Collective investment schemes post strongest quarterly inflows in years
Despite a turbulent first quarter marked by political discord and trade-tariff shocks, CIS managers attracted R48bn in net inflows – the highest quarterly figure since 2020.
ASISA
Financial institutions urged to prioritise cyber resilience as Joint Standard takes effect
With Joint Standard 2 on cybersecurity coming into force on 1 June, the Prudential Authority emphasises the need for financial institutions to bolster resilience, share intelligence, and prepare for inevitable cyberattacks.
Life insurers pay a record R639 billion in 2024
Sales of recurring-premium savings policies continued to improve, while lapses of risk policies declined.
Retail hedge funds surge as industry hits record growth
A decade after the introduction of hedge fund regulations, retail investors are driving strong growth, with RHFs attracting R11.84 billion in net inflows in 2024.
ASISA rejects proposed ‘dualistic nature’ of CIS portfolios
ASISA warns that reclassifying collective investment scheme portfolios as profit-making schemes will undermine years of established investment policy.
Record R35.25bn outflow marks cautious year for South Africa’s CIS market
Reinvested income and strong interest-bearing portfolio performance led to net inflows of R85.82 billion in 2024.
Revised unit trust fund classifications: early impact in focus
The new SA Multi Asset SA High Equity category is expected to gain traction over time, despite slower uptake in the early stages.
Life offices and asset managers surpass B-BBEE ownership targets
Challenges remain with the representation of black people in executive director roles, ASISA’s latest transformation report shows.
CIS industry sees R42.3bn in net inflows as investor confidence rebounds
Assets under management grew to a R3.8 trillion, up 13.7% year-on-year, supported by strong equity market performance.
Average living annuity drawdown rate lowest in five years
The marginal decrease in the average drawdown rate is noteworthy because it occurred in an environment of rising living costs, says ASISA.
Treasury proposes new framework to regulate hedge funds outside CIS
The proposal is for hedge funds to be subject to a different tax regime, potentially removing the ‘revenue versus capital distinction’ that causes tax uncertainty.
Life insurers, investment companies report a 46% surge in fraud and dishonesty
The industry lost at least R175.9 million last year but prevented losses of R1.5 billion through enhanced detection efforts, says ASISA.
How financial advisers can attract millennials with income protection solutions
Bidvest Life’s Nic Smit suggests shifting from the traditional approach of leading with death coverage to focusing on income protection when engaging younger clients.
ASISA says revised classification standard will make unit trust comparisons easier
The higher offshore investment limit necessitated a review of the standard.
Treasury accepts most of the industry’s two-pot proposed amendments
Among other things, the revised Amendment Bill will clarify how funds should calculate seeding when provident fund members choose to join the system.
ASISA flags ‘problematic’ amendments to two-pot legislation
Funds made different calls on the conditions for the exclusion of provident preservation fund members and the seeding date for members who opt in.
Life insurers pay out R298bn as policy lapses remain a concern
ASISA advises consumers to take a holistic view of their finances and avoid hasty decisions that could leave them unprotected.
