Planning Topics
The creation of the National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFO) in South Africa was a game-changer for the financial services sector, according to the NFO.It says it brought together the Ombudsman for Banking Services (OBS), the Credit Ombud (CO), the Ombudsman for Long-Term Insurance (OLTI), and the…
For many South Africans, financial planning isn’t just about numbers – it’s about turning ambitions into reality and securing the future. The recent postponement of the National Budget prompted an unprecedented moment of pause in South Africa’s economic engine, giving South African households…
For many South African farmers, a farm is more than an asset – it is a family legacy, a business, and often the entirety of their net worth. However, when it comes to estate planning, one critical factor is often overlooked: liquidity. Without adequate liquid assets, heirs may encounter…
Since the implementation of the new two-pot retirement system on September 1, 2024, South Africans have shown significant interest in accessing their retirement savings through the newly introduced savings pot. Now that we are in the new tax year and members may withdraw from this savings…
Capitec, South Africa’s leading digital bank, has launched a new, simplified fee structure for 2025. The revised fees make banking more affordable and accessible for clients. By reducing costs for key services, Capitec continues its commitment to financial inclusion."By consolidating our fees into…
The South African Collective Investment Schemes (CIS) industry ended 2024 with assets under management totalling R3.87 trillion, reflecting a 10.8% growth from R3.49 trillion in December 2023, according to the Association for Savings and Investment South Africa (Asisa). According to the group…
Have we done enough as a country to be removed from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF’s) greylist? Not yet. So, what has hindered us from fulfilling our promise? In the FATF Mutual Evaluation Report published in October 2021, we were found to lack essential measures to combat money laundering…
There is a quote by Chris Murray. Perception is reality. How someone perceives you is their reality. There are other quotes, too; Tom Cruise stated that perception is not reality. We in South Africa may argue amongst ourselves about the reality of Expropriation without compensation and how it…
The unprecedented postponement of the 2025 Budget Speech has left many people uncertain about South Africa’s financial future.Even though the budget speech was not delivered, speculation on key tax changes nonetheless abounds, including a 2% increase to the VAT rate, and as always,…
South Africans living in the United Kingdom are facing a seismic shift in tax policy, one that could dramatically alter their financial landscapes. The UK’s non-domiciled (non-dom) tax regime has long provided a favourable structure for South Africans abroad, but from April 2025, that is all set to…
When you sign a contract, you explicitly acknowledge that you have read the terms and conditions of the contract and are bound by the obligations the contract places on you. This is the way the law works. It is only in rare circumstances that a court will be sympathetic to the possibility that you…
Car loan surge signals growing consumer confidence in SADespite ongoing financial pressures, South Africans showed signs of renewed optimism in 2024, with vehicle loan applications at Standard Bank Vehicle and Asset Finance (VAF) jumping over 5% compared to the sluggish totals of the past two years…
South Africa’s hedge fund industry wrapped up 2024 on a triumphant note, smashing records with a 34% surge in assets under management and double-digit net inflows for the first time ever.According to the Association for Savings and Investment South Africa (Asisa), the sector’s assets soared to R185…
The Raging Bull Awards recently lit up the investment world, highlighting the best and brightest in the collective investment industry. Attending this remarkable event firsthand was a privilege, as it showcased the exceptional talent and dedication driving the industry forward.The evening’s…
Although retirement marks a significant milestone, achieving a successful and financially secure retirement requires years of meticulous planning. The transition from earning an income to drawing from savings can be daunting, often leading to anxiety and uncertainty. Many retirees second-guess…
Over the four years since the COVID-19 pandemic, the world has had to contend with the biggest-ever rotation in spending between goods and services. This rotation – coupled with record levels of government stimulus – led to some of the tried-and-tested economic measures that analysts usually rely…
Life insurers always aim to pay out income protection, critical illness, and disability claims quickly, but complications and misunderstandings can cause delays – or even mean that claims are declined. And this is the last thing you want when you need financial security the most. …
Periods of market turbulence have long been a test of investor conviction. When uncertainty grips financial markets—driven recently by shifting U.S. administrative policies, fluctuating interest rates, or geopolitical tensions—traditional portfolios often reveal their vulnerabilities. From…
Barely a month into 2025, global financial markets are already a rollercoaster, rocked by shaky economic conditions, Trump-stoked geopolitical tensions, and the Deepseek tech shock.Volatility is the name of the game, leaving even seasoned traders scrambling to keep up. In this unpredictable…
In today’s digital world, the right software is essential for personal use, business operations, and IT management. However, the latest software can be costly, especially for businesses needing multiple seats or professionals requiring advanced tools. Fortunately, Brytesoft, a trusted provider of…