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.
Industry News
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.
SA residents face taxation on previously untaxed foreign pension benefits
The amendment treats foreign pension benefits like other residence-sourced income, shifting the retirement planning landscape for South Africans who worked overseas.
Umbrella funds boom – advisers should assess fit, not just fees
For smaller employers facing rising compliance and governance costs, umbrella funds usually deliver better cost-efficiency and reduced fiduciary risk.
Proactive regulation key to market integrity, says Kamlana
The FSCA is closing the prudential gap between banks and non-bank OTC derivative providers, signalling higher capital and risk-management standards.
Competition Commission backs Fedhealth–Medshield merger
Fedhealth’s acquisition of Medshield comes after Sanlam named Fedhealth its exclusive open medical scheme partner.
SARB moves to liquidate community bank
Ditsobotla is in worse financial shape than previously thought, and the resolution process is unlikely to turn things around.
