Stratus International Endowment

You're concerned about today's volatile markets eroding your capital, about their effect on an investment payout that might be the start of a new chapter in your life. However, by investing offshore with Stratus International Endowment you'd be spreading your risks over more than one market, thus gaining access to the growth potential of the most successful economies of the world.

At the same time, you could be safeguarding the value of your eventual payout, since your proceeds would be paid in the currency of your choice, anywhere in the world. You'd be unaffected by - even gaining from - any potential drop in the value of the rand.

It's also affordable. The minimum monthly investment of only R750 or single lump sum payment from R10 000 onwards gives you access to both established (for steady growth) and emerging (more volatile but with the potential for higher returns) markets.

You will not be responsible for the income or capital gains tax on the proceeds, as Sanlam pays the tax for the duration of your investment term.

Looking after your investment is one of the best offshore fund management expertise teams. Sanlam was the first South African financial services company to help South Africans take advantage of offshore investments, and now, once again, the first to offer a guarantee on the returns.

You have a choice of seven investment funds, all investing 100% in international assets:

• you pay in rands, which is converted in US dollars via our contracted bank,
• we buy units*** in your chosen investment fund(s),
• we pay in the currency of your choice,
• into the account of your choice, or

• you may repatriate the money back to South Africa.

Clicking on any of the funds below will open a new browser with comprehensive fund information.

Stratus & Stratus Premier range of funds	Risk level / Asset class
US$, £ and € denominated funds
Managed options - Offshore (100% foreign currency)
International Hedge Fund	Cautious **
International Balanced Fund	Moderately aggressive **
Active building blocks - Offshore (100% foreign currency)
International Money Market Fund US$	Cash **
International Money Market Fund £	Cash **
International Money Market Fund €	Cash **
International Bond Fund	Fixed interest **
International Equity Fund	Equity **

**Risk level / asset class indicated in terms of the currency in which the investments are made. In rand terms, the risk level is increased because of exchange rate fluctuations.

If Sanlam guarantees your investment, we will at least pay the guaranteed amount in case markets take a nose-dive. If the investment returns exceed the guaranteed amount, however, we'll pay you the greater amount. We always guarantee the minimum investment rate.

***This is a long-term policy in terms of the Long-term Insurance Act, 52 of 1998. These units are not units of a unit trust scheme as defined in the Collective Investment Schemes Control Act, 45 of 2002.

The legal fine print

Because your investment is subject to the terms of a R2 million overseas allowance, you are required to get permission from the SA Reserve Bank, as well as a South African Revenue Services tax clearance. Do read our frequently asked questions in this regard.

Frequently asked questions regarding offshore investments

	How much may one invest overseas? Do I need a tax clearance certificate? How long should I plan to hold on to my Stratus International Endownment? Will my monthly premium be affected by the exchange rate? May I invest extra amounts as and when it becomes available? What happens at my death? How can I keep track of my investment's performance?

	How much may one invest overseas?
	Any South African citizen over the age of 18 is allowed to take up to R2 million overseas, subject to South African Reserve Bank approval. However, initially this investment had to take the form of a single, lump sum. With Sanlam's Stratus International Endownment, you can also invest with regular monthly payments. The premiums start from a minimum of R750 per month. Alternatively, you could choose to make a lump sum investment starting at a minimum of R10 000. Or you could choose to make both a lump sum investment and pay recurring premiums.
	Do I need a tax clearance certificate?
	According to current practice, you are required to obtain tax clearance every twelve months, for the next twelve month's premiums. Sanlam will request this on your behalf, after the initial clearance certificate has been obtained. However, your tax affairs will need to remain in order to be able to invest for the full term.
	How long should I plan to hold on to my Stratus International Endownment?
	The policy is open-ended. You choose an initial term of between five and ten years. After the option date, which is the anniversary of the policy at the end of the initial term, the value of the policy is available without a surrender fee. Should you wish to cash in the policy during the initial term, surrender fees will apply.
	Will my monthly premium be affected by the exchange rate?
	No, the amount you pay every month in rands remains the same. However, the amount in US dollars will fluctuate according to the prevailing exchange rate.
	May I invest extra amounts as and when it becomes available?
	Yes, you can. A minimum ad hoc single premium applies.
	What happens at my death?
	The death benefit is equal to the value of the policy investment as at the date Sanlam receives notification of the death of the life insured. The beneficiary can choose either to keep it abroad in foreign currency until required, or bring it back to South Africa in rands.
	How can I keep track of my investment's performance?
	You can keep track of the rand value of your investment by multiplying the number of units held with the daily investment fund price. For these you can refer to the Stratus prices on Sanlam's web site, Business Day daily, Rapport and Business Times every week.

Contact details

Sales / Product related information: 0860 223 390
Fax: (021) 947-9864
Information on existing policies: 0860SANLAM / 0860 726 526
Fax: (021) 947-9440
International tel: +27 21 916-5000
International fax: +27 21 947-9864
E-mail:  stratus@sanlam.co.za

Please note:

PDF documents are viewable using the Adobe® Acrobat Reader.
You can download Acrobat Reader free of charge directly from Adobe (All platforms).