Dear reader
I
f anyone thought 2017 would be a less
disruptive year than 2016, they would
probably have given up by now. If the
financial markets’ performance during
the first quarter is anything to go by, then
we’re once again in for some uncertain
times. This is not good news, to say the
least.
And good news is what the employee
benefits industry needs to thrive. Good
news that creates economic growth and
more jobs. Good news that ensures stable
investment markets and real investment
returns. And good news that retirement
fund members are being looked after much
better than ever before.
In this regard we as an industry have
a collective role. We can’t control the
direction of financial markets but we can
certainly ensure retirement fund members
always get the best deal possible.
At Sanlam this is something that’s very
close to our hearts. After all, the success
of the retirement system is a function of
the success at member level. And this is
why we welcome the draft retirement fund
default regulations put forward by National
Treasury at the end of last year. We believe
that once implemented, these regulations
will go a long way to ensure a smooth path
for many members from their first pay
cheque until the end of their retirement.
In the same vein, this first edition of
Insight for 2017 focuses on topical issues
that are pertinent to ensuring the best
possible outcomes for members.
I trust that it will inspire you.
Kind regards
Dawie de Villiers,
CEO: Sanlam
Employee Benefits
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