle, multiple Regulatory Examinations (RE1 and RE5), and several Moonstone-accredited Class of Business (COB) certifications in Investments, Long-term, and Short-term Insurance (personal and commercial lines). Additional certifications include training on the National Credit Act (NCA), General Transcription, Video Captioning, Virtual Assistance, Consumer Profile Bureau accreditation, advanced Microsoft Excel skills, Equipment Controller accreditation, and Lean Six Sigma White Belt.
• Professional Development: Completed various LinkedIn Learning paths covering data visualisation, Excel, business analysis, management, problem solving, process improvement, project management, and Scrum basics.
• Education:
• UNISA: Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Management (NQF Level 7), expected completion December 2027.
• GIFS (Graduate Institute of Financial Sciences): Holds a National Certificate in Wealth Management (NQF Level 5, completed August 2024) and an FETC in Long Term Insurance (NQF Level 4, completed May 2024).
• Compuscan Academy: National Certificate in Management Development Programme (NQF Level 5, completed January 2020).
• PC Training & Business College: National Certificate in Information & Communication Technology specialising in IT programming (NQF Level 4, completed December 2003).
• Topaz Secondary: Senior Certificate: Matric (NQF Level 4, completed December 2002).