SARS raids mark overdue escalation in illicit economy crackdown
Search-and-seizure operations targeting customs corruption mark a move from policy to enforcement, as SARS steps up efforts against illicit trade draining billions from the fiscus.
Phased COFI implementation requires early impact mapping, FSCA says
The Authority urges financial firms to assess the likely impact of the COFI framework across governance, licensing, product design, and data.
Two-pot withdrawals surge as repeat claims reshape savings behaviour
Withdrawal activity has spiked again at the start of the new tax year, with data showing repeat claims are becoming entrenched and raising concerns about long-term retirement outcomes.
Regulation must adapt to a more complex financial system, says Kamlana
Unathi Kamlana says regulation must evolve with a more complex, technology-driven financial sector, with greater focus on accountability and customer outcomes.
Living benefits overtake death claims as Discovery Life payouts shift
Discovery Life’s 2025 statistics show 65% of payouts go to living benefits – advisers must rethink risk, product design, and client conversations.
Old Mutual earnings rise as insurance, investments and Africa drive results
Results from operations rose 13% to R9.8bn as insurance profitability improved and investments crossed R1 trillion in assets under management.
Old Mutual announces chair succession ahead of Manuel’s retirement
Roger Jardine, who joined the Old Mutual board in September 2025, is set to take over as chairman after the June AGM.
Gambling surge strains retirement savings and prompts tax response
Old Mutual findings and industry commentary show gambling is reshaping spending, eroding savings, and drawing policy attention, with implications for employers and advisers.
E-commerce risks outpace consumer protection laws, Ombud warns
A joint NCC and CGSO paper highlights rising e-commerce complaints and regulatory gaps, with proposed reforms set to reshape platform accountability and consumer protection.
VAT decision highlights constitutional defects across tax Acts
Tax experts say the constitutional problem identified by the High Court could affect several other laws that give the finance minister similar powers.
FIC invites comment on proposed risk and compliance returns
The draft directive requires certain accountable institutions to submit RCR questionnaires covering information from 2023 to 2026.
Sanlam’s business engines: a look at the group’s 2025 performance
A breakdown of the results shows how the group’s main business clusters performed as it continues repositioning for growth across South Africa, Africa, and India.
Sanlam share dips after results despite strong operating growth
Sanlam reported record new business volumes and strong client inflows in 2025, but several weaker headline indicators drew investor attention following the results release.
Steinhoff fraud cases: fourth conviction secured in South Africa
Former audit executive Hein Odendaal must pay a R2m fine or spend four years in prison following a plea agreement with prosecutors.
Why Sanlam’s headline earnings fell despite strong business growth
Currency movements, bond market distortions, reinsurance losses, and strategic investment spending combined to weigh on Sanlam’s reported results.
When does switching into an offshore endowment make sense?
Allan Gray explores how embedded gains, tax rates, investment horizon, and executor’s fees affect the decision to switch offshore investments into endowments.
How financial advisers support clients during market volatility
A Morningstar behavioural study examines client reactions during turbulent markets and outlines communication approaches advisers use to address concerns.
SaaS apocalypse: Why I shy away from US business development companies
Large SaaS exposures have helped trigger a pullback in BDC prices and dividends. Ryk de Klerk explains why current yields and NAV discounts may mask a deeper downside.
