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It’s the very first episode of The Big Pitch with Jimmy Carr and our first guest is Phil Wang! And Phil’s subgenre is…This Place is Evil. We’re talking psychological torture, we’re talking gory death scenes, we’re talking Lorraine Kelly?! The Big Pitch with Jimmy Carr is a brand new comedy podcast where each week a different celebrity guest pitches an idea for a film based on one of the SUPER niche sub-genres on Netflix. From ‘Steamy Crime Movies from the 1970s’ to ‘Australian Dysfunctional Family Comedies Starring A Strong Female Lead’, our celebrity guests will pitch their wacky plot, their dream cast, the marketing stunts, and everything in between. By the end of every episode, Jimmy Carr, Comedian by night / “Netflix Executive” by day, will decide whether the pitch is greenlit or condemned to development hell! Listen on all podcast platforms and watch on the Netflix Is A Joke YouTube Channel . The Big Pitch is a co-production by Netflix and BBC Studios Audio. Jimmy Carr is an award-winning stand-up comedian and writer, touring his brand-new show JIMMY CARR: LAUGHS FUNNY throughout the USA from May to November this year, as well as across the UK and Europe, before hitting Australia and New Zealand in early 2026. All info and tickets for the tour are available at JIMMYCARR.COM Production Coordinator: Becky Carewe-Jeffries Production Manager: Mabel Finnegan-Wright Editor: Stuart Reid Producer: Pete Strauss Executive Producer: Richard Morris Executive Producers for Netflix: Kathryn Huyghue, Erica Brady, and David Markowitz Set Design: Helen Coyston Studios: Tower Bridge Studios Make Up: Samantha Coughlan Cameras: Daniel Spencer Sound: Charlie Emery Branding: Tim Lane Photography: James Hole…
Content provided by Citywire. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Citywire or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
With value-added tax (VAT) hikes, rising income tax burdens, and thousands of non-compliant taxpayers, has South Africa’s economy reached its tax tipping point? In this episode of Money, Markets, and Masterminds, Citywire South Africa and Keith Engel, CEO of the South African Institute of Taxation, break down the true impact of government tax policies. We explore whether the country is pushing past the top of the Laffer Curve, how tax complexity is strangling businesses, and the economy, and why endless hikes might do more harm than good. Is the government collecting enough—or just wasting more? Engel exposes tax loopholes, compliance failures, and the risks of squeezing businesses too hard. With practical solutions and bold insights, this episode uncovers what needs to change in South Africa’s tax system before it’s too late.
Content provided by Citywire. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Citywire or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.
With value-added tax (VAT) hikes, rising income tax burdens, and thousands of non-compliant taxpayers, has South Africa’s economy reached its tax tipping point? In this episode of Money, Markets, and Masterminds, Citywire South Africa and Keith Engel, CEO of the South African Institute of Taxation, break down the true impact of government tax policies. We explore whether the country is pushing past the top of the Laffer Curve, how tax complexity is strangling businesses, and the economy, and why endless hikes might do more harm than good. Is the government collecting enough—or just wasting more? Engel exposes tax loopholes, compliance failures, and the risks of squeezing businesses too hard. With practical solutions and bold insights, this episode uncovers what needs to change in South Africa’s tax system before it’s too late.
In this episode of Money, Markets, and Masterminds, recorded in situ at the Independent Wealth Retreat at Fancourt, Citywire South Africa sits down with Stuart Green, portfolio manager at Platinum Portfolios. With a career spanning the UK’s Treasury, institutional multi-management, and private wealth, Green shares how his team builds a fund of funds that advisers can actually use — without crossing into discretionary fund manager (DFM) territory. We also talk about investment positioning, offshore exposure, adviser partnerships, and where Platinum Portfolios sees global opportunity today. Tune in below for more.…
Markets are jittery. US tariffs are biting. AI is going global. In this episode of Money, Markets and Masterminds, Morningstar SA’s head of investments, Sean Neethling, returns to the Citywire South Africa studio to unpack the biggest themes from Trump’s first 100 days from US tech’s fall from grace to a surging gold price. What does it all mean for investors? How should South Africans think about local bonds, global rotation, and fair value for the rand? Tune in for timely insights—and a sharp take on what comes next.…
In the latest episode of Money, Markets and Masterminds, academic and investment specialist Adrian Saville returns to the Citywire South Africa studio for a wide-ranging conversation on what he calls a ‘Through the Looking Glass’ moment in global economics. Drawing parallels with Lewis Carroll’s surreal classic, Saville argues that the rules of the economic game are being rewritten in real time – and warns investors against clinging to outdated playbooks. As Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs rock markets, Saville unpacks why the recent drop in the S&P 500 – erasing trillions of dollars in market value – is more than a cyclical correction, it is structural. Instead, he outlines a disciplined strategy anchored in diversification, decorrelation and defensiveness. From shifting allocations away from overvalued US tech stocks to tapping opportunities in China, Japan and defensive sectors, Saville illustrates how his team has stayed ahead of the MSCI All Country World index this year by adapting early. Listen to the discussion for more expert insight.…
Is it time for South African pension funds and private investors to reassess their bias toward developed markets – especially the US – and look to the East? In this double interview, Citywire South Africa speaks with RisCura founder and director Jarred Glansbeek and Altvest chief investment officer Akshay Karan about China’s economic choreography, valuation mismatches, and why early-stage Chinese tech could be a worthwhile high-conviction bet. Listen to the recording for an analysis of China’s investment influence.…
Behind every piece of great advice is a solid foundation. In this episode of Money, Markets, and Masterminds, Citywire South Africa sits down with Rita Cool, the head of individual consulting strategy and part of the Best Practice division at Alexforbes, to discuss what best practice really means for financial advisers and in the South African context. From standardising client experiences and preparing for intergenerational wealth transfer to adapting advice for local realities like black tax and traditional marriages, this conversation is a must for advisers aiming to future-proof and standardise their practice.…
In this episode of Money, Markets & Masterminds, Citywire South Africa is joined by Morningstar SA’s head of investment Sean Neethling to unpack the so-called Trump tariff tantrum. With sweeping US tariffs hitting markets globally – and South Africa not spared – we explore what this geopolitical jolt means for investors, asset prices, inflation, and interest rates. Neethling offers a level-headed analysis of the risks and opportunities emerging from this protectionist pivot, including which sectors and countries are most exposed, why US small caps might still offer value, and how local bonds are holding up under pressure. Whether you’re feeling fearful or greedy, this episode is your anchor in uncertain waters – full of insights to help you ask the right questions and position portfolios for whatever is next. Tune in to find out more.…
In this episode of Money, Markets, and Masterminds, Citywire South Africa sits down with Chantelle Baptiste, portfolio manager and head of equity research at Fairtree, to discuss the biggest financial trends shaping 2025. With market swings following every Trump statement, growing policy uncertainty, and South Africa’s own economic challenges, how can investors stay ahead? Baptiste shares insights on inflation risks, gold as a safe haven asset, China’s changing role, and practical strategies to protect and grow portfolios in turbulent times. Join us for a deep dive into market resilience, investment opportunities, and the power of staying nimble.…
With value-added tax (VAT) hikes, rising income tax burdens, and thousands of non-compliant taxpayers, has South Africa’s economy reached its tax tipping point? In this episode of Money, Markets, and Masterminds, Citywire South Africa and Keith Engel, CEO of the South African Institute of Taxation, break down the true impact of government tax policies. We explore whether the country is pushing past the top of the Laffer Curve, how tax complexity is strangling businesses, and the economy, and why endless hikes might do more harm than good. Is the government collecting enough—or just wasting more? Engel exposes tax loopholes, compliance failures, and the risks of squeezing businesses too hard. With practical solutions and bold insights, this episode uncovers what needs to change in South Africa’s tax system before it’s too late.…
In this episode of Money, Markets and Masterminds, Citywire South Africa is joined by economist Professor Adrian Saville for the second instalment of the bi-monthly chapter of ‘The Long Game’. We break down economic principles, challenge political rhetoric and assess US President Donald Trump’s economic policies against real-world data. From tariffs and trade wars to the strength of the US dollar and global growth trends, this discussion offers sharp, data-driven insights for fund selectors, financial advisers, and institutional investors. Tune in below for expert analysis on how Trump’s tariff policies distort trade, why a weak dollar may hurt rather than help US competitiveness, what market signals like the S&P 500 and policy uncertainty index reveal about his presidency, and where investors can find real growth opportunities in global markets.…
In this episode of Money, Markets and Masterminds, we dive into the ‘Deep Seek effect’ and how this Chinese AI start-up is shaking up investor sentiment and challenging long-held market narratives. With geopolitical uncertainty, shifting global equity trends and the dominance of US tech under scrutiny, Sean Neethling, head of investments at Morningstar South Africa, joins us to unpack what this means for investors. Is it time to look beyond the US for opportunities? Will AI disrupt market leadership sooner than expected? And how should investors navigate the growing volatility in global markets? Tune in below for expert insights to these questions, actionable takeaways and a fresh perspective on the evolving investment landscape…
The US equity market has been a dominant force in global investing for decades, but is it now too concentrated – and too expensive? In the latest episode of Money, Markets and Masterminds, Citywire South Africa sits down with Anton Eser (pictured below), CIO at 10X Investments, to discuss the state of the US market, the risks of a potential bubble, and what it all means for South African investors. With nearly 30% of local retirement funds now allocated to US equities, the implications of a market correction could be significant. Eser unpacks the dangers of over-reliance on the Magnificent Seven tech giants, shares historical parallels to past market bubbles, and explains why fund selectors should be looking beyond the US for value. He also explores the growing appeal of dividend stocks, the role of defensive strategies in an uncertain geopolitical landscape, and why, for the first time in two decades, global fixed income assets might offer a compelling alternative. Tune in below to hear why the biggest opportunities may lie outside of the world’s most dominant stock market.…
In this episode we sit down with Rudolph Geldenhuys, the 2024 Financial Planning Institute (FPI) Planner of the Year, to discuss his experience competing for the FPI award. Geldenhuys, who is a senior financial planner at WealthUp, explained the rigorous three-round evaluation process, which tested his financial planning expertise, business acumen and leadership potential. While technical skills were crucial, he highlighted that strong relationships and mentorship played a key role in his success. The conversation then shifted to the evolving role of technology in financial planning and we looked to the future, identifying key opportunities for financial planners in South Africa. Tune in below for a lively discussion on what it takes to stand out in the financial planning industry.…
In this episode of Money, Markets & Masterminds, we continue our Mind Over Markets series in partnership with Morningstar South Africa. I sat down with Michael Dodd, senior fund analyst at Morningstar, to discuss a major shift in South Africa’s equity fund landscape - the reclassification of unit trust categories. The Association for Savings and Investment South Africa (Asisa) has introduced a classification change, separating SA-only equity funds from general equity funds that include offshore allocations. This development is set to enhance transparency, improve fund comparability, and influence how discretionary fund managers (DFMs) and asset managers structure their portfolios. Dodd explained why Asisa introduced these category changes and what they mean for fund selection and how increased offshore limits (up to 45%) have influenced fund performance. Listen to our conversation on how fund managers, DFMs, and retail investors should navigate these changes and what trends will shape SA equity funds going forward.…
In this episode of Money, Markets, and Masterminds, Citywire South Africa sits down with Trevor Garvin, head of multi-management at Nedgroup Investments, to discuss two decades of insights from managing fund of funds unit trusts. From strategic asset allocation and the rise of passive investing to the impact of liquidity crises and cost-conscious portfolio construction, Garvin has seen it all. Listen to our conversation where he shares hard-earned lessons on navigating the evolving investment landscape.…
This week, we explore the challenges of market prediction and investment strategies in its latest episode of the new underlying series called the Long Game with Adrian Saville – economist, investor, and academic. The discussion highlights why financial markets resist simple forecasts due to their dynamic and interconnected nature. In this instance, two works are considered by Saville. The first piece of work comes from Bloomberg’s John Authers. At the end of each year, he writes an article for his imagined investment firm, Hindsight Capital, which makes fantastically astute decisions because they know – with the benefit of hindsight – what to buy and what to avoid. The fantasy shows just how hard it is to imagine what each year delivers. The second piece of work comes from Cliff Asness, co-founder of AQR Capital Management, who, in a recent article leaps forward a decade, imagining the errors that will become evident in hindsight by 2035. Drawing on these two works, the episode tackles the futility of prediction and the importance of building resilient investment portfolios from the get-go. The conversation also delves into current market trends, including risks in the US equity rally, debt challenges with US Treasuries, and China’s economic slowdown and potential parallels with Japan.. Emphasising discipline and preparation, the podcast offers actionable insights to help investors align portfolios with their long-term goals.…
Welcome to a brand-new year and the latest episode of ‘Money, Markets, and Masterminds’, the Citywire South Africa podcast that unpacks the intricate world of finance and investments. In this episode – our first for 2025 and the eighth in partnership with Morningstar South Africa – I’m joined by Sean Neethling , Morningstar’s head of investments, to gaze into the crystal ball for the year ahead. As we leave 2024 behind, with its surprises, market highs and political shifts, we tackle pressing questions: • Will US equities sustain their stellar performance, or is caution warranted? • How will global interest rates and inflation shape developed and emerging markets? • Can South Africa build on the positive momentum from last year’s elections? Whether you’re a financial adviser, fund selector, or institutional investor, this episode delivers actionable insights, expert analysis and strategic tips to help you navigate the uncertainties of 2025.…
For many employers, umbrella funds promise simplicity, cost-effectiveness and the benefits of scale. But beneath the surface, there are pressing concerns. Critics have pointed out issues ranging from hidden costs to limited transparency. Employers often focus solely on administration fees, overlooking other significant expenses like investment fees, which can leave their staff worse off financially. There’s also the question of who truly benefits from economies of scale. Is it the member, or is it the fund sponsor and service providers? And, as the market grows more complex, advisers and consultants face challenges in being able to see through the marketing to provide sound, impartial advice. To help us unpack these issues, we’re joined by Andrew Crawford, CEO of Seshego Benefit Consulting, an expert in retirement fund solutions and a thought leader who’s been very vocal about the need for greater transparency and accountability in the umbrella fund space.…
This episode serves as a year-end analysis, providing insights into how investors can navigate the uncertainties ahead. As markets reacted positively to Donald Trump’s presidential win, with both equity futures and the US dollar rising significantly, questions arise about the sustainability of these trends. Joined again by Sean Neethling, head of investments at Morningstar South Africa, we delve into asset allocation strategies in a changing political landscape, identifying sectors that may benefit from ‘Trumponomics’ while also considering potential risks. We also highlight the importance of understanding trade policies and their impact on international relations, particularly with China, as well as the implications for South Africa amid its own political challenges. Listen to the conversation below to find out how these developments influence investment decisions and portfolio construction.…
For most of the last three years US markets, led by large-cap growth companies, have surged while other developed and emerging markets have struggled to keep up. As a grouping, emerging markets seem to have lost their lustre and global investors appear more willing to rotate allocations within the US, as opposed to allocating capital outside its borders. The result is that the valuation gap between the US and emerging markets is widening, as broader developing regions haven’t seen the level of flows to support sustained investment performance. Some of the big questions looming are whether investors will continue to shun emerging markets, or if lower valuations and recent stimulus measures introduced by China will see these markets rally? Are there other countries or regions that we should be looking at? And do these locations have a place in investor portfolios? We had Sean Neethling – the head of investments at Morningstar SA – back in the studio to provide us with some of the answers to these questions.…
In this episode of Money, Markets, and Masterminds we unpack the thinking behind Citywire South Africa’s inaugural Top 50 Adviser list that was released this week. Joining me in studio is Tracy Benjamin, Citywire South Africa’s audience development relationship manager, who shared her insights into the selection process of advisers included in the report. She also discussed how this recognition can enhance the careers of advisers across the country. We also touched on what was included in the questionnaire and some of the overarching themes that emerged from advisers’ submissions.…
In the latest episode of ‘Money, Markets, and Masterminds,’ host Ruan Jooste discusses key highlights from the recent Institute of Retirement Funds Africa (IRFA) conference held in Cape Town, themed ‘Better Together’, bringing together over 1,000 delegates, including retirement fund managers, regulators, and industry experts. Joined by IRFA President Geraldine Fowler, they explore the integration of private sector initiatives with regulatory frameworks, insights from global best practices, and future trends in retirement funding influenced by technology and demographics. They also address challenges faced by retirement fund administrators since the implementation of the Two-Pot System and the ongoing issue of unpaid pension contributions by employers.…
In today’s episode, we delve into a topic that might not be the most exciting but is crucial for every one of us — the importance of having a will, as well as the challenges of obtaining a valid one. The Covid-19 pandemic certainly made many people rethink their priorities, revealing just how important it is to have their affairs in order. But as it turns out, more than two-thirds of South Africans still don’t have a will, according to available statistics. As the Law Society’s annual wills month comes to an end, we explore why that’s the case, the technicalities and technological challenges in obtaining a valid will and around the preservation of digital assets, with Chris Murphy, vice-chairperson of the Fiduciary Institute of Southern Africa (Fisa) and founder director of Legacy Fiduciary Services and Estate Planners.…
There are clear trends abroad, especially in the US where firms like Blackrock and Vanguard have built up industry-leading pools of assets under management by being first movers in a range of passive investment products and exchange traded funds (ETFs), including actively managed ETFs. The local asset management industry looks very different with larger active managers still holding significant market share and passive incumbents seemingly struggling to gain any significant portion of that share. The result is that, while the trend is moving in the right direction, fees in South Africa remain elevated relative to our global peers. This was one of the key takeaways from recent Morningstar South Africa research in a review of retail share class fees across different unit trust categories according to the Association of Savings and Investment SA (Asisa). The good news is that South African investors saw fund management fees declining last year. The average asset-weighted total expense ratio (TER) for active funds was 1.17%, while the same fee on passive funds was 0.57%. That being said, the costs are still substantially higher than tracker options in other markets. But what does this mean for current and future investment prospects? Listen to our conversation with Sean Neethling (pictured above), head of investments at Morningstar South Africa, on some of the significant developments in the passive and active asset manager universe.…
Citywire’s 2024 Alpha Female Report was launched on Monday and revealed a somewhat encouraging stride in gender diversity within the asset management industry, with women now occupying 12.5% of portfolio management roles globally, up from 12.1% last year. The survey also showed, only about 12%, or 22 out of the 190 rated managers with funds domiciled in South Africa, are female. One positive to draw from the report is that the overall numbers are going in the right direction, but a lot more needs to be done. Now in its ninth year, the report draws on Citywire’s database of just over 18,100 individual money managers around the world, including South Africa. I invited my colleague and the co-author of this year's Alpha Female report, Nicola Blackburn, on the show today, all the way from our head office in London, to talk us through some of the other major trends revealed in the report. She is Citywire's chief reporter in the UK, covering investments for a British intermediary audience.…
In this podcast episode, we delve into the world of responsible investing and discuss Investec Wealth & Investment International’s newly launched ESG and Responsible Investing Guidebook. We explore how this free-to-download educational resource can help trustees, investors, and fund selectors navigate the complexities of integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into their investment strategies. ESG is no longer a niche strategy; it has entered the mainstream as businesses and institutions are increasingly expected to be responsible stewards of the planet and its people. However, this shift comes with its challenges, especially when it comes to managing money and aligning investment returns with institutional values. We asked Barry Shamley (pictured below), portfolio manager of the Investec BCI Dynamic Equity fund and co-manager of the Investec Global Sustainable Equity fund at Investec Investment Management to help us examine his approach of incorporating ESG into his investment strategies and what questions should be posed to issuers to enable long-term success and sustainability. We also explore the trends shaping the future of ESG investing and the challenges faced by trustees, investors, and fund managers in adapting to this rapidly evolving landscape.…
In this episode of Money, Markets, and Masterminds we delve into the growing role of discretionary fund managers (DFMs) in the financial advisory landscape. We are joined by Nadir Thokan, senior DFM specialist at Alexforbes, to discuss how DFMs are transforming the industry by providing streamlined portfolio management, research, and compliance support for financial advisers. We explore the benefits for advisers in outsourcing investment decisions, the challenges surrounding transparency and fees and how DFMs complement financial advisers rather than replace them. Given South Africa’s rapidly growing DFM market, we also discuss how best practices and international trends, particularly from the UK, can help ensure sustainable growth for the industry. Advisers who want to learn more can listen to our conversation below…
Nearly two and a half years after the US Federal Reserve (Fed) kicked off a massive increase in interest rates, in a bid to combat surging inflation of course, global bond markets now appears to be heading in a new direction. It is widely believed that the Fed will start cutting interest rates this month at its policy-setting meeting on 18 September. The CME FedWatch tool shows that futures markets are pricing in about a 65% chance of a 25 basis-point cut, while the probability of a more aggressive 50 basis-point cut is around 35%. To show how expectations have shifted: a month ago the market was expecting only a 4% chance of a 50 basis-point cut. However, following a weaker-than-expected American jobs report showing unemployment rising to 4.3% in July, recession fears have begun to surface. The August report drops this Friday. So, there are still a few unknowns about, including what this all means for bonds going forward. So here to help us make sense of it all, we are joined by Morningstar South Africa’s head of investments, Sean Neethling. Listen to our conversation below.…
Close to 60% of the funds raised came from international investors, indicating growing interest from global markets in local markets. In this episode of "Money, Markets, and Masterminds," the discussion centres around the recent surge in private equity fundraising activity in South Africa, reaching a 13-year high. The conversation highlights key insights from the South African Venture Capital and Private Equity Association's (SAVCA) 2024 Private Equity Industry Survey, based on the preceding year‘s figures. Another key finding of the survey was that 43% more in private equity funds were raised last year than in the preceding 2022. So, 2023 started off at a high of R28.1 bn. We invited Tshepiso Kobile, CEO of SAVCA, to the studio to help unpack some of the other details in the survey and chat about private markets in general - here and abroad. Tshepiso (pictured below) has quite the resume. She previously served as an investment professional with the Development Bank of Southern Africa and as a property finance manager with Standard Bank. Her most recent position was as Senior Programme Manager for Cata-lytic Projects at the eThekwini Municipality in KwaZulu Natal. Tshepiseo holds a BSc (Honours) Degree in Property Studies from the University of Cape Town and a Diploma in Company Direction from Institute of Directors in the UK. For more information, you can download the complete SAVCA PE Industry Survey 2024 here: SAVCA-PE-Survey-2024-Digital.pdf.…
In this episode of "Money, Markets, and Masterminds," Citywire South Africa editor Ruan Jooste is joined by Morningstar South Africa’s Head of Investments, Sean Neethling, to delve into the complexities of investment risk. They discuss the shifting market dynamics, from tech stock volatility to geopolitical tensions, and how investors can navigate these risks with a strategic approach. Sean shares insights on defining risk, understanding market concentration, and maintaining a long-term investment perspective in an increasingly uncertain world. Tune in for expert analysis and actionable advice on safeguarding your portfolio.…
The exponential growth of data availability, the immense computing power now at fund managers’ disposal and the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping how institutional and retail investors are approaching investing.To explore these groundbreaking developments in this podcast, we were joined by Chetan Ramlall, the head of quantitative research at 1nvest, a division of Stanlib Systematic Solutions.With a master’s degree in mathematical finance and extensive experience in both engineering and quantitative research, Ramlall (pictured below) is at the forefront of integrating AI and machine learning into investment strategies.Tune in to our latest podcast episode below and discover how these innovations are set to influence fund managers and investors alike in the years to come.…
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