Legal precedent set as Odendaal’s assets forfeited in Steinhoff fraud battle

The SARB has forfeited to the state cash totalling R42m from Berdine Odendaal’s bank accounts, as well as her R18m property in Paarl’s Val de Vie estate.

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Hospital Insurance and GAP Cover

The concern that the Medical Schemes Council (MSC) has with certain types of health insurance, stems from the underlying principles of specifically “Hospital” insurance. A recent article by Dr Bobby Ramasia, Principal Officer […]

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Update on Registration of Hedge Funds

In February 2015, the Minister of Finance declared hedge funds as collective investment schemes with effect from 1 April 2015. All South African hedge fund operators were required to apply for registration in accordance with […]

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Deadlines Revisited

A reader recently wrote: My query relates to the article headed “Qualification deadline at hand – 30 June 2016 is a very important date”. I understand that representatives appointed after 2010 has 6 years in […]

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KYC – Knowing your client or killing your client?

Nearly all financial institutions understand the “know your client” (KYC) requirements. It is an important step developed globally to prevent identity theft, financial fraud, money laundering and terrorist financing. Knowing customers is an […]

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FSP Expectations from Product Providers

A landmark research report from Insight Discovery shows what IFAs expect from LISPs and asset management companies. Market intelligence firm Insight Discovery released its second South African Investment Panorama (SAIP), a survey of […]

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Ombud Advice to Policyholders

The Short-term Ombud warned policyholders against taking premium holidays when there is too much month at the end of the money. During tough economic times, cash-strapped consumers are forced to prioritise their monthly […]

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PFA sets record straight

A media release on 18 August by the office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator addresses an issue raised during the interviews for the Public Protector position. An allegation against Ms Lukhaimane was made in […]

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CMS Fees Increase

The Council for Medical Schemes published Circular 57 of 2016 containing details of a number of fees increases, some of which are: Application for registration of a medical scheme: R8 750.00 (Current Fee: R5 000.00) […]

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Women in the Financial Services Industry

In The Ascent of Money, Niall Ferguson tells the human story about the evolution of the world’s financial system, noting that “the ascent of money has been essential to the ascent of man.” […]

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Hospital Cash Plans in Demand

In response to an enquiry from one of our compliance officers, we conducted research on information published on these products that appear to be problematic to government. Finmark Trust conducted two studies: In […]

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Objects in the rear view mirror

Those who know the Meatloaf song, knows that it continues: “…may appear closer than they are.” Enquiries to the FSB regarding the current state of the Retail Distribution Review indicated that draft regulations […]

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CMS Guidance for 2017

The Council for Medical Schemes’ “Circular 48 of 2016: Guidance on benefit changes and contribution increases for 2017” contains the requirements for the assessment of the benefits and contributions for 2017. Apart from […]

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Financial Intelligence Centre Fixes

Many readers received a “request for account rejected” notification from the FIC following their online registration on the new “goAML” system. The reasons for rejection include: 1) 1st Phase FIC verification (Sec 43b […]

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SA Health Perspective

The Future Health Index 2016 is an international survey which “… highlights the opportunities and barriers to a more connected and integrated form of healthcare that will better serve future generations. By measuring […]

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