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Unit Trusts

Affordable, convenient and effortless investments

Sanlam unit trusts give you access to some of South Africa’s top investment managers, so you don’t have to navigate the share markets alone. Our comprehensive range of personal finance products offers a multitude of risk and return options, with a solution for every risk appetite and investment horizon.

From R500 a month you can enjoy access to a wide range of funds, offering you both local and international investment options. With no lock-in period, unit trusts give you plenty of choice and flexibility. Invest in one or more of our unit trusts today, and start saving towards your financial goals.

What is a Unit Trust?

A unit trust gives easy, cost-effective access to blue chip companies via shares, property and bonds, which are not usually available to direct investors with relatively smaller amounts to invest. The fund manager is responsible for diversifying your investment to protect it from being too exposed to a potential fall of a single asset.

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Standard vs Tax-free Unit Trusts

A tax-free unit trust works largely the same as a standard unit trust, except that you don’t pay any tax on your interest or dividends earned, and capital gains are tax free too. This means you don’t pay tax on the growth of your investment, which makes it a far more effective way to reach your goals.

Tax-free Unit Trusts

  • By law you can only invest R36 000 per year or
    R500 000 over your lifetime
  • Any contributions beyond the aforementioned maximum limits are taxed at 40%
  • You pay no tax on your income or capital gains (only applicable to SA tax residents)

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Unit Trusts

  • No maximum limits on how much you can invest – only minimum investment amounts, which vary from fund to fund
  • Ideal option once you've exhausted the maximum investment amount limits of your tax-free unit trust
  • Your income and capital gains are taxable

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Tax-free Unit Trusts

  • By law you can only invest R36 000 per year or R500 000 over your lifetime
  • Any contributions beyond the aforementioned maximum limits are taxed at 40%
  • You pay no tax on your income or capital gains (only applicable to SA tax residents)

Invest Now

Unit Trusts

  • No maximum limits on how much you can invest – only minimum investment amounts, which vary from fund to fund
  • Ideal option once you've exhausted the maximum investment amount limits of your tax-free unit trust
  • Your income and capital gains are taxable

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You can now transfer all or part of your tax-free investment between product providers. For more information on tax-free unit trusts or transfers, contact us or visit the tax-free investment page.

Risk Scale

Choose a unit trust that suits your needs.

When selecting a unit trust, you need to first consider your personal goals and determine where you are positioned on the risk scale. Ranging from conservative to aggressive, the risk scale outlines the different investor personalities to help you determine which fund is most suitable for you.

Low Risk
High Risk
Conservative
You are very careful and want to protect your capital. Time Horizon: 0-2 yrs
Cautious
You’d prefer not to take risks, but can be persuaded. Time Horizon: 3-5 yrs
Moderate
You’re willing to take risks with some of your assets. Time Horizon: 6-7 yrs
Moderate Aggressive
You understand the long-term risk/return trade-off. Time Horizon: 8-9 yrs
Aggressive
You're willing to risk more for maximum returns. Time Horizon: 10 yrs +
  • 1 of 5

There's nothing wrong with being a conservative investor. Generally, this means that you're reluctant to lose any of the money you put away, even if it means making a smaller return on your investments. Your longer-term return should still be a healthy 1% to 2% per annum above inflation.

Explore our funds for your risk/return profile

Sanlam Investment Management Active Income Fund
Sanlam Investment Management Enhanced Yield Fund

Being a cautious investor means that you're willing to accept a small amount of risk for a short-term loss on your initial investment. On the flip-side, your longer-term returns should be between 3% and 4% per annum above inflation.

Explore our funds for your risk/return profile

Sanlam Global Cautious Fund of Funds*
Sanlam Investment Management Inflation Plus Fund
Sanlam Multi Managed Defensive Fund of Funds*
Satrix Low Equity Balanced Index Fund

*These funds are not available as tax-free options.

As a moderate investor, you are willing to accept a bit more risk in the short term, followed by probable returns of between 4% and 5% per annum above inflation in the future.

Explore our funds for your risk/return profile

Sanlam Investment Management Balanced Fund
Sanlam Multi Managed Balanced Fund of Funds*
Satrix Balanced Index Fund

*These funds are not available as tax-free options.

As a moderately aggressive investor, you probably believe that risk and reward go hand-in-hand. A higher level of risk on your investment should result in higher returns of about 5% per annum above inflation.

Explore our funds for your risk/return profile

Sanlam Global Balanced Fund of Funds

If you're an aggressive investor, you're here to make as much of a return on your investment as possible, no matter the risk. If you're comfortable with high short-term risks, for probable long-term returns of 6% to 7% per annum above inflation, aggressive investing is for you.

Explore our funds for your risk/return profile

Sanlam Global Equity Fund  
Sanlam Investment Management General Equity Fund
Sanlam Investment Management Top Choice Equity Fund*
Sanlam Investment Management Value Fund
Satrix Dividend Plus Index Fund
Satrix Momentum Index Fund
Satrix MSCI World Equity Index Feeder Fund
Satrix Property Index Fund

*These funds are not available as tax-free options.

For more information, view our daily prices.

Sanlam Investments Performance Fees FAQ

Multi Managed Collective Investment Schemes Performance Fees FAQ

Although all reasonable steps have been taken to ensure the information on this website is accurate, the Sanlam Collective Investments (RF) (Pty) Ltd / Satrix Managers (RF) (Pty) Ltd (“Sanlam Collective Investments”)/(“Satrix”) does not accept any responsibility for any claim, damages, loss or expense; however it arises, out of or in connection with the information. No member of Sanlam gives any representation, warranty or undertaking, nor accepts any responsibility or liability as to the accuracy of any of this information. The information to follow does not constitute financial advice as contemplated in terms of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act. Use or rely on this information at your own risk. Independent professional financial advice should always be sought before making an investment decision.

Sanlam Group is a full member of the Association for Savings and Investment SA. Collective investment schemes are generally medium- to long-term investments. Please note that past performances are not necessarily an accurate determination of future performances, and that the value of investments / units / unit trusts may go down as well as up. A schedule of fees and charges and maximum commissions is available from the Manager, Sanlam Collective Investments (RF) Pty Ltd / Satrix Managers (RF) (Pty) Ltd, a registered and approved Manager in Collective Investment Schemes in Securities. Additional information of the proposed investment, including brochures, application forms and annual or quarterly reports, can be obtained from the Manager, free of charge. Collective investments are traded at ruling prices and can engage in borrowing and scrip lending.

Collective investments are calculated on a net asset value basis, which is the total market value of all assets in the portfolio including any income accruals and less any deductible expenses such as audit fees, brokerage and service fees. Actual investment performance of the portfolio and the investor will differ depending on the initial fees applicable, the actual investment date, and the date of reinvestment of income as well as dividend withholding tax. Forward pricing is used. The Manager does not provide any guarantee either with respect to the capital or the return of a portfolio. The performance of the portfolio depends on the underlying assets and variable market factors. Performance is based on NAV to NAV calculations with income reinvestments done on the ex-div date. Lump sum investment performances are quoted. The portfolio may invest in other unit trust portfolios which levy their own fees, and may result is a higher fee structure for our portfolio. All the portfolio options presented are approved collective investment schemes in terms of Collective Investment Schemes Control Act, No 45 of 2002 (“CISCA”). International investments or investments in foreign securities could be accompanied by additional risks such as potential constraints on liquidity and repatriation of funds, macroeconomic risk, political risk, foreign exchange risk, tax risk, settlement risk as well as potential limitations on the availability of market information.

The Manager has the right to close any portfolios to new investors to manage them more efficiently in accordance with their mandates. The portfolio management of all the portfolios is outsourced to financial services providers authorized in terms of the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, 2002. Standard Bank of South Africa Ltd is the appointed trustee of the Sanlam Collective Investments Scheme/ Standard Chartered Bank is the appointed trustee of the Satrix Managers Scheme. A money market portfolio is not a bank deposit account. The price is targeted at a constant value. The total return to the investor is made up of interest received and any gain or loss made on any particular instrument and in most cases the return will merely have the effect of increasing or decreasing the daily yield, but that in the case of abnormal losses it can have the effect of reducing the capital value of the portfolio. Excessive withdrawals from the portfolio may place the portfolio under liquidity pressures and in such circumstances a process of ring-fencing of withdrawal instructions and managed pay-outs over time may be followed. A feeder fund is a portfolio that invests in a single portfolio of collective investment schemes, which levies its own charges and which could result in a higher fee structure for the feeder fund.

Forms

Select and complete a PDF fillable form. This can be emailed to UTinstructions@sanlaminvestmentssupport.com or faxed to +27 86 072 4467.

We recommend speaking to a financial adviser before making any big investment decisions, or use our online investment tool to manage your money more efficiently.

Application Form – Individual Investors
Application Form – Non-individual Investors
Application Form – Tax-free Unit Trusts
Regulatory Supporting Information
Terms and Conditions

Read More about Regulatory Requirements

Automatic Exchange of Information (AEOI)

*Total Expense Ratio Download PDF

Application form: Satrix Individual Investors (new investors only)
Application form: Satrix Tax-free Unit Trusts (new investors only)
Satrix Unit Trust Terms and Conditions
FICA Individual
Regulatory Supporting Information

Invest Offshore

Diversify your portfolio with offshore investments.

With a presence in over 22 countries, Sanlam gives you access to a range of offshore investment solutions – across continents and asset classes. Investing in global markets enables you to diversify your investment portfolio, and:

  • Spread your portfolio over multiple markets to lower overall risk
  • See higher potential returns from a wider range of opportunities
  • Protect your investment against a depreciation in the rand and other country-specific risks
  • Enjoy smoother potential returns, when investing in different regions at different stages of their growth and economic cycles
  • Gain access to industries that are not locally available

We take great pride in offering prices that are competitive on an international level, and low cost structures that are designed to maximise your returns. You also have the option of investing either in rand, or directly offshore using your offshore investment allowance.

Please note: Standard unit trusts offer both rand and foreign denominated investment options, whereas tax-free unit trusts are restricted to rand denominated investments.

Effective Annual Cost (EAC)

The measure was introduced by the Association for Savings and Investments South Africa (ASISA) to help align the investments industry more fully with the principles of Treating Customers Fairly (TCF). ASISA provides clear guidelines on how EAC should be calculated and disclosed for investment products. EAC is aimed at helping clients compare costs across different investment products.

EAC is a summary measure derived from four components: investment management charges, advice charges, administration and other charges. ASISA prescribes how costs are classified as well as the calculation periods. The disclosure periods are one year, three years, five years and 10 years for unit trust investments. In terms of the prescribed calculation methodology, it is assumed that the client disinvests fully at the end of each of these periods. The ASISA standard on Effective Annual Cost is available on the ASISA website at www.asisa.org.za.

We provide you with the Effective Annual Cost (EAC), which is the industry standard for investments. From October 2017, we will provide Effective Annual Cost (EAC) information annually for new investments and whenever an investment transaction occurs that impacts the cost of your investment. Investment transactions that impact your cost include additional investments, increases in debit orders, and changes to a fee arrangement with your adviser.

Frequently Asked Questions

A unit trust is an investment vehicle which gives you affordable access to the financial markets without having to buy the assets yourself. When you invest in a unit trust the money is pooled with that of other investors. This pool of money is used to invest in a portfolio of assets such as equities, bonds, cash and property, depending on the objective of the unit trust. The unit trust is divided into units of equal value, which will be allocated to you according to the amount of money you invest and the price of the units on that day.

  • A unit trust enables you to access and benefit from investments at a much lower cost than if you buy them directly on the security market.
  • From R500 a month you enjoy access to professional investment managers and index tracking funds, offering you local and international investments.
  • Unit trusts have no lock-in period, meaning that you decide when and how many units to buy, which you will own until you decide to sell them.
  • Unit trusts are also well protected in South Africa and regulated by government legislation and industry standards.

Each fund has an investment minimum which is disclosed on the minimum disclosure document (also known as fund fact sheet). You can invest a once-off amount (lump-sum), regular monthly amounts or if you are an existing investor, you can make additional investments when it suits you.

The cost associated with each fund is available in the Minimum Disclosure Document (fund fact sheet) so that you can make an informed choice.

  • Advisory Fees
    • No advisory fees are payable on unit trusts purchased on this website. You may negotiate on-going advisory fees with a financial planner in future if you require advisory services.
  • Management Fees
    • Fees payable to the fund manager for the investment management. This is shown in the Minimum Disclosure Document of each fund.
  • Total Expense Ratio (TER)
    • The total expense ratio is a measure of the total costs, fees and expenses that were incurred and levied in the fund over a 12-month period.
    • The TER will include all costs and expenses necessary for the normal operation of the unit trust fund including management fees, but will exclude advisory fees.
    • Each fund will have a different TER which can be seen on the Minimum Disclosure Document.

The Effective Annual Cost (EAC) is a measurement that aims to standardise cost disclosures across different investment products. It is expressed as an annualised percentage and is made up of four components (investment management charges, advice charges, administration charges and other charges), which are added together. The EAC shows the extent to which the investment return will be reduced by charges over a specified period. The lower the EAC, the more cost-effective an investment is.

A number of Sanlam Unit Trust funds are available. They are categorised based on risk profile to suit investors different investment objectives and timeframes, as well as different levels of tolerance for investment risk. The investment mandate of a specific fund is linked to its risk profile and will determine which assets the fund can invest in.

Available funds can have one of the following investment risk profiles:

CONSERVATIVE: Conservative investments provide modest returns with a high degree of capital security. A typical portfolio will consist primarily of income orientated asset classes such as cash, bonds and property, with very little exposure to equities. The expected return may be close to inflation. There is therefore a risk that the real value of an investment may reduce over time, after taking fees and taxes into consideration.

CAUTIOUS: Cautious investments provide stable returns with limited risk of capital loss. A typical portfolio will consist primarily of income orientated asset classes such as cash, bonds and property, with limited exposure to equities.

MODERATE: Moderate investments should generate real returns by outperforming inflation over the longer term, but will at times experience short-term negative returns. A typical portfolio is diversified over all major asset classes to provide a balance between risk and return. There is a moderate risk of capital losses in the short-term.

MODERATELY AGGRESSIVE: Moderately aggressive investments can have a fair amount of fluctuations in the short-term returns, in anticipation of higher real returns over the long-term. A typical portfolio is diversified over all major asset classes, with a bias towards equities to create real capital growth over the long term. There is a substantial risk of capital losses in the short-term.

AGGRESSIVE: Aggressive investments aims to maximise real return over the long-term, but may experience severe short-term negative returns. A typical portfolio is diversified over all major asset classes, with a strong bias towards equities in order to significantly outperform inflation over the long-term. There is a significant risk of capital losses in the short-term.

Once you have opened your unit trust fund, register on Sanlam’s Secure Service site to access and manage your portfolio online. Simply go click on Secure Service and follow the easy steps to complete your registration. You will have access to your portfolio information 24/7 at your convenience.

Alternatively, you can contact the Sanlam Collective Investment Client Contact Centre at 0860 100 266 or service@sanlaminvestments.com.

Should you have any enquiries or require additional assistance, please contact the Sanlam Collective Investments Client Contact Centre on 0860 100 266 or service@sanlaminvestments.com.

The income and capital gains from your unit trust investments are taxable and you need to report it on your income tax return. Sanlam Collective Investments send investors tax certificates annually at the end of May. If a capital gain or loss is incurred, this is reflected on the IT3(c) tax certificate and the investor may be liable for Capital Gains Tax (CGT).

Interest income and dividends are reflected on the IT3(b) tax certificate. Tax on dividends is withheld, while interest income for RSA taxpayers is paid excluding tax. Dividends Tax are withheld at 20% in line with tax legislation. If you qualify for a reduction in the Dividends Tax rate or an exemption, your withholding tax rate will be adjusted upon receipt of the relevant Dividends Tax Form. You can request the form from the Sanlam Collective Investments Client Contact Centre on 0860 100 266 or service@sanlaminvestments.com.

Certain non-SA investors may qualify for an exemption from or a reduced rate for withholding tax on interest or may qualify for a reduced rate in dividends tax. In order to qualify for this, please complete the Withholding Tax on Interest Declaration Form (WTI) and/or the Dividends Tax Form (DTD) (RR). You can request the form from the Sanlam Collective Investments Client Contact Centre on 0860 100 266 or service@sanlaminvestments.com.

Remember to consult your financial planner on how to structure your investments optimally.

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