R35bn withdrawn as SARS reports unprecedented two-pot system activity
Some 20% of applications for tax directives were rejected.
#retirementfunds
GEPF receives R10.6bn in two-pot withdrawal applications
More than 361 000 members of the GEPF have accessed their savings under the two-pot system, averaging R27 500 per claim.
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.
Is the FSCA preparing for auto-enrolment to expand retirement coverage?
After years of stalled progress, the FSCA’s recent comments suggest National Treasury may renew its push for auto-enrolment.
How the COFI Bill will affect the retirement industry
The ‘imminent’ COFI Bill will introduce the licensing of retirement funds (including public sector funds), stricter board member standards, and enhanced oversight of contributing employers.
When retirement dreams clash with reality: the case for early benefit counselling
Earlier counselling can help members to make more sustainable financial choices, allowing them to embrace retirement with less stress and greater financial integrity.
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.
FSCA announces proposed levy increase for 2025/26
The increase is below the 6% CPI-related increase permitted by the Levies Act.
Old Mutual pays out R2.3bn in over 200 000 two-pot withdrawal claims
Financial advisers warn that even small withdrawals can significantly erode retirement income over time.
Treasury accepts most of the industry’s two-pot proposed amendments
Among other things, the revised Amendment Bill will clarify how funds should calculate seeding when provident fund members choose to join the system.
Building South Africa’s future: can infrastructure investment overcome regulatory hurdles?
Mika Adsetts, global chief investment officer of Momentum Multi-management, says that while PPPs are crucial for advancing infrastructure goals, an array of investments is key to scaling these projects.
Alarm bells ring as Sanlam reports high withdrawal claims among vulnerable members
In September, Sanlam received more than 83 000 withdrawal claims, with most coming from members aged 35 to 44, many of whom had a replacement ratio below 50%.
Two-pot withdrawals: taxpayers who understate their income face penalties
SARS has processed more than 1.2 million tax directives for savings component withdrawals, paying out R21.4 billion to fund members.
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.
FSCA to act against trustees who haven’t completed Training Toolkit
The Authority has issued a request for up-to-date information on trustees so it can check whether they are compliant.
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.
Retirement funds are the new ‘must-have’ – thanks to the two-pot system
The system is driving a shift in how members engage with their retirement funds. Members are monitoring their savings and reacting to market fluctuations, says Old Mutual.
