Arrears in local government sector reach alarming levels
58% of South Africa’s municipalities – 149 out of 257 – are behind on their retirement fund contributions, highlighting a growing issue in local government finances.
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Data reveals trends in members’ two-pot withdrawals
FSCA plans to issue guidance on what it considers to be a fair and transparent approach to transaction fees.
Unpaid contributions: FSCA prepares to hold non-compliant employers accountable
With over R5.2 billion in unpaid retirement fund contributions and municipalities among the worst offenders, the FSCA is poised to gain expanded powers under the COFI Bill.
R35bn withdrawn as SARS reports unprecedented two-pot system activity
Some 20% of applications for tax directives were rejected.
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.
Old Mutual reports double-digit growth in gross flows
The group’s latest trading update discloses a 19% surge in gross flows and a rebound in net client cash flows.
Is the two-pot retirement system safe from rising cyber threats?
Biometric expert Murray Collyer explains how the latest technological advancements can prevent fraud and protect your retirement savings in a rapidly evolving digital world.
Pension Funds Act amendments spark uncertainty over divorce and maintenance deductions
There is a legal grey area over the calculation of pension interest in divorce settlements and whether funds may now be permitted to make deductions for future maintenance orders.
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.
SARS will tighten the compliance screws to hit R1.84 trillion tax target
The MTBPS shows tax revenue will be below the Budget estimates, but SARS is adamant it will do everything in its power to collect as much money as it can.
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.
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.
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.
