South Africa’s retirement system has assets, but not enough reach
According to the 2026 Marsh CFA Institute Global Pension Index, South Africa ranks 51st out of 55 retirement systems.
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Fewer workers, longer retirements: the demographic squeeze on pension systems
The number of potential workers for every older person in more developed regions is projected to fall from 4.3 to 2.7 over the next 30 years.
Two-pot system ‘softens the damage’ of annual withdrawals
Even after fully depleting the savings component each year, a hypothetical member fares better in Alexforbes’ model than under its previous-system scenario.
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.
Living annuity inflows hit R104.5bn as assets top R900bn in 2025
ASISA’s member statistics show substantial market growth, while the average drawdown rate remained broadly stable at 6.6%.
Why retirement advice isn’t changing behaviour
Access to education and information has expanded, but the challenge is turning member engagement into better financial decisions and outcomes.
SA’s pension system holds firm on governance, falters on inclusion
The latest Mercer Global Pension Index says governments worldwide are attempting to steer private retirement fund assets into development goals.
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.
Flexible income now, guaranteed income later: Discovery’s answer to longevity risk
Discovery Invest’s new retirement offering combines a living annuity’s market exposure and income flexibility with a lifetime guarantee that kicks in from age 80.
Average living annuity drawdown rate drops below 6% for the first time since 2011
Strong market returns and rising balances have prompted many retirees to reduce withdrawals – a trend ASISA encourages annuitants to maintain.
From the GFC to Trump’s tariffs: what lessons can retirees learn from crises?
An analysis of five retirement investment scenarios highlights how different responses to market crises can affect long-term outcomes.
Two pots: most Alexforbes members who have claimed will do so again
The company says 32% of its membership base have submitted claims with a value of about R6.5 billion.
Average living annuity drawdown rate lowest in five years
The marginal decrease in the average drawdown rate is noteworthy because it occurred in an environment of rising living costs, says ASISA.
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.
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%.
Considering annuity options if inflation surges during retirement
Coronation looks at whether a life or a living annuity is more likely to protect a retiree’s income if we enter a high-inflation environment.
Holistic advice ‘the key factor’ in impact of two pots on clients
Clients whose financial habits have been moulded by sound advice over many years are unlikely to act irresponsibly now, says Fairbairn’s Guy Holwill.
