By TINTSWALO BALOYI
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – WHILE South Africans are known to be poor savers, amid estimations only 6 percent can afford to retire comfortably,nonetheless, predominantly Rand-based investments offer no guarantees of a protected future lifestyle.
In addition, foreign exchange control legislation that previously forced citizens to only invest in Rands has largely fallen away leaving investors able to diversify into other markets, currencies and opportunities, and thus to hedge against currency risk and secure more stable retirement funding.
It is against this background Sovereign Trust SA has brought together experts in the field of offshore retirement planning for its fourth annual International Retirement Seminar in Johannebsurg and Cape Town.
The event started in Johannesburg on Tuesday and is slated for Cape Town on Friday.
The event is aimed at financial advisors who counsel clients on international pension planning, and family trust lawyers who advise on international pension structures.
By way of the International Retirement Seminar, Sovereign Trust SA provides a platform for financial advisors to build trusted relationships with industry thought leaders and key influencers in order to better service their clients’ offshore retirement needs.
Coreen van der Merwe, Managing Director of Sovereign Trust SA, said there had been quantum changes in pension legislation in recent years and the seminar will provide up-to-date confirmation of the laws in play, as well as detail how the various available options and products can meet different retirement needs.
“Our speakers have been selected for their ability to provide locally-based advisors and lawyers with correct and current information on offshore pension planning. Attendees will gain face-to-face access to international experts, which is otherwise very expensive to secure,” van der Merwe said.
Among the speakers is Peter Davis, an industry-renowned specialist international pensions technician, and Timothy Mertens, Sovereign Trust SA Chairman.
Jacques Sherman, Arton Capital Africa Managing Director, and Firas Kaysi,Arton Capital Vice-President of Business Development, will also present.
Daniel Silke, Political Economy analyst, renowned keynote speaker and author of ‘Tracking the Future: Top trends that will shape South Africa and the World’ will welcome attendees.
– CAJ News