Manager Watch: Strong year, weaker long-term outlook
Alexforbes’ latest survey shows robust 2025 performance but highlights weaker 10-year returns and rising dispersion in equity returns.
Author: Mark Bechard
FIC cannot rely on pre-2022 non-compliance in attorney sanctions, High Court finds
Penalties cannot be based on periods before the FIC assumed supervisory authority, and remediation must be fully considered when imposing sanctions.
MPs query FSCA processes in insurance exemption dispute
The Authority says the case highlights the need for a legislative framework that is more conducive to fostering transformation and incubation models.
FSCA signals delay to Omni pilot as rollout reaches ‘inflection point’
Officials outline key supervisory areas affecting financial institutions, with a focus on governance, AML controls, cyber resilience, and consumer-facing risks.
FSCA examining finfluencers’ impact on consumer decisions
The Authority is studying the influence of financial content on social media, while advancing industry co-ordination as online fraud losses rise.
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.
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.
Excess retirement contributions: when they help – and when they hurt
Converting discretionary savings into retirement vehicles can cut tax on living annuity drawdowns – but may reduce long-term value.
Six key themes from the FSCA’s FICA compliance inspections
Moonstone Compliance’s analysis identifies recurring shortcomings that FSPs should fix to avoid enforcement action.
Full Bench adds weight to challenges against RAF medical expense directives
Internal directives cannot displace court orders or long-standing principles governing compensation, says the Western Cape High Court.
Ruling leaves key exchange control questions unresolved in crypto arbitrage dispute
The case focuses attention on how the exchange control framework applies to crypto platforms that facilitate offshore trading through loans.
Ninety One flags shift from US dominance to broader opportunity sets
John Stopford says future market returns may be shaped by different forces than those of the past decade, with implications for South African assets.
Investors may need to look harder for opportunities, says Morningstar
As optimism rises and valuations stretch, there is a shift from broad exposure to disciplined, valuation-driven analysis.
Call for NHI settlement exposes fault lines over healthcare reform
Organisations engaged in litigation to oppose the NHI Act respond to Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s appeal for a compromise.
Draft amendments aim to remedy gaps in AML framework
The Bill largely clarifies and strengthens existing AML/CFT expectations rather than introducing a new regulatory philosophy.
How advisers can prevent ‘fight or flight’ from destroying returns
Morningstar’s Investment Outlook for 2026 highlights trends in the US and domestic equity markets that it believes advisers and investors should watch.
FAIS Ombud lauds large FSPs for settling more disputes directly with consumers
New enquiries soared in 2024/25, signalling higher public awareness; yet the number of cases opened fell as many matters were settled without the Ombud’s involvement.
