Tag: WealthManagement

Death has no diary. It does not wait for neat files, updated passwords, or family harmony. It arrives when it arrives. And when it does, the executor steps in. In theory, it is a straightforward appointment. In practice, it is anything but. I have seen firsthand how often people underestimate this role. Appointing an executor is not a box-ticking exercise. It is one of the most important decisions in an estate plan. Yet it remains one of the least interrogated.

A sudden medical emergency nearly cost my life. However, thanks to prudent financial planning, hospital bills became the least of my worries. I used to think I had time and health on my side. I trained hard, stayed active and monitored my health closely. By most measures, I was doing what people are supposed to do. Then, one evening in November 2022, after a completely ordinary day, my body gave way without warning.

Most parents assume that leaving money to their children is enough to secure their future. However, how an inheritance is structured matters just as much as what is left behind. Without careful planning, children can become financially vulnerable. This vulnerability often stems from how assets are managed after a parent’s death, rather than from a lack of assets.

The amount South African residents can send offshore without South African Revenue Service (SARS) clearance has remained unchanged since 2011. However, that is about to change. On 25 February, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that the Single Discretionary Allowance (SDA) will increase from R1 million to R2 million per person each calendar year.

From ceasefires to blockades, the world continues to feel increasingly unpredictable. Headlines remain dominated by conflict in the Middle East, rising geopolitical tension and markets reacting in real time. When the world feels uncertain, people naturally ask one question: Should I stay, or should I go?

Our philosophy has not changed; the environment in which we execute it has. For over two decades, our investment philosophy has been grounded in a simple principle. High-quality companies that can reliably grow dividends tend to deliver more predictable long-term outcomes. This principle remains the foundation of how we invest. However, the environment in which we apply this philosophy has changed.

On 6 January 2026, the Pretoria High Court delivered judgment in a case concerning an insurance living annuity. The matter involved competing beneficiary nominations made shortly before the deceased’s death. Importantly, it highlights the risks associated with beneficiary disputes in living annuities.

Despite the private capital industry’s proven track record, many investors still view Private Equity (PE) and Venture Capital (VC) as inherently risky investments. However, this perception does not fully reflect how private capital markets actually function. This conversation around risk in private capital markets is long overdue for reframing. Risk in private capital markets differs fundamentally from that experienced in public markets.

Understanding the difference between financial advice and holistic wealth guidance is essential for anyone planning their long-term financial future. The discussion in the video explores a common misconception in the financial services industry: many people assume that a professional managing their investments automatically provides comprehensive wealth advice. However, the conversation highlights that this is not always the case.

Over the course of my career - as a gold and bond trader, a portfolio manager running large global multi-asset and solutions portfolios - I’ve often been asked: What lessons have you learned?