Standard Bank delivered R45 billion in headline earnings with an 18.5% return on equity, driven by balance sheet growth and strong insurance and asset management performance. CEO Sim Tshabalala highlights digital transformation, regional expansion, and strategic priorities for sustained African market growth.

Nazrien Kader of Old Mutual unpacks the 2025 Budget, highlighting VAT increases, tax adjustments, and new incentives. While corporate tax remains at 27%, individual taxpayers face bracket creep and no inflationary relief, contributing to a R19.5 billion real tax increase.

Ashley Wassall of Schroders explores the unique cashflow and return profiles of private market funds, explaining key concepts like the J-Curve, TVPI, IRR, and NAV. Learn how these metrics impact investment performance and why private and public markets differ in returns.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced a staggered VAT increase to 16% by 2026/27. Experts from Webber Wentzel explore its legislative challenges, business implications, and tax recovery measures, while also highlighting new zero-rated items aimed at easing the burden on low-income households.

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced a VAT increase to 16% by 2026/27, generating R42.5 billion in additional revenue. Momentum’s JJ van Wyk views the Budget as responsible, emphasising the importance of smart savings strategies amid tax adjustments and infrastructure investments.

Forecasting economic and market variables is inherently difficult, with research suggesting that only 23% of professional forecasts prove accurate. Add in US policy uncertainty - President Trump signed a flurry of executive orders on his first day in office - and the outlook for the global economy is even more challenging to predict than usual.