RisCura

In this week’s RisCura Sustainability Wrap-Up, Brooke L. shares key insights from the IRC Annual Conference, where South Africa’s leadership in integrated reporting and sustainability was in the spotlight. From Professor Mervyn King’s impactful address on accountability in corporate reporting, to perspectives from companies like Woolworths and Sasol on balancing transparency with decision-useful information, Brooke highlights the evolving standards shaping responsible business practices. Read the full update in this week’s newsletter, and if you haven’t yet, make sure to subscribe for regular insights on sustainability and responsible investment in South Africa.

Africa's venture capital (VC) sector is primed for growth despite the challenges of recent years. Successful exits are on the horizon, driven by collaboration and a focus on impact.   Heleen Goussard, Director of RisCura's unlisted investment business, highlights that "VC funds are, by nature, impact funds. We need to get better at understanding and quantifying what our impact is, as LPs are data-driven and require this data to invest."  This is crucial as Africa's VC industry matures and exit opportunities expand. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/dt4kzr3C  #VentureCapital #AfricaVC #ImpactInvestment #InvestWithCare #SAVCA2024 #RisCura

In this week’s RisCura Sustainability Wrap-Up, Brooke L. delves into a critical reality facing South Africa’s infrastructure as it contends with severe weather, climate change, and mounting challenges for our water supply, municipalities, and insurance industry. From Gauteng’s water crisis and escalating interruptions in key metros, to the tragic impact of flooding in the Eastern Cape, and the climbing insurance costs associated with extreme weather, we explore the pressing need for resilient infrastructure and climate-smart investments across the public and private sectors. Read the full update in this week’s newsletter, and if you haven’t yet, make sure to subscribe for regular updates on key issues impacting responsible investment and sustainability in South Africa.

What happens when LEGO’s transformation becomes a metaphor for navigating today’s venture capital world? At the Southern African Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (SAVCA) Venture Capital Conference 2024, this analogy set the tone for a day packed with powerful insights on how adaptability is the key to thriving in uncertain times. The conference explored how VC in South Africa is evolving—from embracing innovative financing models like revenue-based funding to balancing high returns with meaningful social impact. The discussions were vibrant, covering everything from political stability’s influence on investor confidence to the growing importance of ESG in deal-making. Key takeaway? Adaptability and collaboration are driving the future of venture capital, with a strong focus on empowering entrepreneurs to lead change in industries like health tech and sustainability. Co-authored by Daiyaan Edwards CA(SA) and Touseef Banderker CA(SA), this article dives deeper into how venture capital is shaping Southern Africa’s economic future. 🔗 For the full story, read more here: https://lnkd.in/dn_Tg_9V #RisCura #SAVCA2024 #VentureCapital #InvestWithCare #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #ESG #VCInnovation

The Southern African Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (SAVCA) VC Conference 2024 at Hazendal Wine Estate offered a fantastic platform to explore the evolving venture capital landscape in Southern Africa. Key discussions focused on how venture capital can drive economic transformation and the increasing importance of ESG in investment decisions. It was a day full of thought-provoking conversations and practical insights for investors and entrepreneurs alike.   Key topics included: > Simon Freemantle provided a socio-political update, highlighting the resilience of the GNU, its impact on political stability, and how it influences investor sentiment and economic reform efforts. > LP and GP collaboration to unlock liquidity and promote the venture capital asset class within Southern Africa > The growing role of revenue-based financing and other innovative models for early-stage companies > A closer look at the PIC Early-Stage Fund, which targets high-growth sectors while creating opportunities for women, youth, and underserved entrepreneurs. > The critical role of exits in South Africa’s VC market, as showcased by Knife Capital’s successful Quicket exit During one of the panels for the day, Heleen Goussard emphasised the need for better data to model risk/return metrics, noting that uncorrelated returns in niche markets offer unique advantages but are constrained by limited data and scalability challenges.   A special thank you to Cami Mbulawa CA (SA), Heleen Goussard, Daiyaan Edwards CA(SA), and Touseef Banderker CA(SA) for representing RisCura, building valuable connections, and exploring emerging trends.   #SAVCAVC2024 #VentureCapital #ESG #RisCura #Entrepreneurship #ImpactInvesting #SustainableGrowth

In this week's Sustainability Weekly Wrap-Up, we dive into a critical academic study recently published in Nature, which highlights the grave risks of exceeding the 1.5°C global warming limit, even temporarily. The report, titled “Overconfidence in climate overshoot,” warns of potentially irreversible consequences, such as rising sea levels and significant biodiversity loss. With Southern Africa already experiencing the devastating impacts of climate change — from intensified cyclones and droughts to socio-economic challenges like water scarcity and displacement — it's clear that urgent action is needed. As the world prepares for COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, the question remains: will global leaders accelerate efforts to tackle this crisis, or will ambitions fall short once again? The time to act is now. Read more from Brooke L. about the latest findings and learn how we can all contribute towards meaningful climate action below ⬇️ #InvestWithCare #ClimateChange #Sustainability #SDGs #COP29

In September, global bond and equity markets experienced strong gains, with rate cuts from central banks like the Fed, ECB, and BoE boosting sentiment. The MSCI World Index rose 1.9%, while emerging markets surged 6.7%. U.S. inflation eased to 2.5%, and the 10-year Treasury yield fell, driving a 1.7% return for global bonds. China's aggressive stimulus fuelled a 21% rally in the CSI 300. European markets saw modest gains, though the UK’s FTSE 100 declined 1.5%. Meanwhile, gold surged 5.2%, and Brent crude fell 8.9%. Key Highlights:  > Global bonds and equities surged in September, driven by recent and anticipated rate cuts.  > The 10-year U.S. Treasury yield dropped to 3.8%, which boosted bonds on a total return basis.  > China’s stimulus measures sparked a positive 21% rally in Chinese equities.  > The Fed’s rate cut weakened the U.S. dollar, but gold surged 5.2%. Read more on our Global market commentary here: https://lnkd.in/dAwpXc8D Stay informed – subscribe here https://lnkd.in/e6tjyJxW  for insightful perspectives from the RisCura Global Commentary. #GlobalMarkets #RisCura #InvestWithCare #MarketChallenges #FinancialMarketNews 

We are hiring a Fund Accountant to join our dynamic team in Cape Town, South Africa. If you are driven by detail, excel at reconciliation, and are ready to grow your career in the investment industry, we would like to hear from you. Applications Close: 29 October 2024 Read more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/dN3d-KxS

In September, South African markets saw positive movement, with both the Capped SWIX and All Share indices up 4.0% and the ALBI gaining 3.9%. The MPC cut the repo rate by 25 basis points to 8% (the first rate cut in four years), while manufacturing activity bounced back into expansion as the Absa PMI rose from 43.6 to 52.8. The Two-Pot retirement system also came into effect this month, and looking ahead, South Africa is set to assume the G20 presidency in 2025. Key highlights:   > The IMF forecasts the growth rate year-on-year for South Africa to be at 1.0%.  > The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) reduced the repo rate by 25 basis points, the first rate cut in four years.  > The Two-Pot retirement system kicked off, with a total of R103 million in withdrawals shortly after.  > HSBC confirmed its sale of its South African corporate branch unit to FirstRand.  > SA infrastructure investment is estimated at R943 billion over the next three years. Read more on our SA market commentary here: https://lnkd.in/dgsXQ_pZ Stay informed – subscribe here https://lnkd.in/e6tjyJxW  for insightful perspectives from the RisCura South African Commentary.  #RisCura #InvestWithCare #SouthAfricanMarket #MarketUpdate 

Last week we had the pleasure of hosting five incredible students from Kwamfundo Senior Secondary School for CFA Society South Africa Day of the Girl 2024. From exploring our offices and learning about different roles in finance to engaging in insightful conversations with our team, these young women demonstrated a genuine curiosity and enthusiasm for the investment world. We're proud to be part of an initiative that empowers young girls to pursue their dreams and consider a future in finance. A big thank you to everyone who made this day possible!  #CFADayOfTheGirl #WomenInFinance #InvestInGirls #RisCura