Virtual event
In a world where change is the only constant, things quickly become a blur.
Join us for the fifth annual Through the noise retirement benefits conference, where industry experts will converge to bring the future of retirement into focus. Over two days, renowned thought leaders will help you navigate the latest developments shaping the industry, from harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) in order to improve access to retirement saving, to tuning into behavioural patterns and building confidence in decision-making. Get ready to sharpen your focus as you manage investments in a world that is rushing to change.
Day 1 Day 2
Opening and housekeeping
Our host, Nompumelelo Siziba, sets the scene for what to expect from this year’s edition of the Allan Gray retirement benefits conference, Through the noise.
Bridging the gap: Tech- and AI-driven expansion of pension access
More than half of the world’s population owns smart phones and new, innovative apps are popping up daily. Uche Enemchukwu, chief executive officer and founder of Nelu Diversified Solutions, explores how mobile technology, data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) can provide pragmatic solutions for delivering pensions to more people.
- SABC Nompumelelo Siziba (Q&A moderator)
- Nelu Diversified Solutions Uche Enemchukwu (Keynote speaker)
Geopolitics in flux: The impact of fast, constant changes on South African markets
In recent years, South African markets have been significantly influenced by global geopolitical shifts. This expert panel will delve into the implications of unfolding power plays and the changes they come with, focusing on the challenges and opportunities they present for businesses and investors in the country.
- SABC Nompumelelo Siziba (Moderator)
- Allan Gray Thalia Petousis (Panellist)
- RMB Isaah Mhlanga (Panellist)
Group risk: Where are we today and where to next?
The group risk insurance landscape has evolved significantly in recent years, influenced by both global events and local developments. This panel will explore these changes, looking into evolving claims experiences and benefit options.
- Allan Gray Ielyaas Gamiet (Moderator)
- Sanlam San-Marié Crause (Panellist)
- Hollard Insurance Rudi van Rooyen (Panellist)
- Old Mutual Limited Brice Salence Nunes (Panellist)
09:00
Opening and housekeeping
Nompumelelo Siziba
Business journalist and news anchor, SABC
09:05
Welcome
Shaheed Mohamed
Head: Group Savings and Investments, Allan Gray
09:10
Keynote address
Bridging the gap: Tech- and AI-driven expansion of pension access
More than half of the world’s population owns smart phones and new, innovative apps are popping up daily. What can the proliferation of tech solutions in emerging markets teach the developed world about casting a wider net to increase coverage and communication with participants? Uche Enemchukwu explores how mobile technology, data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) can provide pragmatic solutions for delivering pensions to more people. She will present two developing market cases, showcasing exceptional examples of the implementation of tech solutions and the potential for scaling in similar markets, such as South Africa.
Nompumelelo Siziba
Business journalist and news anchor, SABC
Uche Enemchukwu
Chief executive officer, Nelu Diversified Solutions
10:10
Tea break
10:25
Panel discussion
Geopolitics in flux: The impact of fast, constant changes on South African markets
In recent years, South African markets have been significantly influenced by global geopolitical shifts. Global conflicts, heightened US-China tensions and the recent trade tussles stemming from the Trump administration’s tariff policies have all contributed to increased market volatility and economic uncertainty. This discussion will explore how these geopolitical developments are reshaping South Africa's economic landscape, affecting trade, investment and market stability. Our panel of economists will delve into the implications of these changes, focusing on the challenges and opportunities they present for businesses and investors in the country.
Nompumelelo Siziba
Business journalist and news anchor, SABC
Thalia Petousis
Portfolio manager, Allan Gray
Isaah Mhlanga
Chief economist and head of Global Market Research, RMB
11:10
Panel discussion
Group risk: Where are we today and where to next?
The group risk insurance landscape has evolved significantly in recent years, influenced by both global events and local developments. This panel will explore these changes, looking into evolving claims experiences and benefit options. The experts will discuss where the industry is headed in light of ongoing advancements.
Ielyaas Gamiet
Manager in Group Savings and Investments, Allan Gray
San-Marié Crause
Managing executive: Group Risk, Sanlam Corporate
Rudi van Rooyen
Executive head of Actuarial, Hollard Insurance
Brice Salence Nunes
Head of Customer Proposition: Group Assurance Products, Old Mutual Limited
11:55
Close of Day 1
Day 2
Wednesday, 17 September 2025
09:00
Opening and welcome
Nompumelelo Siziba
Business journalist and news anchor, SABC
09:05
Panel discussion
How the retirement regulatory landscape is changing
The South African retirement market has undergone significant transformations in recent years, driven by major regulatory changes. Key developments include the introduction of default regulations, the harmonisation of retirement funds and the implementation of the two-pot system in 2024. This panel will reflect on these changes, examining their impact on the retirement landscape. They will discuss the journey so far, the effects on retirement savings and fund management and the future regulatory horizon.
Felicia Hlophe
Senior legal adviser, Allan Gray
Nicolette van Vuuren
Partner, Webber Wentzel
Sanchia Petrie
Specialist analyst: Fund Governance and Trustee Conduct, Financial Sector Conduct Authority
09:50
Tea break
10:05
Panel discussion
Cybersecurity and the impact on retirement savers and their administrators
The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in conjunction with the Prudential Authority (PA) published the Joint Standard 2 of 2024, titled “Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience”, on 16 May 2024. The standard – which sets out detailed requirements and principles for sound practices and processes relating to cybersecurity and cyber resilience – applies to various financial institutions, including (but not limited to) banks, insurers, retirement funds and fund administrators, and collective investment scheme managers. The panel will explore the unfolding answers to various questions, including: How will this impact retirement fund administrators and, eventually, the underlying members? What are some of the common schemes the experts are seeing and how are businesses responding? And what should retirement savers do to protect themselves?
Craig Sales
Head: Information Technology, Allan Gray
Andrew Henwood
Founder and director, BlckRhino
Anna Collard
Senior vice president of content strategy and evangelist, KnowBe4 Africa
Katlego Masemola
Founder and chief executive officer, Orion Cyber
10:50
Keynote address
The perfection trap
A significant portion of investment success comes down to behaviour, and sometimes, in striving to make perfect decisions, we risk overwhelming ourselves and remaining static rather than moving forward with diligence and pragmatism. Professor and author Thomas Curran will arm you with the tools you need to avoid falling into the perfection trap, build confidence in decision-making and be proactive in driving your clients’ and employees’ retirement plans forward.
Nozipho Tshabalala
Chief executive officer, The Conversation Strategists
Thomas Curran
Professor of Psychology, London School of Economics
Richard joined Allan Gray in 2007. He is head of Assurance and is responsible for Compliance, Risk, Internal Audit and Group Legal. He is also a director of Allan Gray Life and Allan Gray Investment Services and a trustee of the Allan Gray retirement funds. He was previously jointly responsible for the Retail business, heading up Product Development. Richard holds a Bachelor of Business Science degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Cape Town and is a qualified actuary.