Grace period doesn’t prevent insurers from rejecting a claim
Some insurers send SMS or email reminders, but it is the policyholder’s responsibility to ensure that an overdue premium is paid.
Apex court clarifies timing of dependency test for death benefit payouts
The Constitutional Court rules that whether someone qualifies as a dependant must be determined as at the date of a retirement fund member’s death, not when the fund decides how to distribute the benefit.
Ombud Council to focus on making financial consumers more aware of their right to redress
The Council will use complaints data to spot systemic risks and harmonise complaint-handling across all financial ombuds, its five-year strategic plan shows.
Adjudicator aligns with High Court’s ruling on the in duplum rule
The OPFA confirms that penalty interest on late employer contributions may not exceed the original capital owing – in line with the Full Bench’s judgment in March.
Medical expenses | Court grants leave to appeal in member’s dispute with RAF
The outcome of Discovery Health’s appeal before the SCA will affect the outcome of the member’s claim for R1.4 million.
Fund loses bid to remove limit on interest on arrear contributions
The Full Bench affirms that interest under the Pension Funds Act is capped by the common law in duplum rule.
AI + empathy: why financial advice’s future is human at heart
Momentum CEO Jeanette Marais says the future of scalable, effective financial advice lies in blending smart tech with emotional intelligence.
FSCA imposes R3m fine on Ninety One for FICA lapses
An inspection identified inadequate implementation of the RMCP and deficient customer due diligence processes.
MBSE opens virtual doors to aspiring financial professionals
Moonstone Business School of Excellence is hosting Virtual Open Days from 13 to 15 May.
Bitcoin adoption: increasingly part of my investment portfolio
Net cumulative purchases via pure Bitcoin ETFs have surged 2.5-fold since mid-March. This influx underscores growing institutional conviction in Bitcoin as a core portfolio allocation.
Most financial planners are positive about impact of AI – global survey
Research by the Financial Planning Standards Board finds 64% of advisers are already using or piloting AI tools to streamline client communications and workflows.
Ithala resumes operations – but still can’t take deposits
Ithala has been cleared to resume core operations – excluding deposit-taking – while legal battles over its liquidation and frozen R2.47bn in deposits continue.
Bundled credit insurance ruled unlawful for consumers who can’t claim
Selling credit life insurance with retrenchment and disability cover to pensioners and disabled persons – who cannot meet the claim requirements – breaches the National Credit Act.
Old Mutual’s new CEO will bring decades of financial sector experience to the role
Jurie Strydom, whose résumé includes leadership roles at Sanlam and Regent Insurance, will work alongside outgoing CEO Iain Williamson.
Navigating the retirement age maze: a practical guide for employers
Synchronising employment agreements with the rules of occupational retirement funds promotes legal certainty, secures employee benefits, and smooths succession planning.
FSCA’s three-year regulatory strategy anchored in COFI roll-out
A revamped licensing schedule and an enhanced Integrated Regulatory Solution platform will form the backbone of COFI-aligned supervision.
Equity targets spark fears of ‘unjust’ penalties for employers
The DA’s court challenge to the Employment Equity Amendment Act highlights not only constitutional questions but also the risk that inflexible sectoral targets and under-resourced bureaucracy will penalise even deserving employers.
FIC calls on businesses to take their RMCP obligations seriously
The Centre, through inspections and compliance monitoring, will test an RMCP against the legislative requirements.
