The following statement was issued by the Institute of Race Relations today. The stimulus package announced by the government today does not address the deeper reasons for South Africa’s economic malaise and will fail in positioning the country as a competitive emerging market. The IRR has shown that emerging markets are set to achieve rates […]
These businesses are becoming near-global monopolies
There is a very good reason why seven of the top-ten biggest companies in the world are tech companies (Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Google, Alibaba, Tencent and Facebook). And the reality is that they must form part of a global investment portfolio if investors want market-competitive returns over a reasonable investment horizon. (more…)
5 Reasons to Love ChatBanking on WhatsApp
By Suzanne Patterson, Senior Digital Product Owner (Retail & Business Banking), Absa Group Limited. How many times do you check your phone every day? Probably a good few. And if you’re like most other people with a smartphone in South Africa – or anywhere in the world, actually – chances are that it doesn’t end […]
The difference between carrier cargo liability and first party cover
Recently a marine insurer paid a heavy penalty after it was identified that they were breaking the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS) & Short-Term Insurance Act (STIA) regulations. The main issues were that the carrier/third party sold insurance to the cargo owners, and the policy was issued in the name of the carrier on […]
Interest rates remain unchanged
Luigi Marinus, Portfolio Manager at PPS Investments. The South African Reserve Bank governor announced the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) decision to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.5%. Two factors that lead to this decision were the MPC forecasting inflation to peak at 5.9% – which is below the top of the target band – […]
Efficiency key to overcoming tough economic conditions, says FNB
Following the South African Reserve Bank’s decision earlier today to keep interest rates at their previous level, FNB will maintain its prime lending rate at 10% and review its position following the next SARB MPC meeting in November. (more…)
The Challenge Culture – Why the Most Successful Organizations Run on Pushback By Nigel Travis
Challenge is essential for survival and sustained success in today’s volatile world. (more…)
Sanlam to acquire a stake in listed real estate specialist Catalyst Fund Managers
Sanlam Investment Holdings (SIH), a wholly owned subsidiary of Sanlam Limited, has entered into agreements to acquire an approximate 69% stake in Catalyst Fund Managers (CFM), a specialist in managing listed real estate investments both in South Africa and globally for retail and institutional investors. (more…)
The biggest loser in insurance fraud is our struggling economy
By Johan Welthagen, Head of Claims Support at Old Mutual Insure. Pulling off insurance fraud is harder than you may think, because of the sheer number of people standing between you and your payout. Sadly, claimants who attempt to defraud their insurance company not only put themselves in danger of criminal prosecution, they are also […]
Give children the best possible critical illness cover
By George Kolbe, Head of Marketing for Life Insurance, Momentum. When children are in desperate need of help because of a critical illness, parents will do everything in their power to source the best possible care for their children and cancer is no exception. Although cancer in children and teenagers are rare, statistics indicate that […]
Why Won’t you get a Will?
By Remay de Kock, Legal Adviser at BDO Wealth Advisers. During the past few years I have spent many hours convincing clients on the importance of a Will. Although my clients are my main concern, I spent many an hour inside my organisation to ensure that my colleagues also realise the importance thereof. But, I […]
