Morkel builds financial career at SanlamAllianz Namibia

For Maurenzhia Morkel, becoming a temporary junior risk specialist at SanlamAllianz marks an important step towards a career in financial analysis and risk management.

Armed with an honours degree in financial mathematics and practical experience in financial administration and research, Morkel is looking forward to applying her knowledge in the financial services industry.

"My role involves supporting the assessment, pricing, review, implementation and administration of group risk products,” she told Careers.

Morkel was appointed to the employee benefits department on 1 October. Her responsibilities include preparing quotations, analysing claims and premium data, evaluating risk rates and assisting with the implementation of approved risk benefits. She is also expected to maintain accurate records and provide quality service to clients, brokers and other stakeholders.

Her academic background in financial mathematics has equipped her with a foundation in mathematics, statistics, finance, risk management and quantitative analysis, all relevant to her new position.

Before joining SanlamAllianz, she completed a six-month internship at Ombu Capital, where she assisted with tax reconciliations, strategic planning documents, surveys, data analysis and financial research.

The experience strengthened her analytical and problem-solving abilities while introducing her to the practical demands of the financial industry.

“Working with the Ombu Strategy Advisors team also gave me exposure to how research and data-driven insights support business strategy and decision-making,” she said.

Receiving the call to join SanlamAllianz was an exciting moment for Morkel, who views the opportunity as recognition of the effort she invested in her studies.

“I was extremely excited and grateful when I received the call,” she said, adding that the appointment would allow her to learn from experienced professionals and apply her academic knowledge in a practical environment.

Looking ahead, Morkel sees opportunities to improve risk assessment and pricing through technology, automation and data analytics.

“Better use of data can help organisations identify trends, understand claims and premium experience, improve pricing accuracy, and make processes more efficient,” she said.

She hopes to develop her expertise in risk management, financial analysis and insurance while taking on greater responsibilities as her career progresses.

Beyond the workplace, Morkel enjoys cooking and follows Formula 1, rugby and soccer. She is a fan of Lewis Hamilton, Liverpool FC and the All Blacks.

Her guiding philosophy reflects the discipline she believes is necessary for professional growth: “Every sacrifice you make today is an investment to your future.”