COFI could redraw the lines of accountability in umbrella funds
COFI’s outcomes-based framework may push governance responsibility beyond trustees and require umbrella funds to prove that members are better off.
#retirementfunds
Old Mutual sees rise in retirement savings preservation under two-pot system
The system appears to be changing member behaviour at exit from employment, even as most eligible members continue to make withdrawals.
Budget’s retirement threshold changes in effect despite legislative omission
IRFA also sets out how exit withdrawals now work when a member resigns and has already withdrawn from the savings component in the tax year.
Adjudicator slams fund over unresolved death-benefit claim
Nearly nine years after the claim was lodged, the fund still could not confirm whether the benefit had been allocated or paid.
Retirement industry flags operational risks in dual contribution regime
IRFA says the FSCA is engaging with the Department of Employment and Labour on the issue.
Tribunal dismisses R824 000 claim over delayed fund credit transfer
The FST rejects the member’s loss calculation based on assumed money market returns, affirming that the fund’s rules limit accrual to bank interest.
Death claims test trustees as section 37C meets real-world complexity
From disputed dependants to contested deaths, trustees are judged on how they investigate and explain their decisions.
Benefit payment hold-up leads to compensation order against fund
The Pension Funds Adjudicator finds that delays in processing a member’s withdrawal and transfer of retirement savings were wrongful and negligent.
Non-responsive retirement funds face stricter action from Adjudicator
Summonses and subpoenas may be used to address non-cooperation by funds and administrators, as the OPFA seeks to improve the efficiency of its investigations.
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.
Funds on the hook as Adjudicator flags failures in benefit payments
Rulings show weak controls can force retirement funds to repay benefits years later, with interest.
FSCA signals delay to Omni pilot as rollout reaches ‘inflection point’
Officials outline key supervisory areas affecting financial institutions, with a focus on governance, AML controls, cyber resilience, and consumer-facing risks.
Two-pot withdrawals surge as repeat claims reshape savings behaviour
Withdrawal activity has spiked again at the start of the new tax year, with data showing repeat claims are becoming entrenched and raising concerns about long-term retirement outcomes.
Ruling clarifies trustee discretion when employers seek to preserve pension benefits
The judgment emphasises the responsibility of trustees to exercise their discretion fairly when deciding whether to withhold benefits in terms of section 37D.
Ombud Council issues new rules for Pension Funds Adjudicator
The framework formalises complaint-handling procedures, introduces mechanisms such as conciliation and summary dismissal, and will be implemented in phases.
Changes to CGT, tax-free savings, retirement contributions, and donations
Treasury also proposes new thresholds at which fund members and living annuitants can commute to a cash lump sum.
Court resolves key costs questions in Cadac Pension Fund case
The High Court overturns an earlier disallowance of the curator’s costs and reaffirms that former trustees remain personally liable for curatorship and inspection expenses.
