The Financial Sector Conduct Authority issued Communication 8 of 2022 to update retirement funds on revised Regulation 28 foreign portfolio investment limits. Aligning with the South African Reserve Bank Exchange Control Circular 10/2022, funds may now allocate up to a single 45 percent of their assets to foreign investments. Fund boards must review and adjust their investment policies and mandates accordingly to comply with the expanded allowance.
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FSCA COMMUNICATION 8 OF 2022 (RF)
Regulation 28: Increased foreign portfolio investment limits
Purpose
The purpose of this communication is to inform the retirement funds industry of the allowable
increase in foreign portfolio investment limits.
Background
On 23 February 2022, following the 2022 Budget announcement by the Minister of Finance,
the South African Reserve Bank (“SARB”) has issued Exchange Control Circular No.
10/2022, indicating that the foreign investment limits have been revised upward.
Allowance Increase
3.1 Regulation28(3)(i) states that the aggregate exposure to foreign assets must not exceed the
maximum allowable amount that a fund may invest in foreign assets as determined by the
SARB, or such other amount as may be prescribed. Based on the SARB’s Exchange Control
Circular No.10/2022, retirement funds may therefore now acquire foreign exposure up to the
revised single limit of 45% in respect of foreign portfolio investments.1
3.2 Where necessary, the Board of the fund may revise their investment policies and
mandates in accordance with the principles contained in Regulation 28.
Enquiries
For more information regarding this Communication contact the FSCA by emailing Ms Wilma
Mokupo at Wilma.Mokupo@fsca.co.za.
OB MAKHUBELA
DIVISIONAL EXECUTIVE: RETIREMENT FUNDS SUPERVISION
Date of publication: 18 March 2022
1 Regulations means the Regulations made under section 36 of the Pension Funds Act, 1956 (Act No. 24 of
1956).