Quick Facts

• Established in 1997 – over 28 years of experience
• Owned by Sanlam, a JSE-listed financial services company
• Offers local and international investment options
• Must work with a registered financial adviser
• Minimum R1,000/month or R100,000 lump sum (varies by product)

What is Glacier by Sanlam?

Glacier is an investment platform owned by Sanlam. Think of it as a shopping mall for investments. Instead of going to different shops (fund managers), you can find everything in one place.

Glacier was started in 1997. That means they have been helping South Africans invest for over 28 years. They bring together top investment funds from different companies. You choose the funds you want. Everything is managed in one account.

Glacier is regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). This is the government body that makes sure investment companies follow the rules. Glacier’s FSP number proves they are legal and safe.

Investment Options Available

Glacier offers different investment products for different goals. Here are the main options:

Product	Best For	Minimum
Retirement Annuity	Saving for retirement (locked until age 55)	R1,000/month or R100,000 lump sum
Tax-Free Savings Account	Long-term savings with no tax on growth	Varies (max R36,000/year allowed)
Investment Plan	General savings and wealth building	Varies by fund chosen
Living Annuity	Income after retirement	Transfer from retirement fund
Offshore Investment	Investing in international markets	US$25,000/€25,000/£25,000

Understanding Each Product

Retirement Annuity (RA):

This is for retirement savings. You get tax benefits. Your contributions reduce your taxable income. You can deduct up to 27.5% of your income (maximum R350,000 per year). But you cannot take the money out until you turn 55 years old.

Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA):

This is for long-term savings. You pay no tax on interest, dividends or growth. You can contribute R36,000 per year. The lifetime limit is R500,000. You can take money out anytime. But if you withdraw, that amount counts against your lifetime limit.

Investment Plan:

This is for general investing. No tax benefits. But also no restrictions on when you can take money out. Good for medium-term goals like buying a house or car.

Living Annuity:

This provides monthly income after you retire. You transfer money from your retirement savings. You choose how much income to take each year (2.5% to 17.5% of the value).

How Glacier Works

Here is how the Glacier platform works:

Step 1: Choose Your Adviser

Find a financial adviser who works with Glacier. The adviser must be registered with the FSCA. Ask to see their FSP number. You can verify it on the FSCA website: www.fsca.co.za

Step 2: Discuss Your Goals

Tell your adviser what you want to achieve. Are you saving for retirement? Building an emergency fund? Saving for your children’s education? Your goals determine which products are right for you.

Step 3: Choose Your Investments

Your adviser shows you different fund options. Glacier has funds from many companies like Allan Gray, Coronation, Investec, and Sanlam. You can mix different funds in your portfolio.

Step 4: Set Up Your Account

Your adviser helps you complete the application. You will need:

• ID document or passport
• Proof of residence (bank statement, utility bill)
• Bank account details
• Tax number
• FICA documents (for legal compliance)

Step 5: Start Investing

You can invest through:

• Monthly debit orders from your bank account
• Lump sum payments
• Transfer from another retirement fund

Step 6: Monitor Your Investment

You can check your investment online through Glacier’s secure website. You receive quarterly statements. Your adviser reviews your portfolio with you regularly.

⚠️ Costs and Fees

Investing with Glacier involves several fees. Understanding these helps you know the true cost.

Types of Fees

Fee Type	What It Covers	Typical Range
Platform Fee	Glacier’s administration	Varies by product
Fund Management Fee	Managing your chosen funds	0.5% – 2% per year
Adviser Fee	Your financial adviser’s advice	Negotiable (max 0.5%/year for RAs)
Total Expense Ratio (TER)	All costs combined	1.5% – 2.5% per year typically

No Hidden Fees

There are usually no fees for:

• Switching between funds
• Transferring to Glacier from another provider
• Withdrawing from non-retirement products

Always ask your adviser for a full fee breakdown before you invest.

✅ How to Get Started

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Contact Glacier:

Call: 0860 452 364 or 021 917 9002
Email: client.services@glacier.co.za
Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 to 17:00

Tell them you want to start investing. They will connect you with a registered financial adviser in your area.

2. Find a Financial Adviser:

If you already have a financial adviser, ask if they work with Glacier. Make sure your adviser is FSCA-registered. Check their FSP number at www.fsca.co.za

3. Prepare Your Documents:

Gather:

• South African ID or valid passport
• Proof of address (not older than 3 months)
• Bank statement showing your account details
• Tax number

4. Meet with Your Adviser:

Your adviser will:

• Assess your financial situation
• Understand your investment goals
• Recommend suitable products
• Explain fees and costs
• Help you complete application forms

5. Sign Documents and Start Investing:

Review all documents carefully. Make sure you understand everything before signing. Set up your debit order or make your first payment. Your investment usually starts within 5-10 working days.

Benefits and Advantages

Why Choose Glacier?

1. Wide Choice of Investments:

Glacier offers one of the widest ranges of investment funds in South Africa. You can choose from top fund managers. Mix and match to build your perfect portfolio.

2. Professional Management:

Your money is managed by experienced fund managers. They make investment decisions daily. You benefit from professional expertise.

3. Flexibility:

Switch between funds at no extra cost. Pause or resume contributions. Transfer from other providers without penalties.

4. Regulation and Safety:

Glacier is regulated by the FSCA. Standard Bank is the trustee. Your money is protected by South African law. Glacier cannot just take your money.

5. Tax Benefits:

Retirement annuities offer tax deductions. Tax-free savings accounts grow without tax. This helps your money grow faster.

6. Online Access:

Check your investments anytime on the secure website. Download statements and tax certificates. Track your progress online.

7. Offshore Investment Options:

Diversify your portfolio internationally. Protect against rand weakness. Access global markets and companies.

🚨 Investment Scams to Avoid

South Africa has a big problem with investment scams. Scammers steal billions of rands every year. Here is how to protect yourself.

Common Investment Scams in South Africa (2025)

Telegram Investment Scams:

Scammers create fake groups on Telegram. They pretend to be from Sanlam, Glacier or other legitimate companies. They promise you can multiply your money 8 times in 6 days. They use fake FSCA certificates and stolen logos.

Ponzi Schemes:

Examples: Tiger Agriculture, Farm Home Stead, BHI Trust (stole R2.3 billion). They promise impossible returns like 30% per month. They pay early investors with money from new investors. Eventually they collapse. Everyone loses their money.

Cryptocurrency Scams:

Examples: Africrypt (R54 billion disappeared), MTI. They promise high returns from crypto trading. They ask for payment in Bitcoin. Then they disappear with your money.

Red Flags – Warning Signs

Red Flag	What It Means
Guaranteed high returns	No legitimate investment guarantees returns. If it sounds too good to be true, it is a scam.
Pressure to invest now	Real advisers give you time to think. Scammers create urgency and fear of missing out.
Contact via Telegram/WhatsApp	Legitimate companies don’t do business on messaging apps. This is how scammers hide.
Request for crypto payment	Scammers prefer Bitcoin because it cannot be traced. Real investments use bank accounts.
No FSCA registration	All investment companies must be FSCA-registered. If they are not registered, it is illegal.
Celebrity endorsements	Scammers use fake celebrity photos. They pretend famous people invest with them.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Verify FSCA Registration:

Check the company on www.fsca.co.za. Call FSCA: 0800 110 443. Ask for their FSP number. Verify it before investing.

2. Do Your Research:

Google the company name plus “scam” or “complaints”. Check reviews from other investors. Ask friends and family for their experiences.

3. Meet Face-to-Face:

Insist on meeting at a physical office. Real companies have real offices. Scammers only exist online.

4. Get Everything in Writing:

Request official documents. Read all contracts carefully. Keep copies of everything.

5. If Something Feels Wrong, Stop:

Trust your instincts. If you feel pressured or confused, say no. It is better to miss an opportunity than lose your money.

Common Questions About Glacier

Q: Can I invest directly with Glacier without a financial adviser?

A: No. Glacier requires you to work with a registered financial adviser. The adviser helps you choose suitable investments. They also handle all the paperwork.

Q: What is the minimum amount I can invest?

A: For Retirement Annuities, the minimum is R1,000 per month or R100,000 lump sum. For other products, minimums vary depending on the fund. Your adviser will explain the options.

Q: Is my money safe with Glacier?

A: Glacier is regulated by the FSCA. Standard Bank acts as trustee. Your investments are protected by law. However, the value of investments can go up and down. There is always investment risk.

Q: Can I take my money out anytime?

A: It depends on the product. Investment Plans and TFSAs allow withdrawals anytime. Retirement Annuities are locked until age 55. Living Annuities have minimum and maximum withdrawal limits.

Q: What happens if Glacier closes?

A: Your investments are held by Standard Bank as trustee. They are separate from Glacier’s business. If Glacier closes, your investments are protected. You can transfer to another platform.

Q: How do I check my investment balance?

A: Log into the secure Glacier website. You can check your balance anytime. You also receive quarterly statements by email or post.

Q: Can I invest if I am not South African?

A: You must be a South African resident or have a valid South African tax number. Foreign residents may have restrictions. Ask your adviser about your situation.

Q: What if my adviser leaves or retires?

A: Your investment stays with Glacier. You can choose a new adviser. Glacier will help you find one if needed.

Q: How are investment profits taxed?

A: Retirement Annuities grow tax-free until you retire. TFSAs are completely tax-free. Investment Plans pay tax on interest and dividends. Your adviser explains tax implications for your situation.

📞 Important Contact Information

Glacier by Sanlam:

Phone: 0860 452 364 or 021 917 9002
Email: client.services@glacier.co.za
Website: www.glacier.co.za
Hours: Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 17:00

Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA):

Phone: 0800 110 443
Website: www.fsca.co.za
Use this to verify advisers and report scams

ASISA (Association for Savings and Investment SA):

Website: www.asisa.org.za
Industry body for investment companies

SABRIC (South African Banking Risk Information Centre):

Phone: 0860 123 000
Report investment and banking scams

Glacier by Sanlam is a reputable investment platform with over 28 years of experience. It offers a wide choice of investment funds from leading companies. You benefit from professional management and FSCA regulation.

However, Glacier is not suitable if you want to invest on your own. You must work with a financial adviser. This adds adviser fees to your costs. Make sure you understand all fees before investing.

Start small with what you can afford. Even R500 per month builds wealth over time. Review your investments regularly with your adviser. Stay alert for investment scams. Always verify FSCA registration before investing anywhere.

Remember: Investing is for long-term wealth building. Do not invest money you need in the next 5 years. Real wealth takes time to grow. Be patient and consistent.