"Retirement is a blank sheet of paper. It is a chance to redesign your life into something new and different”. These are the words of author and financial planner Patrick Foley in his book Winning at Retirement. And indeed, this is the journey that one of our much-loved and respected FSCA employees, William Clarke, is about to embark on.

Mr Clarke, better known as Billy, is the outgoing senior specialist in the Regulatory Framework department.

What makes his story special, you might ask? Well, the answer is simple. It is not every day that you come across an individual who has been with an organisation from the very beginning. Billy has walked the FSCA hallways thoroughly and been part of significant organisational evolutions. As a he takes a bow, we take some time to celebrate his journey with the FSCA.

Billy started his career at the Financial Institutions Office (FIO) in the early 1980s. The FIO was a part of the Department of Finance and Billy was involved in the implementation of the Insurance Act of 1943 during his stay there.

He joined the newly formed Financial Services Board (FSB) when it started in 1991, working in the Insurance and Pension Funds division. Subsequently, Billy was appointed as head of the Solo Insurance department which was responsible for supervising the financial soundness of solo insurers (insurers that are not part of an insurance group), in terms of the Long-term and Short-term Insurance Acts of 1998, which replaced the Insurance Act of 1943.

Billy became a senior specialist after the Solo Insurance department merged with the Insurance Groups department, progressing to act as Head of the Insurance Registration department until that vacant position was filled. After that, he continued working as senior specialist in the Insurance department.

When the FSB transitioned into the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in 2018, Billy joined the Regulatory Framework department, which forms part of the Regulatory Policy division. In addition to the application of the provisions of the aforementioned insurance legislation and other legislation such as the Financial Sector Regulation Act, Billy assisted with budgeting, reporting, maintaining and collating statistics. Over the last few years, he also assisted with, among others, compliance and risk matters in the division.

Billy regards the transition from FIO to FSB and then to FSCA as highlights of his career, as each of these organisations had their unique ways of conducting operations. He cites the increased use of technology and professionalisation of employee processes over the years as another highlight for him.

 “I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that these organisations, more specifically the FSCA, presented to me,” says Billy. “I would like to express my sincere gratitude towards the leadership and employees of the FSCA and wish the FSCA well on its journey ahead.”

We salute you Mr Clarke! Thank you for your many years of service in the regulatory space, such dedication is no small feat!

This is what a few of William’s colleagues had to say as they wished him well on his new journey:

“I started working with Billy in mid-2012 and we have worked together ever since. My immediate first impression of Billy was that he is very courteous, respectful, knowledgeable and always willing to help. Over time I got to know Billy better and soon noticed additional qualities such as his extraordinary conscientiousness, loyalty, discipline, sense of responsibility, trustworthiness and kindness. Now, after knowing Billy for 11 years, I can truly say that Billy is a one-of-a-kind model human being. Billy, it has been an immense honour working with you for so long and I wish you the utmost best for this new chapter in your life. Enjoy the smaller things in life, take time to explore Canada with your daughter, spoil your grandchild, take Jelly for extra walks and make good use of this extra time you now have available without worrying about me sending you hundreds of emails! You will be missed.” - Eugene du Toit – Departmental Head: Regulatory Frameworks Department 

“What struck me about William’s character is that he is the perfect gentleman and a consummate professional. After working with him, I realised that it is his attention to detail that shaped him into the person that he has become. I count myself privileged to have worked with him. I wish you a restful first few months of retirement William, knowing that you will quickly find something to occupy your time!” - Talita Mshweshwe - Regulatory Specialist: Regulatory Frameworks Department

“Billy is a kind soul, always willing to lend a helping hand and go the extra mile to assist you. I stand in awe of his dedication and loyalty. He will be sorely missed!” - Marianne van Rooyen – Regulatory Specialist: Regulatory Frameworks Department

“Billy is a shining example of someone that ought to be emulated as a role model in the workplace: always a gentleman, hardworking, friendly, respectful of colleagues, calm and focused under pressure and an honest person. It was certainly enlightening to work with you Billy and may you now be rewarded with a retirement filled with the joys of life.” - Marius de Jongh – Senior Specialist: Regulatory Frameworks Department

“Billy, you are such a gentleman, and I will without any doubt miss your input, comment, discussions and always valuable contributions to the work we do. You are such an encyclopaedia of knowledge and always willing to assist even though your own plate of responsibilities is also full. I wish you a well-deserved and prosperous retirement, may you enjoy all the plans that you have for this time of your life and may you have health and an abundance of energy for many years to come.” - Hannelie Hattingh – Senior Manager: Regulatory Frameworks Department

“Happy retirement and congratulations Billy. It’s been an honour to work with you and I wish you all the best with all the good things to come. Enjoy the world of possibilities ahead of you. You have earned some time to yourself now.” - Tshifhiwa Mavhuthugu – Senior Legislation Specialist: Regulatory Frameworks Department

“Reliable, Devoted, Meticulous and Staatmaker – these are words that immediately pop when I think of Billy 😊 Thank you Billy for all that you have done for us and thank you for your patience and willingness to always help me! I am truly going to miss you. I wish you all the best into the future. Happy retirement Billy!” 😊 - Roslynne Van Wyk - Regulatory Specialist: Regulatory Frameworks Department

“Remember those 9am, meetings and reports? Well, now’s your chance to stop remembering them. Actually, just forget all about them. Retirement is an everlasting vacation, so enjoy it! Congrats! Happy retirement Billy!” 😊 - Bonnie Mthembu – Secretary: Regulatory Frameworks Department

“When I started working at the then FSB one of the first things learnt was that if you were not sure who to ask, ask Billy. You are one of the founding fathers of the FSB, and not only an employee, but a true institution in your own right. 

You are also one of the most reliable people in the FSCA – if you need to get the job done, no matter what time of day or night, ask Billy. On countless occasions, you have made yourself available on short notice and ensured that the task got done and done meticulously.

You are loyal, conscientious, hardworking, a man of unwavering integrity and a true gentleman. It has been a privilege working with you. Best of luck for the future, Billy! We will miss you and wish you nothing but the best for this new phase of your life. And please don’t change your cell phone number just yet!” - Lezanne Botha – Senior Manager: Regulatory Frameworks Department