Retirement fund fees: Is cheaper really better?
The developing FSCA value-for-money approach puts costs alongside investment performance, service quality, governance, and member outcomes.
#retirementfunds
OPFA: Trustees can’t outsource death-benefit decisions to formulas
The determination highlights the need for independent judgment, proper investigation, and clear reasons when allocating benefits among dependants.
What if? The R69.7bn question behind the PIC’s Isibaya portfolio
A BER analysis finds that the same cash flows could theoretically have produced R69.7bn more in the bond market, while highlighting the limits of comparing returns with developmental objectives.
Unpaid contributions: what ‘doing enough’ looks like for trustees
An IRFA panel says trustees need clear escalation processes and persistent oversight to turn section 13A compliance into meaningful recovery action.
Standards will usher in fuller reporting on fund finances, investments, and ESG
Retirement funds will face expanded annual and quarterly reporting, while boards remain responsible for setting ESG mandates and overseeing how asset managers implement them.
FSCA explores value-for-money framework for retirement funds
The regulator is looking to international models as it seeks a more consistent way to assess member outcomes, costs, and investment performance.
Are trustees looking at the real cost of retirement-fund fees?
Initial cost comparisons can obscure how fees linked to assets, salaries, or membership grow over time, potentially producing sharply different outcomes.
OPFA signals tougher action against non-compliance
The Pension Funds Adjudicator plans to use its powers more assertively against employers, funds, and responsible persons who ignore complaints or fail to co-operate.
Mental well-being linked to two-pot withdrawals
Discovery’s research points to a complex relationship between mental well-being, financial behaviour, and retirement savings withdrawals.
Sound judgement needed as retirement industry enters a new normal
New IRFA chairperson Nancy Andrews says the industry must look beyond immediate developments and focus on responsible stewardship, sound governance, and long-term outcomes for members.
IRFA elects new leadership as Andrews takes the chair
IRFA will focus on governance, member education, and constructive policy engagement as the retirement-fund sector navigates continuing regulatory change.
Retirement advice: The right help at the wrong time
Many members value retirement guidance, but research suggests it often comes after key savings, preservation, and income decisions have already been made.
Absa takes over custody of GEPF’s R3.5 trillion
Absa is taking over custody of the GEPF’s R3.5 trillion portfolio – but what does a master custodian actually do, and what does the change mean for the Fund’s 1.7 million-plus members and beneficiaries?
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.
Debt and retirement pressures drive new product thinking
With household debt absorbing income and retirement outcomes remaining poor, Discovery has introduced a benefit aimed at addressing both pressures.
Draft TLAB will settle living annuity commutation rule
The proposal puts SARS’s existing cumulative approach into the Income Tax Act, ending uncertainty over whether the R150 000 limit applies per policy.
Retirement fund faulted for failing to verify death-benefit claim
The Adjudicator orders a fresh investigation after finding that the fund had not adequately verified an alleged cohabiting partner’s claim.
