Coronation Fund Managers navigates South Africa's volatile savings landscape

THE South African savings industry continued its long-term trend of contraction in 2025 as consumers remained under pressure and unemployment continued to rise, while the Two-pot Retirement System added to the structural headwinds.

- EDWARD WEST

This was according to the chairman of one of the largest private sector asset management firms, Saks Ntombela, and the CEO, Anton Pillay, who were commenting at the release of the 52% black-owned Coronation Fund Managers’ annual financial results for the year to September 30.

They reported a 5% outflow from their average funds under management (AUM) through the 2025 financial year, a figure that had moderated from the previous year. “As a major player in the South African savings market, we remain exposed to industry trends, and we do not expect to see rapid industry improvements in the foreseeable future,” they stated.

Commenting on market conditions in the year, they noted that the protracted 2025 National Budget approval process aggravated tensions in the still young Government of National Unity, elevating volatility.