Rory Kutisker-Jacobson and Varshan Maharaj, co-fund managers of the Allan Gray Frontier Markets Equity Fund, argue that investors may be overpaying for the perceived safety of familiar developed-market assets, while attractive opportunities exist in undervalued frontier and emerging markets where risks are often mispriced relative to potential long-term returns.
Luke Morawitz, Country Manager of Allianz Trade South Africa, says rising geopolitical tensions and higher global cost pressures are increasing insolvency risks for businesses, making cash-flow resilience and stronger credit risk management more important than ever.
Mpumi Tyikwe, CEO of Sasria, says the insurer’s strong financial recovery and capital growth position it to expand its mandate, strengthen resilience, and better address emerging risks such as climate-related events and socio-economic shocks.
Allianz Trade has appointed Luke Morawitz as Country Manager for South Africa, effective 1 February 2026, while he retains his role as Head of Credit. A 14-year veteran of the business, Morawitz succeeds into the leadership role reporting to Luca Burrafato, Head of MMEA.
The Allianz Risk Barometer 2026 highlights cyber incidents as the top global risk for a fifth year, with AI surging to second place amid rapid adoption, while geopolitical tensions, regulation, and business interruption continue reshaping the global risk landscape.
Liberty paid out R12.63 billion in claims during 2025, supporting thousands of South Africans and their families through death, disability, critical illness and income protection benefits, while claims data highlighted the growing financial impact of cancer, cardiovascular disease and long-term disability.
Momentum Life Insurance paid R6.88 billion in claims during 2025, with rising critical illness, disability and income protection claims highlighting growing financial risks for working-age South Africans and the need for comprehensive financial protection.
New data from TransUnion reveals a definitive, structural shift in consumer behaviour. The modest financial recovery we saw at the start of 2026 has officially stalled. Driven by a perfect storm of a 4.0% inflation spike, a crippling R5,452.09 average monthly food basket, and rising fuel costs, South Africans are officially shifting from "cautious optimism" to a defensive "survival mode.
Marzanne Jordaan, Franchise Principal and Financial Adviser at Consult by Momentum, believes that the F.I.R.E (Financial Independence, Retire Early) movement is once again gaining traction in 2026, but in a more contemporary form.
Rory Kutisker-Jacobson and Varshan Maharaj, co-fund managers of the Allan Gray Frontier Markets Equity Fund, argue that investors may be overpaying for the perceived safety of familiar developed-market assets, while attractive opportunities exist in undervalued frontier and emerging markets where risks are often mispriced relative to potential long-term returns.
Mark Phillips, Head of Portfolio Management and Analytics at PPS Investments, says the South African Reserve Bank’s decision to raise interest rates reflects growing concern that the Middle East-driven energy shock, rising fuel costs and drought risks could trigger broader inflation pressures, despite improving domestic fiscal conditions and a resilient rand.
The MICSA26, is bringing together leading voices to unpack what matters most now, including a global and local macro outlook from Nicky Weimar, Chief Economist at Nedbank.
Johan Minnie, CEO of Consult by Momentum, says investors should avoid emotional reactions during periods of market volatility, emphasising that disciplined long-term investing, diversification and staying invested through geopolitical uncertainty remain the most effective strategies for building wealth.
Santam Syndicate 1918 has appointed Sam Geddes as Chief Executive Officer, strengthening its leadership team as it expands its presence at Lloyd’s. With more than 25 years of international insurance market experience, Geddes will lead the next phase of the Syndicate’s growth strategy, supporting Santam Group’s FutureFit 2030 ambitions for international expansion and diversification.
Cleme Smith, Aviation Specialist at Santam Specialist Solutions, says South Africa’s rapidly growing drone sector is increasing demand for specialised insurance that protects both the aircraft and potential third-party liabilities, while emphasising that commercial operators must comply with licensing and regulatory requirements to ensure valid cover.
Sean van Zyl, Certified Financial Planner® at Old Mutual Personal Finance, says seemingly small spending habits such as takeaways, impulse purchases, social spending and buying unnecessary “specials” can quietly undermine long-term savings goals, with financial success depending on recognising these behavioural patterns and making intentional, disciplined spending decisions.
Wynand Van Vuuren from King Price Insurance unpacks reminders to businesses of what to think about when allowing their employees to work remotely, and also reminders for employers when working remotely.
Keagan Sloman, Head of Product and Commercial at The Unlimited, says most rejected motor warranty claims stem from misunderstandings around cover terms, servicing requirements and claims processes, highlighting the importance of clear policy understanding and proactive vehicle maintenance to ensure valid claims are paid.
Jay Malatji, Provincial General Manager at Metropolitan, warns consumers against allowing insurance policies to lapse during financial hardship, urging them instead to explore options such as reduced cover, payment deferrals, premium skips or paid-up policies to avoid losing vital financial protection and restarting waiting periods.
The African Insurance Awards (AIA) 2026 will take place on 7 June 2026 in Cairo, celebrating excellence and innovation across the industry. Nominations are open until 13 April 2026 across categories including CEO, Insurance Company, Innovation, and InsurTech of the Year.
Alex Thomson, co-founder of Naked Insurance, says Naked’s launch of a native ChatGPT app capable of generating binding car insurance quotes signals a future where AI assistants will increasingly help consumers compare, manage and personalise financial services on their behalf.
Andrew Russell, Group CEO & Managing Director of Iress, says the partnership with Thoughtworks will accelerate platform modernisation and AI integration, helping wealth management clients improve efficiency, innovation and data-driven advice capabilities in increasingly complex markets.
Webber Wentzel partners, say South Africa’s Draft National AI Policy marks a major shift toward formal AI regulation, urging organisations to strengthen governance, engage in public consultation, and prepare for a multi-regulatory, sector-specific compliance environment.
Lumetrade by Lumepay introduces institutional-grade digital asset infrastructure in Africa, enabling faster, transparent, and compliant cross-border transactions, addressing costly inefficiencies in traditional banking systems and positioning digital assets as a viable rail for value transfer across the continent.
Personalisation is evolving but remains underutilised. Andrew Solomon, Client Strategy Director at Achievement Awards Group, explores its challenges—data complexity, AI integration, and resource constraints. Despite these hurdles, businesses can start small, refine strategies, and gradually enhance customer engagement through tailored experiences.
Complaints are an inevitable aspect of running a business. Handling these customer grievances effectively is crucial, not only for maintaining a good relationship with the complaining customer but also for safeguarding your business’s reputation - especially in an era where social media can amplify an individual’s voice
Janeesha Ragubeer, Area Manager at Business Partners Limited, foresees a promising season ahead for South African small businesses, offering her insights on three actionable strategies to help them flourish this spring.
