FAIS Ombud lauds large FSPs for settling more disputes directly with consumers
New enquiries soared in 2024/25, signalling higher public awareness; yet the number of cases opened fell as many matters were settled without the Ombud’s involvement.
Industry News
Huge shortfall in critical illness protection leaves most income earners exposed
ASISA’s research shows formally employed South Africans face a major liquidity risk: R4 trillion in earnings versus only R1.1 trillion in critical illness cover.
BHF asks Treasury for clarity on plan to phase out medical tax credits
According to the Board of Healthcare Funders, the Department of Health’s presentation indicates the credits will be eliminated by the beginning of 2029.
Tax Ombud’s 10 top refunds total R167m
Requiring SARS to provide written reasons when it rejects the OTO’s recommendations has resulted in an increase in the resolution of complaints.
Old Mutual to buy majority stake in 10X Investments for R2.2bn
The move accelerates Old Mutual’s retail-direct strategy and strengthens its position in the passive investment market.
Treasury urged to retain tax relief for manager-initiated unit trust transactions
ASISA says further consultation is needed to avoid negative consequences for investors and the collective investment schemes market.
Ninety One to list two actively managed ETFs on the JSE
One fund provides a Regulation 28-friendly way to access a South African multi-asset income strategy, while the other is a rand feeder into a US dollar multi-asset income fund.
Exiting the grey list won’t relax oversight – regulators pledge continued enforcement
The authorities say that supervision, prosecutions, and measurable outcomes must continue to avoid re-listing as the next mutual evaluation starts in 2026.
Delisting restores SA’s credibility, but major repricing unlikely
Analysts say sustained capital inflows will depend on continued reform, enforcement, and the wider global backdrop.
RAF management dismissed warnings as ‘negativity’ while claims crisis deepened
Internal alerts on soaring payouts and mounting claims were dismissed as ‘negativity’, allowing the RAF’s operational and financial crisis to deepen, SCOPA is told.
Income protection leads Bidvest claims as clients face higher short-term risks
According to Bidvest Life’s 2024 Claims Report, younger clients and women accounted for most income protection claims – signalling where advisers’ risk focus may need to shift.
Grocery store liable for shopper’s injuries despite disclaimer notices
A High Court ruling has confirmed that retailers can’t rely on disclaimer notices alone to avoid liability for customer injuries.
NHI Act | Sakeliga opposes Health Minister’s stay-and-consolidate application
The business group says the proposed stay will shield the Act from judicial review while allowing implementation to continue.
A puzzle of debt: former RAF CFO questions rationale for accounting shift
The Road Accident Fund’s former chief financial officer says even he struggled to understand why the Fund changed its accounting standard.
Non-life insurers deliver strong performance in 2024 – KPMG survey
Disciplined underwriting, improved claims experience, and robust investment income helped non-life insurers to navigate structural headwinds.
SA’s economic future looks bleak without reforms, global resilience index warns
South Africa’s relatively high-risk score reflects governance, security, and structural weaknesses, while its moderate resilience suggests the potential to recover – if reforms are pursued.
Life insurance sector consolidates its recovery in 2024
KPMG’s survey shows broad improvement across major life insurers, driven by moderate premium growth, stronger investment returns, and efficiency gains.
