Editor's Thoughts.

According to the 2026 Sanlam Benchmark Survey (you’ll find it on our Publications Podium), roughly 90% of retirement fund members sit in the fund’s default strategy. That sounds like a victory lap moment – “job done, members trust our design” – but I’m not buying it. To me, it screams inertia, not informed confidence. Members may be checking statements and engaging with their fund, but in my opinion, it’s mostly to see “how much of my savings pot can I take?”, not to interrogate investment design or income sustainability. And far too many aren’t engaging at all. Add to that the same survey’s sobering insight that people get advice very/too late in their retirement journey.

So why am I thinking about this? Well, the lack of understanding and delays in advice amplify the critical importance of a well-designed default – be it investments, annuity choices or contribution rates. And that is why you must read Johan Kriek’s (Quantum Leap) article today.

We’re also wrestling with a different systemic risk: employers who simply don’t pay retirement fund contributions in time (or at all). In today’s Industry Insights, I speak to Rodney Kekana (Chair of the PSSPF) about the hard‑won, practical steps his fund has taken to shift compliance in the right direction – and the lessons they learnt so you don’t have to.

Finally, the EBnet team is deep in prep for next week’s webinar on Unclaimed Benefits. With both the FSCA and National Treasury on the panel, the pressure is on to bring an A‑game conversation about how we unlock these trapped savings. Perhaps NT has an update for us? I’d love you in that room with us – register here to join us on Thursday, 23 July at 9am and help push this needle forward.

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