Frequently Asked Questions

No, we don’t impose minimum investment levels. That said, our service is best suited to individuals and families who are financially established and value long-term professional guidance.

We work particularly well with professionals, business owners, and retirees who are seeking clarity, structure, and a lifelong financial planning partner.

That said, if you’re just starting out on your financial journey and looking for a solid foundation, we’re here for you too. The right advice, early on, can change the entire trajectory of your financial future.

Biglife is based in Johannesburg, South Africa, and proudly serves clients across the country, and across the globe.

We travel to major South African cities at least once a year to meet clients in person.

We provide a seamless remote experience for local and international clients alike.

Many of our clients relocate regularly or live permanently outside of South Africa, and it has no impact on the quality or consistency of service they receive.

As independent financial advisors, we:

• • Clarify your financial goals, priorities, and long-term vision
  • Analyse your current financial structures across risk, tax, estate, retirement, and investment planning
  • Offer independent advice on investment products, platform options, and fee transparency
  • Guide the design and structure of your investment portfolio in partnership with leading asset managers
  • Ensure your investment strategy is technically sound, tax-efficient, and aligned to your unique circumstances
  • Build a tailored financial plan that evolves with you, and not a one-size-fits-all formula
  • Provide consistent reviews and progress tracking to keep your plan in motion

We bring structure, insight, and a layer of professional thinking that goes far beyond what a self-help platform or AI tool could achieve. Your financial life deserves more than automation — it deserves real advice.

The first meeting is a complimentary Discovery Consultation, a chance to connect, understand your needs, and see if we’re the right fit.

From there, we take things one step at a time. Just like a good doctor, we begin with a full diagnostic work-up before offering any prescriptions. We’ll assess your overall position, ask the right questions, and only then begin shaping a financial strategy.

That’s absolutely fine. As an independent practice, we are not tied to any provider, platform, or product.

Our role is to evaluate what you already have, determine whether it still serves your goals, and only recommend changes when they add clear value.

Advice doesn’t always mean new products — often, it simply means better clarity, structure, and alignment.

Yes. We advise on Corporate Retirement Funds and Group Risk Benefits for businesses of all sizes.

We work closely with business owners, board of directors, HR managers, and trustees to ensure:

• Employees understand and maximise their benefits
• The fund structure supports both compliance and cost-efficiency
• Business continuity and succession planning
• Regular education, communication, and financial wellbeing support is provided

Whether you’re setting up a new fund, reviewing your current setup, or improving employee engagement, we bring technical skill and people-first service to every level of the engagement.

Our initial Discovery Meeting is free of charge.

Thereafter, our fees are based on the nature of the service we provide. We offer different types of advice models, and each has a clear and transparent pricing structure:

• Asset-based fees ranging between 0.4% and 1% per annum, applied to portfolios we manage on an ongoing basis
• Once-off fees for standalone advice or strategic planning sessions without long-term implementation
• Comprehensive financial planning retainers for clients who partner with us long-term and benefit from ongoing reviews, admin support, and goal-specific advice

All fees are disclosed upfront and agreed in writing before any work begins. There are no hidden charges — just clarity and fairness.

Yes. Keely Swanepoel is licensed and accredited to advise on:

• Medical Aid products
• Life insurance, disability, and severe illness cover
• Income protection and business assurance

We ensure that your risk cover is sufficient, cost-effective, and well-integrated into your overall financial plan.

Yes. Biglife is an authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP 50913).
Keely Swanepoel is a licensed advisor holding the following FSCA-approved categories:

• • Long-Term Insurance: Category B1 & B2
  • Pension Fund Benefits
  • Retail Pension Benefits
  • Collective Investment Schemes
  • Securities and Instruments
  • Structured Deposits
  • Medical Schemes

We are proud to have earned the FAIS Compliance Seal from Masthead for five consecutive years, recognising consistent excellence in compliance, professionalism, and conduct as set by the FSCA.

Yes, we do. Offshore investing is an important part of long-term diversification and wealth strategy — and we offer a range of tailored solutions to meet your needs.

We assist clients with:

• Direct offshore investments in foreign currencies such as USD, EUR, GBP, and AUD
• Rand-based offshore exposure via expertly constructed Fund of Fund portfolios, giving access to global markets without currency conversion
• Foreign exchange services and guidance through the cross-border investment process
• Assistance with offshore bank accounts used to fund or manage international investments

We will guide you through the options available, taking care of the technicalities while helping you make confident, informed decisions.