FSCA withdraws decades-old guideline on surplus submissions
After more than 20 years, the Authority is withdrawing Circular PF No. 127, which aimed to streamline surplus submissions for retirement funds in the termination process.
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Tribunal ruling draws clear line on Adjudicator’s jurisdiction over unapproved disability claims
The ruling underscores that disputes over unapproved disability claims underwritten by insurers through employer-held policies must be addressed with employers and insurers.
Enforcement is the Achilles’ heel in contribution compliance, says Adjudicator
The FSCA, National Treasury, and the Pension Funds Adjudicator tell MPs what they are doing to address the non-payment of retirement fund contributions. Regulatory interventions other than COFI may be in the offing.
Arrears in local government sector reach alarming levels
58% of South Africa’s municipalities – 149 out of 257 – are behind on their retirement fund contributions, highlighting a growing issue in local government finances.
Unpaid contributions: FSCA prepares to hold non-compliant employers accountable
With over R5.2 billion in unpaid retirement fund contributions and municipalities among the worst offenders, the FSCA is poised to gain expanded powers under the COFI Bill.
Arrear contributions: FSCA publishes third list of defaulting employers
A longer annexure of employers who have cleared their arrears or arranged to do so signals the effectiveness of the Authority’s ‘name and shame’ campaign.
Pension Funds Act amendments spark uncertainty over divorce and maintenance deductions
There is a legal grey area over the calculation of pension interest in divorce settlements and whether funds may now be permitted to make deductions for future maintenance orders.
Retirement savings not immune to SARS tax collection orders, court rules
SARS can appoint third parties to deduct tax debts directly from retirement funds, overriding the protections under the Pension Funds Act.
Why fund members are hesitant to adopt trustee-endorsed annuities
Financial planner Lara Warburton says clients believe trustee-endorsed annuities don’t offer enough flexibility or returns to sustain them through long retirement periods.
Tribunal criticises FSCA for missteps in oversight of retirement fund
The FST orders the FSCA to reconsider key decisions regarding the Municipal Employees Pension Fund, saying the regulator overstepped its authority.
Adjudicator to propose holding trustees personally accountable for non-payment of contributions
Muvhango Lukhaimane will also consult with trustees on guidelines for naming and shaming problematic funds, administrators, and employers.
Lukhaimane urges caution as litigation over beneficiary tracing continues
The SA Retirement Annuity Fund is looking to the Supreme Court of Appeal to overturn a High Court decision in favour of the Pension Funds Adjudicator.
Retirement funds get exemption from using prescribed section 14 transfer forms
The exemption will apply pending the finalisation of the consultation process on the draft amendments to Conduct Standard 1.
Understanding the division of retirement benefits at divorce
Understanding the nuances of ‘pension interest’ and ensuring accurate wording in the divorce order is vital to avoid complications.
Twins born from donor sperm outside marriage not legal dependants
Sperm does not a father make and being a biological parent does not confer absolute rights, according to a ruling by the Pension Funds Adjudicator.
When does the countdown for tracing a fund member’s dependants start?
High Court hands down a decision on the interpretation of the tracing provision in section 37C of the Pension Funds Act.
FSCA alerts funds of consequences if two-pot rule amendments aren’t submitted by 31 July
Funds that cannot pay withdrawals because their rules are invalid must inform members why they may not be allowed to access their benefits.
