Life annuities: the restriction advisers cannot afford to leave unexplained
Two complaints heard by the FAIS Ombud highlight the consequences when advisers fail to properly assess clients’ circumstances or explain the restrictions of a life annuity.
FATF sharpens focus on virtual assets as SA faces next evaluation
A targeted review of virtual-asset oversight coincides with South Africa’s fifth-round evaluation, which will examine the effectiveness of its financial-crime controls.
Stolen excavator claim fails over inadequate due diligence
Although one rejection ground did not apply, breaches involving background checks and false pretences were sufficient to defeat the commercial insurance claim.
FAIS Ombud flags millions lost in online CFD trading
The FAIS Ombud secured R39.58 million in settlements and awards for consumers in 2025/26, up 24.66% year on year.
South Africa’s retirement system has assets, but not enough reach
According to the 2026 Marsh CFA Institute Global Pension Index, South Africa ranks 51st out of 55 retirement systems.
Retirement funds cannot outsource accountability for cyber risk
The FSCA’s practical guidance on Joint Standard 2 of 2024 sets out what retirement funds need to do to strengthen cyber resilience, oversee service providers, and prepare for cyber incidents.
RE1 and RE5: Get your regulatory examination sorted before year-end
From booking deadlines, examination fees, and what to bring on the day, here is what candidates need to know to plan for their RE1 or RE5 regulatory examination.
Financial security on paper means little when benefits fail
The Deputy Pension Funds Adjudicator and the FAIS Ombud warn that financial protection depends on more than products and paperwork.
CASA warns against using credit to gamble as online betting surges
Online gambling surged 390% in four years, with losses potentially extending beyond household finances to consumers’ long-term credit standing as debt mounts and repayments fall behind.
Fewer workers, longer retirements: the demographic squeeze on pension systems
The number of potential workers for every older person in more developed regions is projected to fall from 4.3 to 2.7 over the next 30 years.
Court blocks R426 000 pension payout amid child maintenance dispute
The judgment examines when a court can restrict access to pension benefits to protect children whose maintenance obligations remain unpaid.
South Africa ranks last for employment in global governance index
Strong results in transparency and logistics sit alongside deep weaknesses in employment, personal safety and income distribution.
Private capital fundraising surges, but investment activity slows
Pension and endowment funds contributed R4.4 billion to private capital fundraising in 2025, up from R1.6 billion a year earlier, signalling stronger domestic institutional investment.
FAIS Ombud highlights risks of failing to inform clients properly
Providers need evidence that clients were informed of material policy requirements, as a case involving a stolen Toyota Prado illustrates.
Medical evidence defeats insurer’s non-disclosure defence
The Appeal Tribunal found that the skin cancer had been completely treated, while evidence showed that the insured did not have lung disease.
Treasury’s climate framework could shape future regulatory expectations
The proposed framework is voluntary guidance at this stage, with all regulated financial institutions in scope and a proportionate approach proposed for smaller firms.
SFC could bring more global financial-services activity onshore
JSE Group chief executive Valdene Reddy says the SFC could build local expertise and a broader financial-services ecosystem around foreign portfolio management.
Sanlam expects Santam deal to lift returns
Sanlam says buying out Santam’s minority shareholders would support earnings growth, improve capital allocation and help lift adjusted return on equity above 20% by 2030.
