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.

In this compelling episode of ‘Money Markets and Masterminds’, we delve into the complexities of white-collar crime in South Africa: its profound economic impacts, the ongoing struggle to restore investor confidence and the urgent need for a multifaceted approach to address these crimes.

Our expert guest Cameron Dunstan-Smith breaks down the crucial legislation aimed at combating corruption, including, but not limited to, the Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act and the Criminal Procedure Act.

Despite robust legal frameworks, he said the challenge remains around effective implementation.

Dunstan-Smith is a partner at Herbert Smith Freehills, a global law practice and he heads the Corporate Crime and Investigations unit at its Johannesburg office.

He has specialised in investigations and compliance for the past 17 years and his experience includes investigating corruption, fraud, bribery and anti-money laundering matters. He has also worked in multiple African and other international jurisdictions and provided advice to regulators in South Africa, the US and the UK.

Tune in to our latest episode below for insights into the intricacies of South Africa’s legal battles and what it means for business and the economy at large. Also learn how financial crimes have evolved in the digital age and how following or even finding the money is going to become even more complicated than before.

Trusts in South Africa are often misunderstood and mismanaged as if they were legal entities like companies, leading to joint liability for trustees. Family members commonly act as trustees, unlike in other countries where professional trustees, like attorneys, accountants, and financial advisers, predominantly manage trusts.

As such independent trustees, who are usually professionals, guide these family trustees who often lack expertise. Independent trustees not only need to declare their qualifications to the Master of the High Court, but also require professional indemnity (PI) insurance to protect against possible liabilities from their trustee duties.

However, independent trustees’ PI insurance might not cover trustee services, so it’s crucial that they review their policies to ensure they have the right coverage. PI insurance typically includes defence costs and compensation for negligence, but trustees should avoid double insurance to prevent claim repudiation.

It also remains imperative that the layman trustees obtain third-party advice and ensure these advisers are reputable and insured.

I invited trust expert Phia van der Spuy into the studio, to detail the most important factors which both professional and amateur trustees need to consider when using this vehicle for financial- and estate planning purposes.

Van der Spuy (pictured below) is a chartered cccountant with a Master’s degree in local and international tax, a registered fiduciary practitioner, chartered tax adviser, a trust and estate practitioner and the founder of Trusteeze – a company that digitised trust administration and accounting. She also holds a B.Com Honours degree in Industrial Psychology.