Umbrella funds continue to grow in popularity across South Africa's retirement landscape – offering cost efficiencies and simplified administration for employers. But does consolidation come at the expense of oversight?

In this episode of The Guardians, we unpack the benefits, risks and governance realities of umbrella fund structures. We explore why umbrella arrangements can reduce administrative burden, why member representation remains critical and why strong, independent oversight is just as essential in pooled structures as it is in standalone funds.

Governance is never "one size fits all." The question isn't whether umbrella funds work – it's whether they are governed well.

For more insights on independent governance and retirement fund oversight, visit:
🌐 www.independenttrusteeservices.co.za

Every new year brings another opportunity to strengthen fund governance.

In this episode of The Guardians, Pieter Cronjé (ITS Senior Consultant) sits down with Elizabeth Randles (Principal Officer, Independent Trustee Services) to discuss how trustees and employers can set meaningful governance resolutions that drive real accountability throughout the year.

Together, they talk us through:
• The most common governance blind spots uncovered in 2024
• How to build independence and compliance into everyday decision-making
• Practical steps to turn lessons into leadership

🎧 The Guardians – Conversations on Protecting South Africa's Retirement Future is a podcast by Independent Trustee Services, showcasing insights and expertise from the people shaping the country's retirement landscape.

Listen now and start the year with stronger governance.

🌐 www.independenttrusteeservices.co.za

In this episode of The Guardians, host Lungile Sebotsane is joined by Henry Dul, CEO of Independent Trustee Services, for a focused conversation on why independence is the cornerstone of trustworthy retirement fund governance.

Drawing on decades of experience in financial services and fund oversight, Henry unpacks how conflicts of interest arise, why they often go unnoticed, and the very real risks they pose to members' savings. The discussion explores what true independence looks like in practice – from trustee appointments and service provider oversight to governance structures that prioritise accountability over convenience.

This episode is essential listening for trustees, principal officers, HR and finance leaders who want to strengthen governance, rebuild trust, and protect members' futures through independent decision-making.

🔗 For more insights on independent governance, visit www.independenttrusteeservices.co.za