How the COFI Bill will affect the retirement industry
The ‘imminent’ COFI Bill will introduce the licensing of retirement funds (including public sector funds), stricter board member standards, and enhanced oversight of contributing employers.
Author: Nettalie Viljoen
When retirement dreams clash with reality: the case for early benefit counselling
Earlier counselling can help members to make more sustainable financial choices, allowing them to embrace retirement with less stress and greater financial integrity.
Future-proofing financial advice: key strategies for a changing landscape
Alexforbes’s Gielie de Swardt shares insights on optimising client engagement, leveraging partnerships, and adapting to tech advancements.
Deadline looms for Classic Financial Services’ victims: final call to claim
The liquidators of Classic Financial Services One are continuing with the collection of debts ‘to collect as much funds as possible for the estate’.
SARB unfreezes R9bn: a win for Ibex Holdings in settling foreign debts
The SARB plans to continue enforcement action against Ibex Holdings, formerly Steinhoff, and other parties but may consider a settlement to resolve the matter.
Class action litigation in SA could spike with ‘non-attack’ data breach claims
Improper data handling could lead to expensive claims, and stronger enforcement of POPIA is critical to preventing future litigation, say legal experts.
Building South Africa’s future: can infrastructure investment overcome regulatory hurdles?
Mika Adsetts, global chief investment officer of Momentum Multi-management, says that while PPPs are crucial for advancing infrastructure goals, an array of investments is key to scaling these projects.
Why fund members are hesitant to adopt trustee-endorsed annuities
Financial planner Lara Warburton says clients believe trustee-endorsed annuities don’t offer enough flexibility or returns to sustain them through long retirement periods.
Under-reported crypto income may lead to tax assessments on past profits
With SARS tightening crypto enforcement, taxpayers should review their past filings, ensure accurate reporting of crypto profits, and consider the Voluntary Disclosure Programme to avoid severe penalties and interest.
CMS aims to release long-awaited report into racial profiling by year-end
Launched in 2019, the inquiry sought to investigate allegations of racial profiling by medical schemes. As 2024 draws to a close, the CMS is still battling objections and technical reviews to finalise the report.
Alarm bells ring as Sanlam reports high withdrawal claims among vulnerable members
In September, Sanlam received more than 83 000 withdrawal claims, with most coming from members aged 35 to 44, many of whom had a replacement ratio below 50%.
Adjudicator to propose holding trustees personally accountable for non-payment of contributions
Muvhango Lukhaimane will also consult with trustees on guidelines for naming and shaming problematic funds, administrators, and employers.
Retirement funds are the new ‘must-have’ – thanks to the two-pot system
The system is driving a shift in how members engage with their retirement funds. Members are monitoring their savings and reacting to market fluctuations, says Old Mutual.
RAF makes noise while silence reigns on draft Road Accident Amendment Bill
Judgment is ‘forthcoming’ in the contempt of court case against the Road Accident Fund and its CEO, as Discovery Health seeks the enforcement of court rulings regarding unpaid claims.
As medical schemes announce hikes, members brace for tough choices amid rising costs
With major medical schemes reporting average contribution hikes exceeding 9%, members face tough choices in an increasingly unaffordable healthcare landscape.
Opportunity for young professionals to start their financial journey in the right way
Various financial practices will provide essential insights and guidance to young professionals at an event in Cape Town.
FIC cracks down on non-compliant accountable institutions
The FIC’s latest annual report shows that out of 558 inspections conducted during the year, 269 specifically targeted the non-submission of risk and compliance returns.
