The IISA is a registered non-profit organisation established in 1966 by the industry to advance the insurance sector in South Africa and beyond. The primary responsibility of the institute to its members and the industry in general, is to promote the advancement of knowledge and skills, the maintenance of the highest level of standards and ethics as well as the professional development within the insurance industry.

As the premier knowledge and standards hub for insurance industry professionals in South Africa, IISA maintains close links with local and international organisations with a similar mandate to ensure that the membership and other affiliates keep abreast of the latest developments in the sector from around the world.