FSCA issues warning about fake Brandes Investments on WhatsApp
The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has issued a public warning about a WhatsApp group fraudulently claiming to be affiliated with Brandes Investments, an Irish company.
According to the FSCA, the impostors are using the platform to solicit funds from the public, falsely promising unrealistic returns of R6,000 on an initial investment of R2,500 in a short period. The FSCA cautions that such offers should be viewed with extreme skepticism.
Brandes Investments, which was authorised to provide financial services in South Africa until it voluntarily relinquished its license on April 19, 2021, has confirmed it has no connection to these individuals. The administrators of the fraudulent WhatsApp group remain unreachable for comment.
The FSCA says it strongly advises the public to exercise caution when considering investments or trading offers on social media or through unsolicited contacts. Verifying that an entity or individual is authorized by the FSCA to provide financial services is crucial. Watch out for red flags, including promises of high returns, upfront payments, and vague information about the investment product.
Radisson Hotel Group achieves record-breaking year with 300 new signings and openings
Radisson Hotel Group has announced that it concluded a remarkable 2024, adding nearly 40,000 keys to its global portfolio.
It says this includes an array of new openings and signings in breathtaking destinations, such as an expansion in Mauritius.
Radisson Blu says it retained its status as the leading upper upscale brand in Europe for the 13th consecutive year and now leads the upscale resort segment in EMEA. Elie Younes, Executive Vice President and Global Chief Development Officer, attributed their success to relentless efforts serving both guests and owners.
"In 2025, the group aims to build on its achievements through new segments and partnerships. Notable successes in 2024 included the growth of the Radisson Collection brand with new signings in Paris and Madrid, the opening of flagship hotels in Rome and Srinagar, and the debut of art’otel London Hoxton. Radisson Blu also expanded its footprint with significant additions in Casablanca and Conakry," it said.
The group said Radisson RED continued its growth, entering markets such as Vietnam, Germany, New Zealand, Laos, and Nigeria. The debut of Radisson RED Galway and Radisson RED Phuket Patong Beach marked key milestones for the brand.
New trends in South African property investment
Investors are exploring new property investment trends in South Africa, driven by the growing demand for coastal homes and alternative rental models, according to Standard Bank data.
The data shows that one in eight mortgage applications nationally over the past year were for buy-to-let properties.
The Western Cape leads the way, with 31% of new home loan applications linked to buy-to-let ventures, significantly higher than the national average of 12%. “Over the past decade, the Western Cape has consistently positioned itself as an investment destination,” says Chiko Manokore, head of personal and private banking at Standard Bank.
The surge in interest is driven by tourism and a growing expat community, the data shows.
Interest in bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) and stand-alone homes within estates has increased, making the Western Cape second only to Gauteng in building loans issued by Standard Bank.
According to the data, Gauteng continues to show strong buy-to-let activity, with Johannesburg focusing on rental income and the Western Cape on short-term rentals.
The Eastern Cape is also becoming a key player, while KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has seen lower buy-to-let activity due to environmental challenges and unrest.
Overall, the evolving property investment landscape reflects shifting provincial preferences, reshaping opportunities for investors.
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