The week of the Sanlam Benchmark conference is a useful time to reflect on whether the retirement fund industry is doing its job. Of course, whatever progress it makes in reducing costs — by bringing in cheap index funds, for example — the number one, two and three problem is insufficient savings.

At least it is a more manageable industry. Sanlam marketing actuary Viresh Maharaj (though I believe he has a less ridiculous title these days) says there were 13,000 funds in 2005 and 1,500 funds in 2019. And there are also 350 funds that are in the process of transferring into umbrella funds or merging...

Subscribe now to unlock this article.

Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).

There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.

Cancel anytime.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.