Sanlam Launches Three Transformation-Focused Unit Trusts
Sanlam Investments Multi-Manager has launched three unit trusts whose underlying managers are Level 1 B-BBEE contributors, including Black-owned and Black-managed firms.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Investing
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Sanlam Investments Multi-Manager has launched the Sanlam Multi Manager SCI Equity Fund, Sanlam Multi Manager SCI Bond Fund and Sanlam Multi Manager SCI Income Fund. The funds are managed by Level 1 B-BBEE contributors, including Black-owned and Black-managed managers.
Why it matters
South Africa's asset management industry is undergoing structural change driven by regulatory expectations, procurement requirements and demand for Black-owned and Black-managed participation. The launch gives investors a route into funds that reflect those transformation goals.
The announcement cites performance targets against the FTSE/JSE Capped All Share Index for the Equity Fund and the JSE All Bond Index (ALBI) for the Bond Fund, with portfolio managers reporting 15 to 30+ years of experience. Fund size, fees and track record were not disclosed.
The players
Sanlam Investments Multi-Manager
The investment manager responsible for the three new funds, operating within the Sanlam Investments group in South Africa.
Sanlam Collective Investments
The administrator of the underlying funds, part of the Sanlam group's collective investment business.
The details
The three funds are run by underlying managers Mazi Asset Management, Terebinth Capital, All Weather Capital and Aluwani Capital Partners, selected through Sanlam Investments Multi-Manager's manager research and due diligence process. Sanlam Collective Investments administers the funds, and risk is managed through fund and manager selection.
Timeline
3 November 2026: Sanlam Investments Multi-Manager announces the launch of the three transformation-focused unit trusts.
Market Dynamics
The launch extends South Africa's broad-based black economic empowerment (B-BBEE) framework into collective investment, directing capital toward Level 1 contributors. It reflects a wider industry shift as regulatory and procurement pressures push asset managers to demonstrate transformation credentials.
Investors seeking exposure to transformation-focused managers can now access equity, bond and income funds through a single multi-manager structure. The funds' performance targets against the FTSE/JSE Capped All Share Index and JSE All Bond Index give a benchmark for comparing returns.
The takeaway
Investors who want their portfolios to reflect transformation goals can now compare multi-manager funds built around Level 1 B-BBEE managers. Checking each fund's benchmark and fee structure before investing will show how it measures against alternatives.
Further reading
For broader context on how these funds fit into local markets, see Investing coverage for South Africa.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fanews.
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