FedGroup
A call for public-private partnerships from a govt that refuses to change
As an investment firm in the private sector, it has always been Fedgroup’s obligation to keep an eye on the general economy, but the budget speech didn’t change the company's viewpoint.
True value of agility in the land of the giants
One of the biggest challenges large companies face is that of synergy: different managers and directors are usually only in charge of their specific areas, and communication between divisions is usually stilted.
Public-private partnerships can place SA back on track
Strong public-private sector partnerships and an understanding of government’s role versus the private sector’s role are imperative, says Fedgroup.
How COVID-19 could impact your provident fund
The rules of a provident fund also provide for a period of absence, such that no or reduced contributions are payable when employees are absent from work.
Updating your beneficiaries: important in uncertain times
Keeping your beneficiaries updated is one of the most important things you can do for your loved ones, says Fedgroup Life.
R50m paid to Fedgroup beneficiaries during first months of lockdown
April and May saw at-home employees handle a combined 100 calls per day and effect almost 30 000 payments.
Commercial property: a long recovery, but opportunities for some
Convenience retail is the new golden opportunity, where people can go in and out with less human interaction and crowding.
Unclaimed benefits: Never forget whose money it really is
An unclaimed benefit arises when a person is due a retirement benefit, but cannot be located, says Fedgroup.
Explaining how your pension funds are distributed after your death
Section 37C of the Pension Funds Act puts the ultimate decision-making responsibility in trustees' hands, says Fedgroup.
There are property opportunities for entrepreneurs in a slow economy
By adopting an innovative approach to owning their own premises, entrepreneurs may unlock the value that makes the difference to their businesses' success.
Do I need a financial advisor?
Whatever the investment choice, it is the job of the financial advisor to break it down and explain it in plain language.
Run your personal finances like a business
One of the most important business principles that one can apply to personal finance is to keep an eye on cash flow.
The benefit of unpacking your payslip
Understanding your payslip is an important step towards financial literacy and financial freedom, says Fedgroup Life.
Investment tax breaks to consider
Structure your portfolio by taking advantage of current legislation and including a mix of tax-free products, tax-structured offerings and endowments.
Fedgroup's Beneficiary Care funds
With Beneficiary Care, Fedgroup has created specialised processes and administrative structures that provide close to real-time information for decision-makers.
The Field guide to business success
Fedgroup founder John Field attributes his financial services company's success to an IT system that incorporates new investment solutions and sustainable agricultural initiatives.
Fedgroup pioneers Impact Farming in SA
With projected returns of between 10% and 16%, Impact Farming offers more than just the chance to do good.
Fedgroup signs Green Bond Pledge
In a move to help advance green infrastructure development in South Africa, Fedgroup has become a signatory to the international Green Bond Pledge.
Industry standard to usher in fee transparency
The Retirement Savings Cost Disclosure Standard is designed to encourage financial service providers to give clients a clearer picture of their fee structures.
Fedgroup driving industry reform in unclaimed benefits sector
The company was awarded a tender issued by ARGEN Actuarial Solutions to administer four liquidated unclaimed funds, totalling R180 million.
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It's about more than performance: how to evaluate an alternative fund
It's about more than performance, says Fedgroup's Sheldon Friedericksen.
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The cents and sensibility of settlement trusts
It is rare that pay-outs to road accident victims sustain them throughout life. A settlement trust could change that reality, says Fedgroup.
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Paying valid claims does not make you special
While many insurers pay out valid claims on the face of it, it often only happens after they go to great lengths to invalidate these claims, says Fedgroup Life.
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Diversifying your portfolio requires more than just adhering to Regulation 28
Don't fall into the trap of thinking that you are sufficiently diversifying your portfolio by merely adhering to Regulation 28, says FedGroup Financial Services.
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Fedgroup's awards achievement shows bigger is not necessarily better
Fedgroup's wins at the PMR.africa Awards indicate that independence, agility and innovation result in excellence.
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Investing in cryptocurrencies
From an institutional investor perspective, it is too early to include cryptocurrencies as a dominant asset class in a portfolio, says FedGroup.
FedGroup acquires controlling stake in Emergent Energy
The acquisition aims to vertically integrate FedGroup's pioneering?Direct Ownership?investment platform into the solar energy generation sector.
FedGroup extends investment opportunity following repo cut
The company will delay adjusting its fixed rate until 14 August 2017.
Look ma: no hands
Driverless transport should reduce both short-term insurance claims and accident-related life insurance claims as most accidents are due to driver error, says FedGroup.
How will the Internet of Things affect your world?
The Internet of things is set to revolutionise every sphere of life, including the insurance and financial advisory sectors, says FedGroup Financial Services.
HR: Are one-size-fits-all employee benefit models relevant?
An appropriately structured solution that offers the right combination of options to offer a degree of appropriate choice, is better, says FedGroup Financial Services.
Navigating death benefit distribution
The IRFA will this year host a series of workshops presented by FedGroup that aim to assist in navigating fair, equitable death benefit distribution.
Retirement savings: can they benefit your dependents?
It is important to understand Beneficiary Funds and the benefits and advantages they offer to surviving family members and dependants, says FedGroup Financial Services.
Investing in your 20s
The power of compound interest means a little saved over a long time can deliver big returns, says?FedGroup Life.
From strength to strength: FedGroup awarded for excellence
The company won a PMR.africa Excellence Award in the Group Life/Risk category for the fourth consecutive year.
Fintech: Disintermediating the industry
Consumer and business transactional banking can now be done anywhere at any time, says FedGroup.
Employee benefits: a powerful business differentiator
Offering benefits that include medical aid and wellness schemes, retirement annuities and more is a powerful tool to attract and retain key employees.
Technology's hand in reshaping insurance
Data can now be integrated and easily accessed through wearable devices and smartphone technology, says FedGroup.
FedGroup harnesses tech innovation for wealth creation
Unlike traditional wealth creation approaches, where money is invested, its direct ownership network involves the ownership of a physical asset to generate income.
Throwing good money after bad
The sunk cost fallacy is the reason investors often choose to stay in a fund that is underperforming, despite clear grounds why they should move on, says FedGroup.
Countering temporal discounting
Temporal discounting refers to the tendency of people to discount the value of rewards they will receive in the distant future, says FedGroup.
Narrowing the intention-behaviour gap
Behavioural economics helps to explain why most people tend to under-save for their retirement, says FedGroup.
The importance of setting up a will
FedGroup looks at the benefits of having a will and what should be considered before drawing one up.
Group risk: bringing the SME into the fold
Advances in internet-based technology, continued industry innovation and the rise of outsourcing have all made employee benefit schemes a viable option for SMEs,?says FedGroup.
FedGroup launches bespoke Settlement Trust offering
The FedGroup Settlement Trust will bridge the gap between the issuing of a court order and when a claimant or beneficiaries receive the lump sum payout.
Covering the SME for risk
The rise of umbrella funds, by Walter van der Merwe, CEO of FedGroup Life.
Tax breaks on death benefits aid beneficiaries
These funds provide better protection to benefits than trusts, as the legislation governing it has stricter controls and enforcement, says FedGroup.?
Beneficiary Funds 101
Beneficiary Funds are one of the most cost-effective funds available and offer institutional investment returns, says FedGroup.?
Delivering value: Importance of fee interrogation when selecting beneficiary fund providers
The main goal of a beneficiary fund should be capital preservation - and costs and fees are the greatest threat to this, says FedGroup.
Growing personal wealth for a comfortable retirement
Retirement savings should be considered long-term investments, where a client's assets must match their liabilities, says FedGroup Life.?
Tax breaks on death benefits aid beneficiaries
Beneficiary funds are now able to receive unapproved benefits, says?Jeanetta Hendricks, business development manager, FedGroup.
Delivering value: Importance of fee interrogation when selecting beneficiary fund providers
The beneficiary fund fulfils the role of a pension fund for minors, so this money must be invested with the best interests of the child in mind, says FedGroup.
SME? Are umbrella funds right for you?
For smaller companies, which don't have the same employee volumes, umbrella funds are often a better option, says FedGroup Life.
Are trusts still a relevant estate planning tool?
Despite legislative measures proposed to address the improper use of trusts, they are still recognised for many benefits, says FedGroup.
An introduction to beneficiary funds
No tax is paid in the beneficiary fund, and any payment made out of these funds to beneficiaries is also tax free, as are investment returns, says FedGroup.
Narrowing the intention-behaviour gap
Commitment devices need to have two basic features to be successful, says Michael Field, Product Development Manager at FedGroup.?
Investing towards a goal
The returns achieved on a performance-based framework don't always meet the needs of investors in retirement, says FedGroup.
What happens to unclaimed benefits in SA?
Use technology to ease the administrative burden to insurers, says Walter van der Merwe, CEO of FedGroup Life.
Old and impoverished: Addressing investment attitudes to ensure secure retirement
There are key areas in which government and the financial services industry can encourage retirement industry reform, says FedGroup Life.
Your children's future: who will be there if you're not?
Insurers have recognised the importance of education and its role in transforming SA, says FedGroup Financial Services.
Saving is not possible for most South Africans
The state must prompt savings by removing the need for a tax number for unit trusts or proof of address for bank deposits below a certain level, says FedGroup.
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Employee benefits and bottom lines
Numerous organisations cut employee benefits, not realising they are an essential tool for attracting and retaining the best staff, says Fedgroup?Life.
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Retirement products: are you being ripped off?
Entrust your savings to a company that practices consistent asset management and is transparent about your money, advises?FedGroup.
Compound interest will get you out, keep you out of debt
Instead of spending money on compound interest by incurring debt, use that interest to keep you debt free, says FedGroup.
FedGroup recommends abolition of member investment choice for retirement savings
A competitor survey validates FedGroup's longstanding refusal to allow retirement savings fund members to choose their own assets.
Commoditisation of group risk benefits does brokers, the customer, and the industry no favours
Brokers and employers should be wary of the commoditisation of group risk benefits related to retirement savings, says FedGroup Life.
FedGroup focuses on bigger returns, lower fees in revamped retirement product
The company focuses on bigger returns, lower fees in revamped retirement product.
Beneficiary funds: A unique South African phenomenon
A study by the Financial Services Board reveals the low levels of financial literacy prevalent in South Africa.
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Rate of change: considering investment options
Be sure to account for the full term of an investment ahead of the upcoming MPC rate announcement, says FedGroup.
FedGroup recommends abolition of member investment choice for retirement savings
The independent life insurance provider, believes the practice should be discontinued in the best interests of the public.
FedGroup learnership programme kickstarts career
Brinny Mphogo, the inspiration for FedGroup's Iteke Learnership Programme, begins the next chapter in his career.
The African Bank crisis should make investors ask more pressing questions
The African Bank crisis should make investors ask more pressing questions.
It is time for a review of costs associated with managing retirement funds
Boost household savings for retirement by increasing the net retirement investment, thereby reducing the associated costs, says FedGroup Life.
FedGroup receives industry accolade
The independent financial services group received a Bronze Arrow award at the PMR.africa awards ceremony.
What organisations should know about funeral insurance policies
Group policy premiums are often subsidised by employers, which lowers overall cost and forms part of a broader employee benefit scheme, says?FedGroup Financial Services.
By conferring self-sufficiency for life, education is an investment that mitigates economic uncertainty
By conferring self-sufficiency for life, education is an investment that mitigates economic uncertainty.
Government needs to show solid support for development of a South African savings culture
Government should encourage savings by eliminating the need for a tax number or proof of residential address for deposits below a certain level, says?FedGroup.
Solid foundation in education can break the poverty cycle
It is critical that investments are made with institutions that safeguard and grow the funds, but also consider the minor's future, says FedGroup.
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FedGroup Itec sets benchmark for South African mountain biking
The South African mountain biking team aims to defend old titles and snatch new ones through continued sponsorship by FedGroup.
FedGroup Iteke learnership programme to create role models out of beneficiaries
Applications are open until end-October, and the programme will start in January.
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Part bond industry - what's next?
FedGroup considers the way forward for the industry after Absa Participation Bonds announced its decision to terminate its scheme.
FedGroupItec cycles their way to top honours at Mzansi Tour
The team won the Team Classification, placed fourth and seventh on the General Classification, and second in the King of the Mountain.
#Tar4dirt, Team FedGroupItec set to tackle Mzansi Tour
Brandon Stewart, Neil MacDonald, Kevin Evans and Brad Stroberg will team up with former professional tour rider Ian Mcleod and Tour de France rider John-Lee Augustyn for the five-day stage race.
Simpler, cheaper offering for beneficiary fund industry
FedGroup Financial Services has refined its existing Beneficiary Care offering from three products to two.
FedGroup's Berg & Bush Nelson Mandela initiative in full swing
Proceeds from the 115km mountain biking event will be used to purchase stationery for underprivileged children.
FedGroup celebrates Mandela Day with exciting initiative
The FedGroup family is calling on enthusiastic mountain bikers to join its initiative.
Second half of race season brings about change in FedGroup-Itec Connect Team dynamics
Jacques Rossouw will no longer ride as part of the team, which will get two new riders.
FedGroup brings its enchanted land back to the 2012 FPI Convention
The group sets up an enchanted land at the convention, complete with a wishing well and FedGroup-branded coins.
FedGroup's yellow apples make a difference
As part of a team-building event, FedGroup painted jungle gyms and organised toy libraries for the orphanage.
FedGroup's annual launch reveals refined product offering
The financial services group kicks off its annual product road show, showcasing the new FedGroup Property Portfolio.
FedGroup attends cheque handover at SOS Children's Village
The company, along with other financial institutions, contributed towards a R450 000 donation to the organisation.
FedGroup drives back-to-school-themed initiative
For each new Twitter follower, FedGroup will donate R10 to the FedGroup Education Trust Fund.
FedGroup launches professional Mountain Bike Team
The FedGroup Berg & Bush Mountain Bike stage one was celebrated with the FedGroup-Itec Connect team launch.
The value in umbrella funds
The responsibility for establishing a retirement fund vests with both the employer and the employee.
NSSS - What is the road ahead?
With the move towards Nationalisation within the Government Savings Scheme imminent, industry players are still questioning the implementation thereof.
Safeguarding the minor beneficiary amidst sophisticated technological advances
Sophisticated technological advances are urging on the evolution of the administration process within the retirement fund landscape.
Retirement savings: The actions of a few...
To assert that the life industry is devoid of scandal is to ignore the growing list of media articles exposing instances in which the retirement savings of ordinary, hard-working South Africans have been 'lost' by those who have been entrusted to protect their interests.