Navigating double taxation agreements in retirement planning
DTAs shape the taxation of lump sums and annuities. This is what financial advisers can do to preserve clients’ retirement benefits.
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Two-pot system reshapes behaviour, but retirement gaps remain
The two-pot system has changed how members check balances and withdraw funds, but evidence shows the reform alone won’t fix long-term retirement shortfalls.
Australia’s playbook: what SA can learn to fix its retirement crisis
Old Mutual’s Michelle Acton tells IRFA delegates that Australia’s superannuation system provides a roadmap for boosting coverage and retirement outcomes.
How COFI will affect the retirement funds industry
COFI replaces the registration model with a conduct-focused licensing regime for retirement funds – a step that will raise governance, fit-and-proper checks and public disclosure requirements across the sector.
Two-pot system could quadruple South Africans’ savings, Discovery says
Despite fears of mass withdrawals, early data shows most members are preserving their two-pot savings – a shift that could leave South Africans up to four times wealthier in retirement.
‘Clean data is the golden thread’ behind effective retirement supervision
The FSCA’s Zareena Camroodien provides a comprehensive overview of regulatory developments and strategic goals affecting the retirement sector.
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.
SCA: Retirement fund agreement for municipal staff is illegal
The majority finds the accreditation mechanism effectively coerced funds to amend their rules or risk losing employer contributions – undermining trustees’ fiduciary duties under the PFA.
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.
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.
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.
ConCourt clarifies scope of section 30P of the PFA proceedings
The Adjudicator breached audi alteram partem by making adverse findings about a Fund’s investigation without giving it a substantive opportunity to respond.
Apex court clarifies timing of dependency test for death benefit payouts
The Constitutional Court rules that whether someone qualifies as a dependant must be determined as at the date of a retirement fund member’s death, not when the fund decides how to distribute the benefit.
FSCA publishes final Conduct Standard for benefit administrators
A breakdown of the provisions that are in effect now, and those that come into operation in six or 12 months.
Funds must fully verify dependency before allocating a death benefit
The Constitutional Court finds that a fund relied on unverified, one-sided information and failed to establish the extent of factual dependency.
