Family business investment – opportunities for Africa
Africa presents a compelling – albeit complex – investment landscape. While challenges such as political instability, currency volatility, and limited liquidity persist, significant opportunities counterbalance them. These growth options stem from powerful demographic shifts, digital transformation, and burgeoning intra-continental trade.
Saving your savings – an introduction to the MPC
The repo rate, inflation and the Reserve Bank’s decisions all play a role in shaping our finances, from savings and loans to monthly payments. Understanding how these factors influence our financial well-being can help us make informed decisions and prepare for economic changes.
Soaring civil unrest and protest activity concerns businesses
Businesses have ranked political risks and violence as a top 10 global risk for the past three years, according to our Risk Barometer 2025. This demonstrates that soaring civil unrest and protest activity has become a key concern for companies of all sizes.
Major banks analysis – resilient performance amid challenges
South Africa’s major banks maintained steady growth in 2024 despite a challenging operating climate and macroeconomic uncertainties. Combined headline earnings grew by 5.9%, reaching R119 billion. This surpassed FY23 results. The combined ROE stood at 17.5% (FY23: 17.6%). The net interest margin was 451 bps (FY23: 459 bps). The credit loss ratio improved to 89 bps (FY23: 102 bps).
Water impact on farming – navigating climate risks
The agriculture sector is integral to the South African economy. It contributes around R400 billion to GDP each year. Additionally, it supports approximately 870,000 jobs across the country. The sector also generates USD13 billion in export revenue annually. Moreover, it plays a critical role in supporting South Africa’s food security.
AI-driven financial inclusion – transforming Kenya’s banking sector
In Kenya's competitive banking and finance sector, converting customer interactions into successful transactions is critical. Financial institutions aim to distinguish themselves through this strategy. With the country’s rapidly expanding mobile penetration, there is a need for innovative communication strategies.
Transaction insurance claims – key trends and insights
Our 5th Global Transaction Solutions Claims Study uncovers emerging trends in insurance claims. The report focuses on Representation and Warranties (R&W), Warranty and Indemnity (W&I) and tax insurance. The study examines claim size, frequency and severity in North America (NA), Europe (including the UK), the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Asia and Pacific (APAC).
Blurred lines – [un]natural disasters and insurance risk
Extreme weather events - floods, droughts, typhoons and wildfires - and their frequency - are getting worse. In the past, these disasters were considered unpredictable, inalterable natural events. Today, extreme weather events are largely accepted as inevitable, and their severity and frequency influenced, if not caused, by human activity.
Public liability insurance is not a free pass for careless behaviour
Recently, the Johannesburg High Court dismissed a personal injury case against an institution. The court found no evidence of negligence or wrongdoing on its part. In recent years, South Africa has witnessed a growing trend of litigation.
Mining liability insurance – what’s at risk?
The mining industry faces a precarious balancing act. Mining companies must balance economic growth and environmental responsibility. The industry supplies critical minerals for renewable energy and climate technologies. However, increased mining activity significantly harms the environment.
