New report maps insurance risk patterns, urges shift to proactive strategies
Standard Insurance’s five-year analysis discloses the main perils affecting businesses and households, and when and why policyholders are most likely to claim.
Industry News
Medical scheme hikes: CMS calls for restraint, but will schemes listen?
The Council for Medical Schemes recommends capping 2026 contribution increases at 3.3% plus “reasonable utilisation estimates”, yet past trends show schemes often push far higher.
Santam’s GWP up 10% as international business surges by 25%
For the six months to June, Santam reports net income growth of 19%, with a underwriting margin of 11.3% – well above its target range.
Old Mutual banks on late-mover edge as OM Bank goes live
CEO Clarence Nethengwe says arriving after rivals has given Old Mutual the chance to learn what customers really want in digital banking.
Two-pot system reshapes behaviour, but retirement gaps remain
The two-pot system has changed how members check balances and withdraw funds, but evidence shows the reform alone won’t fix long-term retirement shortfalls.
Australia’s playbook: what SA can learn to fix its retirement crisis
Old Mutual’s Michelle Acton tells IRFA delegates that Australia’s superannuation system provides a roadmap for boosting coverage and retirement outcomes.
An eerie calm before the storm
While index levels look stable through September’s expiries, concentrated option exposures and rising fund-based covered-call strategies create a fragile backdrop for a sudden move.
Treat your tax refund as your money returned – not a bonus
Every rand overpaid to SARS is an opportunity cost. Allocate refunds to debt repayment, savings, or retirement contributions for greater long-term benefit.
Southern Africa’s private equity defies fundraising slump with record deals
The SAVCA 2025 survey shows PE firms powering ahead with R26.6bn in investments, resilient portfolio growth, and a stronger focus on infrastructure, ESG, and transformation despite tougher fundraising conditions.
Appeals court says most of Trump’s tariffs are unlawful, but duties stay for now
The Federal Circuit ruled most of the tariffs lack statutory authorisation but left the duties in place while the administration prepares an appeal.
Two-pot system could quadruple South Africans’ savings, Discovery says
Despite fears of mass withdrawals, early data shows most members are preserving their two-pot savings – a shift that could leave South Africans up to four times wealthier in retirement.
Flexible income now, guaranteed income later: Discovery’s answer to longevity risk
Discovery Invest’s new retirement offering combines a living annuity’s market exposure and income flexibility with a lifetime guarantee that kicks in from age 80.
Collusion investigation: Wesbank and Toyota to pay R30m fine
The agreement resolves a probe into alleged market-division in Toyota vehicle finance and removes restrictions that blocked WesBank from competing at dealerships.
Treasury official to run GPAA amid probe into procurement transactions
National Treasury has opened a forensic investigation into procurement deals after irregularities in contracts totalling more than R1.2bn were reported.
Retirement funds urged to harness trillions for Africa’s transformation
IRFA president Geraldine Fowler calls on retirement funds to invest for impact, strengthen operations, and shape reforms, stressing their power to drive both financial security and societal change.
Facing the future: how insurance is evolving to tackle uncertainty
Santam’s Thabiso Rulashe on how insurers are adapting to stay resilient – and profitable – in an era of rising risks.
Banxso will contest provisional liquidation order
Judge says there is a prima facie case that the trading platform does not operate within the confines of the law.
