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.
MediCheck claims win as Discovery Health writes off up to R170m in ATB recoveries
Discovery Health has abandoned recovery action against more than 16 500 members, agreeing to absorb up to R170 million in overpaid ATB claims after sustained pressure from MediCheck,
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.
When estates stall: why liquidity planning is critical for families
Without careful liquidity planning, families risk financial strain for years while estates remain tied up in red tape, highlighting the need for wills, offshore planning, and open financial conversations.
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.
When algorithms collude: how AI may break competition law without intent
Experts warn that AI tools may quietly drive price-fixing and collusion, posing a new threat to competition law.
Group benefits are a safety net – if they’re understood
Employee benefits specialist and Certified Financial Planner® Johann Peens unpacks the common pitfalls that can leave members exposed.
Average living annuity drawdown rate drops below 6% for the first time since 2011
Strong market returns and rising balances have prompted many retirees to reduce withdrawals – a trend ASISA encourages annuitants to maintain.
Trustees now have ‘clear guidance’ on dependency and benefit allocations
Dependency is assessed at the member’s date of death, and trustees must conduct active investigations and apply a principled equitable allocation process.
Treasury publishes tax changes affecting pensions, trusts, and individuals
In addition to foreign pensions and trust income, the measures affect death benefits, child maintenance, capital distributions by unit trusts, and assessed losses.
VAT-registered schools may face cashflow shock
The proposed blanket exemptions for goods and services supplied by schools will force VAT-registered schools to deregister and lose input-tax recovery.
Draft NCA regulations widen credit-data scope and tighten affordability tests
An affordability assessment will require lenders to recognise revenue from commercial activity funded by credit and the potential realisation of assets.
FST upholds FSCA’s revocation after employer trustees excluded from vote
The Tribunal agrees with the Authority that the rule amendment was void because the employer-appointed trustees were asked to leave the meeting during the deliberations.
Labour inspectors to regain power to enforce contribution compliance
The Department of Employment and Labour is withdrawing a determination that prevented inspectors from enforcing section 34A of the BCEA.
Syndicates falsely claiming links to JSE and FSCA
Two WhatsApp-based syndicates are misrepresenting links to the JSE and the FSCA and unlawfully soliciting funds.
South African insurers harness AI to spot risks sooner and serve clients better
From early-warning systems in liability cover to behaviour-based motor premiums, local insurers are adapting AI tools to South Africa’s unique risks.
High Court allows OMART to search underwriting manager’s premises
Old Mutual Alternate Risk Transfer wants to access data held by SA Guarantee Specialists after discovering that offshore guarantees were issued without authorisation.
