Why Partnering with a Professional Wealth Adviser Matters More Than Ever
In South Africa, the lines between financial advisers and insurance brokers are often blurred. Many consumers perceive these roles as largely transactional: selecting the right life policy or investment fund. While those services remain essential, the true value of comprehensive wealth management lies well beyond product selection.
At Arena Insurance Consultants, our role is not just to advise but to partner with you—discreetly and strategically—on all aspects of your financial journey. Our advisers act as informed co-navigators, interpreting the economic landscape and guiding you through the maze of financial decisions with insight and experience.
What does that mean in practice?
We help our clients with
• Navigating both local and international financial markets
• Understanding corporate structures such as trusts, foundations, and private investment companies
• Cross-border tax implications and regulatory compliance
• Asset protection and estate planning strategies
• Raising capital for business ventures, both domestically and abroad
• Listing companies locally and internationally
• Implementing tax-efficient, opportunity-driven investment portfolios
Having advised clients for over four decades, we have cultivated deep knowledge and global insight that now inform our own investment initiatives, including exclusive funds such as The Arena Funds. These initiatives are designed to offer our clients access to sophisticated strategies typically reserved for institutional investors.
In an era of rapid change, a well-informed financial partner is no longer optional, it’s essential.
Wills & Testaments: Protecting Your Legacy
Estate planning may not be a favourite topic, but it is one of the most critical elements of a secure financial plan. Surprisingly, more than 80% of South Africans still don’t have a valid will in place. A common misconception is that wills are only necessary for the wealthy. In truth, anyone with dependents, assets, or specific wishes for the distribution of their estate needs one.
Why It Matters
Without a valid will:
• The distribution of your estate will be governed by intestate succession law—not your personal wishes.
• Minor children may be placed under state-appointed guardianship, both financially and in terms of caregiving.
• Loved ones can face legal and financial uncertainty during an already difficult time.
Multi-Jurisdictional Estates
If you own assets in more than one country—such as South Africa and Italy—you’ll need separate wills tailored to each jurisdiction. Not doing so can lead to legal conflicts, double taxation, and significant delays in settling the estate.
Important note: A will drafted in one country may not be recognised in another, and tax liabilities can vary widely across borders. These complex nuances are best handled in a one-on-one consultation, where we can develop a strategy tailored to your international estate.
Planning for the Cost of Death
Many estates lack the liquidity to cover taxes, debt, executor fees, or cash bequests. This can result in forced asset sales or financial hardship for surviving family members. Proactive planning—often through well-structured life insurance policies—can ensure these costs are covered without disrupting your long-term wealth plan.
Key Considerations When Drafting a Will
• Blended families: Clearly define the rights of biological and stepchildren. Stepchildren do not automatically inherit unless specified.
• Divorces and joint wills: Post-divorce, you have 90 days to amend a joint will. Failure to do so may unintentionally benefit an ex-spouse.
• Dependents: Parents or siblings dependent on you may not inherit automatically but can claim from your pension fund if they prove dependency.
• Unmarried partners: New court rulings have begun granting rights to long-term partners in the absence of a will. A clear will removes ambiguity and ensures your wishes are carried out.
Confidence Through Clarity
A comprehensive estate plan, combined with an informed investment strategy, offers more than just financial returns—it brings peace of mind. When your affairs are professionally managed, you can focus on living your life, knowing your legacy is protected.
At Arena Insurance Consultants, we are here to ensure your plan is both robust and responsive to today’s ever-changing world. Whether you’re expanding internationally, navigating life transitions, or simply want to optimise your investment approach, our door is always open.
Let’s Talk.
Your future deserves more than good intentions—it deserves expertise.
Contact us today to schedule a strategy session.
Warm regards,
Arena Insurance Consultants Team
Strategic. Informed. Invested in You.
By Mauro Armellini
Financial Advisor & Director at Arena Insurance Consultants
Tel: Tel: +2711 501 3393
Website: arenainsurance.co.za
Mauro has an abundant wealth of knowledge in both short-term, long-term and investment sectors. After being in the industry since 1984, he is fluent in Wealth Management on a global platform. For tailored financial advice feel free to contact him on mauro@arenainsurance.co.za
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