Rising medical inflation: how employers are adapting to soaring healthcare costs
Aon’s 2025 Global Medical Trend Rates Report points to a concerning widening gap between medical inflation and general inflation.
Author: Nettalie Viljoen
Repeat offender hit with R1m fine and 15-year debarment
Mareo Nel resumed unauthorised forex trading despite signing an enforceable undertaking in 2021.
Unpaid contributions: FSCA prepares to hold non-compliant employers accountable
With over R5.2 billion in unpaid retirement fund contributions and municipalities among the worst offenders, the FSCA is poised to gain expanded powers under the COFI Bill.
Banxso v FSCA over links to deepfake adverts
The Authority challenges Banxso’s claim that it is not connected to Immediate Matrix’s deepfake adverts.
FSCA refutes claim of Banxso licence reinstatement amid ongoing investigation
The liquidation application against Banxso claims that the number of clients deceived by the deepfake adverts is far greater than previously reported.
Pension Funds Act amendments spark uncertainty over divorce and maintenance deductions
There is a legal grey area over the calculation of pension interest in divorce settlements and whether funds may now be permitted to make deductions for future maintenance orders.
Is the FSCA preparing for auto-enrolment to expand retirement coverage?
After years of stalled progress, the FSCA’s recent comments suggest National Treasury may renew its push for auto-enrolment.
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.
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.
