Catch-up on September's best-read insights

Welcome to Citywire South Africa's LinkedIn newsletter, sharing the previous month's top content.

As we welcomed the start of Spring, we launched the second annual Top 50 independent financial advisers (IFAs) publication, which lists exceptional local advisers who are shaping the profession. The report proved to be top-read among our audience for September. Other sought-after articles focused on company appointments and leadership changes, strategic expansion and innovation in asset management, regulatory and financial planning trends, and more.

These were our top-read articles for the month. Click on the links to read more:

1. The Top 50 IFA report

Find out who features in this year’s showcase of SA’s leading independent #financialadvisers, among whom #transformation and mentorship emerged as standout themes.

2. Hollard’s ‘outsourced CIO’ unit eyes R20bn in business after first DFM win

Hollard Investments aims to tackle underserved markets that it believes traditional players have overlooked, says Conlias Mancuveni, FRM, MBA .

3. How Old Mutual’s R44bn fund takes advantage of a CIA tool and alternative data

James Murray of Jupiter Asset Management , which runs the fund for Old Mutual , says using alternative data can enhance return consistency and expand the fund’s investment signals to gain an information edge.

4. Sanlam’s strong inflows underpinned by adviser integration and platform strategy

Sanlam CEO Paul Hanratty confirms that subsidiary Graviton has made a play for #DFM Portfolio Analytics (PTY) Ltd .

5. Ninety One appoints new client director and head of corporate business

Debra Slabber, CFA will join Ninety One from Morningstar , while Quaniet Richards will transfer from Nedgroup Investments .

6. M&G Investments launches 13 hard currency offshore funds for SA investors

M&G Investments Southern Africa 's funds, approved under Section 65 in June, give South African #investors direct access to #offshore assets without having to use feeder structures.

7. Cofi bill to rewrite FSP licensing and legacy rules

SA’s Conduct of Financial Institutions bill is set to overhaul the country’s regulatory framework, forcing #financialadvisers and providers to relicense and consign decades-old laws to history.

8. Trends reshaping retirement planning in SA

PPS Investments experts Hugo. Malherbe , Raziq Christians and David Crosoer share how members’ expectations and needs are evolving and how planning is having to pivot in response.

9. Sizwe Hosmed placed in provisional curatorship, after solvency plunged

Sizwe Hosmed Medical Scheme ’s provisional curator has assured members that their benefits continue and asked brokers to leave members be for now.

10. Granate appoints Gus Robertson to client team

Gus Robertson joins Granate Asset Management from Coronation Fund Managers .