DFM value has moved beyond portfolios

Why asset allocation still trumps market noise

In the latest DFM Discussion episode of Money, Markets and Masterminds, Citywire South Africa editor Ruan Jooste sits down with George Dell, executive director at MitonOptimal South Africa and chair of the FIA’s Discretionary Investments Committee, and Jacques de Kock, head of portfolio management at MitonOptimal South Africa. The trio unpack the challenges facing advisers and investors in an increasingly uncertain world, from market concentration and offshore opportunities to crypto, artificial intelligence and the evolution of the DFM industry. Despite the noise, De Kock argues that asset allocation remains the single biggest driver of long-term returns.

FSCA warns crypto licence is not a stamp of approval

In the latest episode of Regulatory Rulebook, part of Citywire South Africa Money, Markets and Masterminds podcast series, Diketso Mashigo, departmental head of licensing at the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), unpacks the regulator’s evolving approach to crypto asset service providers, why South Africa adopted an interim framework instead of waiting for perfect legislation, and how the FSCA is preparing for the next wave of risks around stablecoins, tokenisation, finfluencers, and digital asset innovation.

Why some DFMs may not survive South Africa’s outsourcing boom

South Africa’s DFM market is expanding quickly, but Glacier Invest’s head of Implemented Consulting at Glacier Invest, Rafiq Taylor says not every business will survive the next phase of growth. Speaking to Citywire South Africa on this month’s DFM Discussion, Taylor highlights growing pressure from fee compression, tighter margins and rising competition. The episode also covers governance, AI’s role in investing, and why hedge funds and private markets could offer major opportunities in the years ahead. Listen to the latest episode of Money, Markets, and Masterminds.

FSCA’s Astrid Ludin on two-pot, Cofi and the next era for regulation

In this special edition of the Regulatory Rulebook series, Citywire South Africa sits down with Astrid Ludin, outgoing deputy commissioner at the Financial Sector Conduct Authority and president of the International Organisation of Pension Supervisors, for a rare exit interview. From the successful rollout of the two-pot retirement system to the shift towards risk-based supervision, Ludin unpacks the defining moments of her tenure and the unintended consequences now emerging. She also addresses industry pressure points, including employer non-payment of contributions, rising withdrawals, and the growing importance of data and digital infrastructure.

DFM value has moved beyond portfolios

Investment Solutions by Alexforbes has reached its two-year track record, giving advisers a clearer view of where the discretionary fund manager (DFM) is adding value and where the model still faces friction. In this episode, Alexforbes DFM specialist and portfolio manager Nadir Thokan discusses performance, manager selection, platform constraints, private markets, fee transparency and why the next phase of DFM growth will depend on genuine differentiation.