Responsible investment: South Africa has the policies, but can it prove they work?
Most asset owners say they are responsible investors, but 43% have no independent way to assess whether their managers are delivering on their ESG commitments.
ESG
ESG risks move from sustainability agenda to investment-risk lens
Alexforbes’ Stewardship Report argues that governance, water security, and other ESG factors are increasingly being evaluated for their effect on company value and long-term returns.
Trustees urged to rethink private markets as impact and returns align
Naleni Govender says retirement funds need a more deliberate approach to private markets, with stronger due diligence, better partnerships, and clearer accountability.
FSCA to sharpen ESG disclosure rules as scrutiny shifts to conduct
Guidance under development signals stricter application of existing rules to sustainability claims and disclosures.
African insurers link US$52bn in assets to ESG targets, report finds
The Nairobi Declaration on Sustainable Insurance outlines ESG-linked assets, product development, and governance trends across Africa.
Southern Africa’s private equity defies fundraising slump with record deals
The SAVCA 2025 survey shows PE firms powering ahead with R26.6bn in investments, resilient portfolio growth, and a stronger focus on infrastructure, ESG, and transformation despite tougher fundraising conditions.
Retirement funds urged to harness trillions for Africa’s transformation
IRFA president Geraldine Fowler calls on retirement funds to invest for impact, strengthen operations, and shape reforms, stressing their power to drive both financial security and societal change.
Facing the future: how insurance is evolving to tackle uncertainty
Santam’s Thabiso Rulashe on how insurers are adapting to stay resilient – and profitable – in an era of rising risks.
Majority back mandatory sustainability reporting, but few feel ready
Despite high voluntary disclosure, challenges such as resource constraints and complex standards highlight the need for government-led guidance and skills development.
SA edges closer to mandatory sustainability reporting under global ISSB standards
A new partnership between the FSCA and IFC signals a clear intent by regulators to align corporate disclosure rules with global sustainability standards.
Strengthening South Africa’s sustainable finance framework
The FSCA’s Sustainable Finance Programme seeks to harmonise local markets with global ESG standards – focusing on taxonomy, disclosure, reporting and investor education to bolster climate resilience.
Under pressure: navigating the financial regulatory heat in 2025
Financial institutions that proactively embed governance, technology, and culture to meet evolving regulatory standards will not only avoid penalties but also strengthen credibility, build resilience, and drive long term value.
Survey highlights the role of BEE in shaping retirement fund investments
Alexforbes’ latest annual Manager Watch Survey also shows the trend of increasing allocations to multi-managers.
FSCA discloses approach to regulating a rapidly changing financial sector
Unathi Kamlana says the Authority will support the integration of advanced technologies and strengthen frameworks for consumer protection, cyber resilience, and financial inclusion.
FSCA ponders regulatory enhancements for ESG investing
A survey indicates that while a majority of investment providers incorporate ESG considerations, hurdles such as inconsistent ratings and greenwashing remain.
Summit Africa secures $20 million anchor investment for second private equity fund
With a focus on financial inclusion, digital transformation, and food security, SPEF II aims to drive impactful investments in underserved sectors.
Preparing retirement funds for an uncertain future: embracing change, ESG, and emerging trends
Carina Wessels of Alexforbes discusses the urgent need for retirement funds to ‘learn forward as they lean forward’ to ensure long-term sustainability and relevance.
