Navigating the Hard Power World: Why Hard Money Matters Again, and Prescient and 10X

Navigating the Hard Power World: Why Hard Money Matters Again

In a world where uncertainty and structural shifts dominate headlines, clarity matters more than ever.

The Old Mutual Investment Group (OMIG) explores three themes shaping investment decisions today: the resurgence of hard assets in a hard-power era, the disciplined strength of Shari’ah investing amid global volatility, and the growing imperative for responsible capital allocation.

Their Responsible Investment Report 2025 underscores why sustainability must be pursued without compromising credibility – a sentiment echoed by recent debates on whether central banks should take on climate financing. As Deputy Governor of the South African Reserve Bank Fundi Tshazibana warns, monetary policy is no substitute for sound fiscal and market solutions.

For investors, the message is clear: resilience lies in strategies grounded in principle, performance, and prudence. 

Explore how these insights can help you navigate complexity and position portfolios for long-term success by clicking on the links below;

Prescient Q3 2025 Multi-Asset and Equity Webinar

As one of the core holdings in our discretionary managed PWM solutions, Prescient recently hosted its Multi-Asset and Equity Q3 2025 Webinar. Hosted by Joanne Baynham from Asset TV, our CIO, Bastian Teichgreeber, Head of Equities, Seeiso Matlanyane and Portfolio Manager, Shriya Roy, gave an update on what happened in the equity and multi-asset space during Q3 2025, also sharing their views going forward in an easy conversational style.

To view this session, you can simply click on the link below;

Old Mutual buys controlling stake in 10X Investments

“In a deal worth R2.2bn, Old Mutual has agreed to acquire a majority stake (85%) in 10X Investments (10X) from Old Mutual Private Equity (OMPE) and Digame Investments (Digame).

The transaction will position Old Mutual as a major force in the growing rules-based passive investment market.

As part of the deal, 10X management will retain a 15% stake in the business. The transaction is subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals, with completion expected in the second quarter of 2026.

‘In 2014, OMPE and Digame saw the opportunity to partner with 10X, a pioneer in the low-cost retirement savings market in South Africa, where challenges with financial wellness, education, and a poor savings culture persist,’ Old Mutual said in a statement.

I attached the actual Old Mutual Press release here.

10X has focused on capturing the ongoing global generational wealth transfer by delivering low-cost, long-term savings and investment solutions tailored to diverse client needs. The business has scaled significantly since OMPE and Digame acquired it with assets under management (AUM) of R3bn.

Today, 10X has AUM of over R68bn, servicing over 60,000 clients, with a market-leading position in net flows into passive products, ETFs and smart beta solutions.

Through OMPE and Digame, 10X has been guided by a stable ownership model that has supported its growth, independence, and client-first approach. The shareholders provided growth capital to build and promote the 10X brand and, in partnership with management, supported the strategic push into the direct-to-consumer market. The execution of bolt-on acquisitions, including the acquisition of CoreShares in December 2022, further diversified products and channels”.

Source: Old Mutual buys controlling stake in 10X Investments

Stats SA Show SA Tourism Gaining Further   

After sharing the August update a few weeks back, the latest data from Stats SA shows tourists arriving in South Africa have strongly increased by 26,9% from 666 718 in September 2024, to 846 367 persons in September 2025;

This is positive, and we are now starting to reach the pre-COVID-19 levels in tourism again.

That Extra Bit from Private Clients by Old Mutual Wealth

Attached please find the latest That Extra Bit, where we share a few interesting articles on some of the companies we hold in our portfolios.

In this week’s issue:

• Uber revs up for robotaxi race in San Francisco

• FNB & Visa renew 55-year alliance to drive African digital payments

• Adobe MAX shows off the future of creative AI​​​​​​​

Why Retirement Planning Should Start Sooner Than You Think

October is Financial Planning Month, and one of the most valuable reminders is that retirement planning should begin long before retirement is in sight.

Here’s why starting early makes all the difference:

🔵 Compound growth: The earlier you start, the more time your money has to grow.
🔵 Flexibility: Early planning gives you more choices and less pressure later in life.
🔵 Smaller contributions: Saving over a longer period reduces the amount you need to set aside each month.
🔵 Peace of mind: Knowing your future is secure allows you to enjoy the present.

Retirement is not just about leaving work behind; it’s about ensuring you can maintain the lifestyle you've worked so hard to achieve.

Friday Finish Line