Quick Facts

• Founded in South Africa in 1991
• Manages R3.5 trillion in assets (December 2025)
• FSCA registered and regulated
• Minimum investment from R1,000 per month
• Head offices in London and Cape Town

What is Ninety One Limited?

Ninety One Limited is a major investment management company. They help people invest their money in various products. The company started in South Africa in 1991.

They manage money for individuals, pension funds, and companies. As of December 2025, they manage about R3.5 trillion in assets. This makes them one of South Africa’s biggest investment managers.

The company has offices in Cape Town and London. They are listed on both the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and London Stock Exchange. This means they are a public company that follows strict rules.

Company History and Background

Ninety One started as Investec Asset Management in 1991. The name comes from the year they were founded. They were part of Investec Bank for many years.

In March 2020, they separated from Investec. They became their own company called Ninety One Limited. This was a major change. They wanted to grow independently.

In March 2025, Ninety One made another big move. They took ownership of Sanlam Investment Management. This deal was approved by the Competition Tribunal in September 2025. It made Ninety One even bigger in South Africa.

Recent Developments (2025)

• Launched two new ETFs on the JSE in November 2025
• Took over Sanlam Investment Management operations
• Now manages R3.5 trillion in assets
• Employs over 1,289 staff worldwide

✅ Investment Products Available

Ninety One offers different ways to invest. Each product suits different needs. Here are the main options:

1. Unit Trusts (Mutual Funds)

These are pooled investments. Your money joins with other investors’ money. Professional managers invest this combined money.

Minimum investment: From R1,000 per month

Popular unit trusts include:

• Ninety One Equity Fund – invests in company shares
• Ninety One Managed Fund – mix of different investments
• Ninety One Opportunity Fund – aims for higher growth

2. Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs)

ETFs trade on the stock exchange like shares. Ninety One launched two new ETFs in November 2025:

• 91DINC – Diversified Income ETF (local investments)
• 91GINC – Global Diversified Income ETF (offshore investments)

These ETFs focus on generating income. They invest in bonds, property, and other income-producing assets.

3. Tax-Efficient Products

Ninety One Life Portfolio is for people who pay high tax. It offers tax benefits. It works as a life insurance policy with investment benefits.

Best for: People with tax rate above 30%

4. International Investments

Ninety One International Investment Portfolio lets you invest offshore. You can invest in international markets. This is useful for foreign currency exposure.

How to Invest with Ninety One

There are several ways to invest. You can do it directly or through a financial adviser.

Method 1: Direct Investment (Online)

Step 1: Visit the Ninety One website at www.ninetyone.com

Step 2: Choose your investment product

Step 3: Complete the online application form

Step 4: Provide FICA documents (see below)

Step 5: Make your initial investment

Method 2: Through a Financial Adviser

You can use a registered financial adviser. They help you choose the right products. They handle all paperwork. You may pay adviser fees.

Method 3: Investment Platforms

Some investment platforms offer Ninety One products. Examples include EasyEquities and other online brokers. You open an account with the platform. Then select Ninety One funds.

Documents You Need (FICA Requirements)

All investments in South Africa require FICA verification. You must provide:

• Certified copy of your ID document
• Proof of address (not older than 3 months)
• Bank statement or bank confirmation letter
• Completed application forms

Documents must be certified by a commissioner of oaths. Police stations and banks offer this service free.

⚠️ Fees and Costs Explained

Understanding fees is important. Fees reduce your investment returns. Here are the main fees:

1. Annual Management Fees

This is the main cost. You pay it yearly. Ninety One charges between 0.75% and 3% per year. The exact amount depends on the fund.

Example: If you invest R10,000 and the fee is 1%, you pay R100 per year.

2. Performance Fees

Some funds charge extra when they do well. This rewards good performance. Not all funds have this fee.

Example: Ninety One Equity Fund charges up to 3% if it beats its target.

3. Total Expense Ratio (TER)

This includes all costs. It covers management fees, admin costs, and other charges. Ninety One funds have TERs between 0.99% and 1.15%.

4. Financial Adviser Fees

If you use an adviser, they charge extra. This is separate from Ninety One’s fees. Adviser fees vary. Ask your adviser for their fee structure.

Fund Type	Typical TER	Annual Cost on R10,000
Equity Fund	0.99%	R99 per year
Managed Fund	1.15%	R115 per year
ETFs (91DINC/91GINC)	Variable	Check fund fact sheet

✅ Regulation and Safety

Ninety One is properly regulated. This protects investors. Here’s what regulates them:

South African Regulation

• FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority) – Main regulator
• Ninety One SA (Pty) Ltd – Authorised FSP
• Ninety One Fund Managers SA – Registered under CISCA
• ASISA Member – Industry body membership

What This Regulation Means

Regulation provides several protections:

• Your money is held separately from company money
• Regular audits by independent auditors
• Strict rules on how they can invest
• You can complain to the FSCA if there are problems
• Ninety One must follow FICA anti-money laundering rules

Stock Exchange Listings

Ninety One Limited shares trade on:

• Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)
• London Stock Exchange (LSE)
• Part of FTSE 250 Index

Being listed means extra transparency. They must publish financial results regularly.

🚨 SCAM WARNINGS – PROTECT YOURSELF

IMPORTANT: Scammers impersonate legitimate companies like Ninety One. You must know how to spot fakes.

Common Scams Using Ninety One’s Name

1. Telegram Investment Scams

Scammers create fake Telegram groups. They pretend to be Ninety One. They promise huge returns quickly.

WARNING SIGNS:

• Someone contacts you on Telegram about investments
• They promise returns like “double your money in 6 days”
• They ask for cryptocurrency payments
• They pressure you to invest quickly

2. WhatsApp Investment Offers

Fraudsters send WhatsApp messages. They claim to represent Ninety One. They offer special investment deals.

RED FLAGS:

• Unsolicited WhatsApp messages about investments
• Requests to send money to personal bank accounts
• No proper FICA process
• Fake company documents with copied logos

3. Fake Social Media Accounts

Scammers create fake profiles using real Ninety One employee names. They contact people on Facebook, LinkedIn, or Twitter.

4. Boiler Room Scams

Cold callers claim to sell Ninety One products. They pressure you to buy immediately. They are not real Ninety One representatives.

How to Protect Yourself

DO	DON’T
Check FSCA FSP register	Send money via WhatsApp or Telegram
Use official website only	Trust unsolicited investment offers
Complete proper FICA process	Pay in Bitcoin or cryptocurrency
Call Ninety One directly to verify	Believe guaranteed high returns
Report suspicious activity	Share personal banking details on social media

What Real Ninety One Will NEVER Do

• Contact you on Telegram or WhatsApp for investments
• Promise guaranteed returns or “get rich quick” schemes
• Ask for payment in cryptocurrency
• Pressure you to invest immediately
• Skip the FICA verification process
• Request money to personal bank accounts

Where to Report Scams

• FSCA: 0800 110 443 or www.fsca.co.za
• SAFPS (South African Fraud Prevention Service): www.safps.org.za
• Your local police station
• Ninety One fraud alert page: Check their website

⚠️ Understanding Investment Risks

All investments carry risk. Even legitimate companies like Ninety One cannot guarantee returns. Here are the main risks:

1. Market Risk

Your investment value can go down. This is normal. Markets fluctuate. You might get back less than you invested.

2. Currency Risk

If you invest in offshore funds, the Rand exchange rate affects returns. A stronger Rand reduces offshore returns. A weaker Rand increases them.

3. Concentration Risk

Some funds focus on specific sectors or countries. This can increase volatility. Diversified funds spread risk better.

4. Interest Rate Risk

Bond values fall when interest rates rise. Income funds with bonds are affected. This is a normal market reaction.

Contact Information

Ninety One South Africa

Website: www.ninetyone.com/en/south-africa

Head Office: Cape Town

Investment Platform: Available via their website

Regulatory Bodies

FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority)

Phone: 0800 110 443

Website: www.fsca.co.za

ASISA (Association for Savings & Investment SA)

Industry body for collective investment schemes

If You Have Problems

Step 1: Contact Ninety One directly

Step 2: If unresolved, contact FSCA

Step 3: You can also contact ASISA

✅ Other Investment Options

Ninety One is not your only choice. South Africa has many investment managers. Here are other reputable options:

Other Major Investment Managers

• Allan Gray – Long-term value investing approach
• Coronation Fund Managers – Large SA manager
• Sanlam Investments – Part of Sanlam group
• Old Mutual Investment Group – Established manager
• Nedbank investments – Bank-owned manager
• PSG Asset Management – Cape Town based

Direct Share Investing

You can buy shares directly through stockbrokers. This gives you more control. But it requires investment knowledge.

Popular platforms: EasyEquities, FNB Securities, Standard Bank Online Share Trading

Tax-Free Savings Accounts

You can invest up to R36,000 per year tax-free. Many banks and investment companies offer these. Ninety One also offers tax-free accounts.

Retirement Annuities

These are long-term savings for retirement. They offer tax benefits. Your money is locked until age 55. Consider these for retirement planning.

Ninety One is legitimate and reputable. They are properly regulated by the FSCA. They have operated in South Africa since 1991. They manage R3.5 trillion in assets.

However, be very careful about scams. Many fraudsters impersonate Ninety One. Never invest through Telegram or WhatsApp. Only use their official website. Always complete proper FICA verification.

For beginners: Start with their unit trust products. These are easier to understand. You can invest from R1,000 per month. Consider using a registered financial adviser for guidance.

Understand the risks. All investments can lose value. Ninety One cannot guarantee returns. Only invest money you can afford to leave invested for at least 5 years.

Compare your options. Ninety One is not the only choice. Compare fees and performance with other managers. Choose the option that best suits your needs.