Did you hear? SA’s ETF industry surged by R69 billion in 2025, reaching a total market cap of R294.9 billion. But, while 70% of it remains tied to global indices, SA assets outperformed global markets in 2025, hinting that passive investors perhaps benefited most from SA Inc’s recovery.
This week in Seed Analytics Advisor Connect:
Upcoming events: chances to network & connect.
Client retention features you can use to build your book.
How to plan your year with powerful data insights.
New opportunities & jobs for you to explore.
Easier JSE listing & a move to end SA’s prime rate.
Online tools: Walk into every meeting fully prepared.
Take Note
Business Networking Coffee Meetup – CPT CBD 27 Jan 9 AM: Morning networking at Truth Coffee Roasting for founders, freelancers and small business owners. R200 with a complimentary artisan coffee. Info here.
Stellenbosch Business Speed Networking – Stellies 29 Jan 4:30 PM: Informal speed networking evening at Workshack, Techno Park with drinks and snacks. Meet and connect with local founders and operators. R100. Details here.
Using Seed Analytics to help retain clients
3 Powerful features that build relationships and draw clients closer to your brand…
We don’t discuss attrition (losing clients) often enough, but investor reports last year claimed that advisor usage dropped by 3% in SA since 2024, Allan Gray reported high fund churn rates, and Old Mutual’s results showed high policy lapses.
So, it’s safe to say we should focus a little on client retention.
Fortunately, though, you already have a powerful tool to help you spot clients who are feeling left out and need a bit of human touch: Your monthly Seed Analytics Consolidated Statement.
Here are 3 ways you can use Seed Analytics to protect your book.
1. The No Contact
The #1 reason HNW clients leave is the feeling that they’ve become "just a number." That’s why Seed Analytics allows you to send your statement with a custom email, proactively contacting all your clients in a non-transactional, real-value touch point every month.
The action: Spend a few minutes selecting all statements, write your message and send in a few clicks.
The wow moment: You aren't "checking in" or requesting document updates; you’re providing value exactly when other advisors have been silent for too long
2. Smoke Before The Fire
Clients rarely fire their advisor overnight. So, an alert for any sudden stop in recurring premiums/deposits or a series of unscheduled withdrawals over a period can help you spot potential churn before it happens.
The action: The client analysis view on the Seed Analytics book report will show cash investments and withdrawals over a history for your client, helping you identify potential churn.
The wow moment: You intercept the exit while it’s still in the "moving a little cash" phase, long before they decide to close the account.
3. The 24-Month Phase-Shift
Clients are most at risk when they transition between life stages (e.g., from wealth accumulation to retirement drawdown). This is when they "shop around" to see if you are equipped for the next stage.
You need to create stickiness by drawing your client closer to your brand.
The action: Get your client to upload will, power of attorney, policy documents, letter of wishes, etc., into the Wealthstack by Seed Analytics vault.
The wow moment: Client doing a little work by uploading their private and important data into the vault helps them build an emotional relationship with your brand, without you. Both that relationship and the data help secure them.
Join the conversation…
Does your CRM currently help you spot unhappy clients early?
Start the year with clarity
A new year is the perfect time to step back and take stock, so we’ve given you a few powerful frameworks for building your book here.
And, as you peruse them, remember that the key is working from facts, not feeling.
Seed Analytics gives you a clear view of where your practice stands today, so you can see what’s working, what isn’t, and where to focus your energy this year. With real data on your book, your decisions become intentional.
The result?
Clear priorities, better focus, and a stronger foundation for the year ahead.
New to Seed?
Featured Section
New wealth and fin advisory career opportunities in SA
Financial Advisor (JHB) @ Liberty Group
Financial Advisor (JHB) @ Nexus Independent
Financial Advisor (Umhlanga) @ Ukufunda Business Solutions
Retirement Benefits Counsellor (JHB) @ Sygnia Asset Management
Broker Consultant (Umhlanga) @ Sanlam
Broker Consultant (PE) @ FNB
Banking Advisor (CPT) @ FNB
In Case You Missed It…
Industry Roundup
SA’s 2026 Economic Sweet Spot. Despite a 32% unemployment rate, SA enters 2026 with its strongest macro indicators in years. Gold has surged, driving the Rand to its strongest level since mid-2022. With inflation softening to 3.5% and the JSE up 30% since early 2025, the stage is set for an imminent interest rate cut.
The Global Risk Map. The latest Allianz Risk Barometer reveals a shift in the corporate threat landscape. Cyber incidents remain the #1 threat globally, but Artificial Intelligence has surged to #2 as governance fails to keep pace with adoption.
Retiring the Prime Rate. Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago has confirmed a move to potentially scrap the "Prime" lending rate, calling for greater transparency in how R6.2 trillion of credit is priced.
JSE, the Lite Version. The FSCA has officially approved the JSE’s "Simplification Project," slashing the exchange’s listing requirements by more than 50%. Effective 16 February 2026 for existing issuers, the new rules lower the voting threshold for share buybacks and issues to a simple majority (50%+1) and remove the need for costly fairness opinions in related-party deals.
The R1 Million Fee Impact. The FSCA and National Treasury are intensifying scrutiny on South Africa’s R2tn commercial umbrella fund market. As the industry consolidates, concerns over "sponsor-tied" investments and high fees (often exceeding 1%) are growing.
The 20% Downturn Playbook. Wealth management firms are moving toward a model where AI handles "last-mile" administration, effectively doubling advisor capacity. However, the true competitive edge in 2026 is managing client emotion during market shocks.
Online Tools
If you want to walk into meetings fully prepared without extra prep time…
Himala pulls together context from your past calls before a meeting starts, captures notes naturally without awkward meeting bots, and then drafts follow-up emails automatically once the conversation ends.
Note: We are telling you this as an option for something to potentially try. Confidentiality is vital in finance, so before allowing anything access to your files, make sure it’s protected, legal and aboveboard first pls.
Did You Know? On 22 January 1984, Apple announced the first Mac computer, the world’s first successful mouse-driven computer with a graphical user interface. Interestingly, they launched it with an advert that played on George Orwell’s book, 1984, directed by Ridley Scott.
Till next time,
Seed Analytics Advisor Connect
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