Privacy Policy

Last updated: 1 January 2026

1. Introduction

This Privacy Statement is provided in compliance with section 18 of POPIA.

AIM^TM (“AIM”, “we”, “us” or “our”) is committed to protecting the confidentiality and privacy of personal information entrusted to us. We recognise the importance of safeguarding personal information in accordance with applicable laws, in particular the Protection of Personal Information Act 4 of 2013 (“POPIA”).

For purposes of this Privacy Statement, references to “AIM”, “we”, “us” or “our” refer to the AIM Group of companies, and/or one or more of its constituent entities that may process personal information, as applicable in the circumstances. Each entity within the AIM Group is a separate legal entity.

The AIM Group currently includes the following entities:

• AIM Equity (Pty) Ltd
• Accountants In Motion (Pty) Ltd
• Audit In Motion Incorporated
• Advisors In Motion (Pty) Ltd
• AIM Wealth (Pty) Ltd

Depending on the nature of your interaction with AIM, the responsible party (as defined in POPIA) in respect of your personal information will be one or more of the above entities.

This Privacy Statement explains how and why AIM collects, uses, discloses, stores and protects personal information, and sets out the rights of individuals whose personal information we process (“data subjects”).

This Privacy Statement applies to personal information collected through:

• the AIM website and online platforms;
• electronic communications;
• business and professional engagements;
• enquiries, applications or submissions made to AIM; and
• any other interaction with AIM where personal information is processed.

2. What is “personal information”

For purposes of this Privacy Statement, “personal information” has the meaning ascribed to it in POPIA and includes any information relating to an identifiable, living natural person or an identifiable, existing juristic person, including but not limited to:

• names and contact details;
• identification or registration numbers;
• employment, financial or business information;
• online identifiers such as IP addresses; and
• correspondence and records of engagement with AIM.

“Processing” has the meaning assigned to it in POPIA and includes the collection, receipt, recording, organisation, storage, updating, use, disclosure or deletion of personal information.

3. Collection of personal information

3.1 Information you provide voluntarily

AIM collects personal information that you voluntarily provide, including when you:

• submit an enquiry or contact request;
• engage AIM for services;
• correspond with us electronically;
• apply for employment or business opportunities; or
• otherwise provide information to us in the course of a business relationship.

3.2 Information collected automatically

When you visit our website, certain information may be collected automatically through standard technologies such as:

• IP addresses;
• browser type and version;
• device identifiers;
• usage data; and
• cookies or similar tracking technologies.

IP addresses are recorded for purposes of IT security, system diagnostics, fraud prevention, and website performance analysis. Such information is generally analysed in aggregated form and is not used to identify individual users unless required for security, legal or regulatory purposes.

AIM may infer the approximate geographic location of a device based on technical information such as IP address. This information is used for analytics, security monitoring and content relevance purposes and does not involve precise location tracking.

4. Lawful grounds for processing (POPIA compliance)

In accordance with POPIA, AIM processes personal information only where a lawful processing ground exists. Depending on the circumstances, processing will be based on one or more of the following:

Performance of a contract – Where processing is necessary to conclude or perform a contract with you.

Legal obligation – Where processing is required to comply with applicable laws, regulatory obligations, or professional standards.

Legitimate interests – Where processing is necessary for AIM’s legitimate business interests, provided such interests do not override your rights and freedoms. This includes:

• responding to enquiries;
• providing and improving services;
• ensuring IT and information security;
• preventing fraud or unlawful activity; and
• operating and managing our business efficiently.

Consent – Where required by law, or where no other lawful ground applies, we will obtain your consent before processing personal information. You may withdraw consent at any time, subject to legal limitations.

5. Purpose of processing

AIM processes personal information for purposes that include, but are not limited to:

• providing professional services;
• communicating with clients, suppliers and stakeholders;
• managing business relationships;
• responding to enquiries and requests;
• recruitment and human resources administration;
• website operation and security; and
• compliance with legal and regulatory obligations.

Personal information is not processed for purposes incompatible with those for which it was collected, unless permitted by law.

6. Cookies, analytics and tracking technologies

Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to:

• enable core website functionality;
• enhance user experience;
• analyse website usage; and
• improve content and performance.

Cookies used on the AIM website may include:

• strictly necessary cookies, which are required for the operation and security of the website and cannot be disabled;
• performance or analytics cookies, which collect information about how visitors use the website in order to improve functionality and content;
• functionality cookies, which remember user preferences and selections; and
• social media or third-party cookies, where social sharing or embedded content is enabled.

You may manage cookie preferences through your browser settings and, where applicable, through cookie consent tools made available on the website. Disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

AIM may use third-party analytics tools, such as Google Analytics or similar services, to collect aggregated and anonymised information regarding website usage. Visitors may opt out of analytics tracking through browser settings or applicable third-party opt-out mechanisms.

7. Web beacons and electronic communications

AIM may use web beacons, tracking pixels or similar technologies in electronic communications, including newsletters or marketing emails, to monitor engagement metrics such as delivery confirmation, open rates and link interactions. This information is used to assess the effectiveness of communications and to improve future content and services.

8. Social media widgets, applications and features

AIM’s website may include functionality that enables users to interact with or share content via third-party social media platforms, such as social sharing buttons, embedded feeds or links to social networking services (for example LinkedIn, Facebook, X or similar platforms).

Where you use such social media features, the relevant third-party platform may collect and process information relating to your interaction with our website. Any personal information you choose to submit or share through these platforms is collected and processed by the relevant social media provider, and such processing is governed by that provider’s own privacy policies and terms of use.

AIM does not control, and is not responsible for, the privacy practices, data collection or use of personal information by third-party social media platforms. Users are encouraged to review the applicable privacy policies of those platforms before engaging with any social media functionality.

In addition, AIM may from time to time host or link to blogs, comment sections, forums or other interactive features that allow users to share information or content publicly (“social media features”). Any personal information disclosed through such features may be visible to other users of those features, over whom AIM may have limited or no control, unless otherwise stated at the point of collection.

Users are advised to exercise caution when sharing personal information through any public or interactive features made available on or through the AIM website.

9. Disclosure and sharing of personal information

AIM does not sell personal information.

We may disclose personal information:

• to employees or service providers who require access to perform their duties;
• to third-party operators who process information on our behalf under written agreements that ensure POPIA-compliant safeguards;
• where required or permitted by law, regulation or court order; or
• to professional advisers where necessary to protect our legal rights.

All disclosures are limited to what is necessary and lawful.

10. Cross-border transfers

Where personal information is transferred outside the Republic of South Africa, AIM will ensure that such transfer complies with POPIA, including that:

• the recipient is subject to laws or binding agreements providing an adequate level of protection; or
• the transfer is otherwise permitted under section 72 of POPIA.

11. Data security and retention

AIM implements reasonable technical and organisational security measures to protect personal information against loss, unauthorised access, misuse, alteration or destruction.

Access to personal information is restricted to authorised persons who are subject to confidentiality obligations.

Personal information is retained only for as long as is reasonably necessary to fulfil the purpose for which it was collected and processed. Personal information may be retained for longer periods where extended retention is required or permitted by law, regulation or professional standards, or where such retention is necessary in order to establish, exercise or defend AIM’s legal rights.

Once personal information is no longer required, it is securely deleted or anonymised in accordance with applicable retention policies and legal requirements.

 

13. Data subject rights

In terms of POPIA, you have the right to:

• request access to personal information held about you;
• request correction or updating of inaccurate or incomplete information;
• object to the processing of personal information in certain circumstances;
• withdraw consent;
• request deletion or restriction of processing where legally permissible; and
• lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa.

Where AIM is legally obliged to provide access to personal information, such access will be provided free of charge. Prior to providing personal information, AIM may require reasonable proof of identity and sufficient information to enable the relevant personal information to be located.

Requests to exercise any of the above rights may be to AIM. AIM will make reasonable and practical efforts to comply with such requests, subject to applicable law, regulatory requirements and professional standards.

14. Children’s information

AIM does not knowingly collect personal information from children under the age of 18 without appropriate consent from a parent or legal guardian.

 

15. Links to third-party websites

Our website may contain links to external websites. AIM is not responsible for the privacy practices of such third parties, and users are encouraged to review their privacy statements separately.

16. Changes to this Privacy Statement

AIM reserves the right to amend this Privacy Statement from time to time. Updates will be published on our website, and the revision date will be updated accordingly.

17. Policy questions and enforcement

AIM is committed to addressing any concerns relating to the processing of personal information. Queries, requests, or complaints may be directed to us, and we will make reasonable efforts to investigate and respond within a reasonable period.

If you are not satisfied with our response, you have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Regulator of South Africa.