SARS raids mark overdue escalation in illicit economy crackdown
Search-and-seizure operations targeting customs corruption mark a move from policy to enforcement, as SARS steps up efforts against illicit trade draining billions from the fiscus.
Industry News
Two-pot withdrawals surge as repeat claims reshape savings behaviour
Withdrawal activity has spiked again at the start of the new tax year, with data showing repeat claims are becoming entrenched and raising concerns about long-term retirement outcomes.
Regulation must adapt to a more complex financial system, says Kamlana
Unathi Kamlana says regulation must evolve with a more complex, technology-driven financial sector, with greater focus on accountability and customer outcomes.
Living benefits overtake death claims as Discovery Life payouts shift
Discovery Life’s 2025 statistics show 65% of payouts go to living benefits – advisers must rethink risk, product design, and client conversations.
Old Mutual earnings rise as insurance, investments and Africa drive results
Results from operations rose 13% to R9.8bn as insurance profitability improved and investments crossed R1 trillion in assets under management.
Gambling surge strains retirement savings and prompts tax response
Old Mutual findings and industry commentary show gambling is reshaping spending, eroding savings, and drawing policy attention, with implications for employers and advisers.
E-commerce risks outpace consumer protection laws, Ombud warns
A joint NCC and CGSO paper highlights rising e-commerce complaints and regulatory gaps, with proposed reforms set to reshape platform accountability and consumer protection.
VAT decision highlights constitutional defects across tax Acts
Tax experts say the constitutional problem identified by the High Court could affect several other laws that give the finance minister similar powers.
Sanlam’s business engines: a look at the group’s 2025 performance
A breakdown of the results shows how the group’s main business clusters performed as it continues repositioning for growth across South Africa, Africa, and India.
Sanlam share dips after results despite strong operating growth
Sanlam reported record new business volumes and strong client inflows in 2025, but several weaker headline indicators drew investor attention following the results release.
Steinhoff fraud cases: fourth conviction secured in South Africa
Former audit executive Hein Odendaal must pay a R2m fine or spend four years in prison following a plea agreement with prosecutors.
Why Sanlam’s headline earnings fell despite strong business growth
Currency movements, bond market distortions, reinsurance losses, and strategic investment spending combined to weigh on Sanlam’s reported results.
SaaS apocalypse: Why I shy away from US business development companies
Large SaaS exposures have helped trigger a pullback in BDC prices and dividends. Ryk de Klerk explains why current yields and NAV discounts may mask a deeper downside.
Geopolitical conflict raises questions about war exclusions in insurance policies
Businesses and travellers should review how war exclusions, sanctions clauses, and territorial limits may affect cover, says PSG.
Rising oil prices complicate South Africa’s inflation outlook
After attacks disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, crude prices spiked sharply – raising the prospect of higher fuel costs and renewed inflation pressure locally.
JSE delistings: ASISA-commissioned study challenges popular narratives
Research finds that mergers and restructuring drive nearly half of JSE delistings and highlights that the determinant of listing activity is economic growth.
Investors pull R16.5bn from local equity funds despite 42% ALSI rally
Multi-asset and interest-bearing portfolios dominated inflows in 2025 as South African investors continued to favour diversification.
