Independent expertise for stronger retirement fund governance

Quick Links:

FSCA (Financial Sector Conduct Authority)

PFA (Pension Funds Adjudicator)

(SARS) South African Revenue Service

“EVERY MOUNTAIN TOP IS WITHIN REACH IF YOU JUST KEEP CLIMBING”

Barry Finlay

Independent Trustee Services (“ITS”) is an authorised financial services provider specialising in independent trusteeship, principal officer services, compliance monitoring, fund reviews and legal and regulatory advisory for retirement funds and related stakeholders.

ITS’s independence from administrators, actuaries, asset managers, insurers and auditors enables us to act objectively and in the best interests of funds and their members.
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Since 2007, following earlier operations under a different legal entity, our team has supported retirement funds with experienced governance, compliance, oversight and regulatory guidance.

In recognition of our expertise, we have been honoured with three consecutive African Excellence Awards (2023–2025) by MEA Markets, including the title of Best Retirement Fund Consultancy Firm – Gauteng in 2025.

Our Team

Our Services

Independent Trusteeship

The appointment of an independent trustee with the necessary skills and experience adds meaningful value to the functioning of a retirement fund or medical aid fund. An independent trustee is free from the interests of other stakeholders, accountable to the fund and focused on serving its best interests. ITS combines independent oversight with broad employee-benefits knowledge and the support of an experienced team.

Principal Officer Services

Principal Officers require the skills and qualifications to run the business of a fund, implement Board decisions and keep statutory and governance matters current. ITS provides experienced Principal Officer support focused on compliance with the Pension Funds Act, sound administration and delivery of the fund’s strategy.

Compliance Monitoring

ITS reviews fund documents, statutory requirements, service-level agreements, disclosures, procedures, fund data and financial-management controls. The scope is tailored to each fund and identifies practical actions to improve compliance with current legislation and strengthen governance.

Fund Reviews & Assessments

Independent assessments of fund structures, governance, processes and performance to identify risks, opportunities and areas for improvement.

Legal & Regulatory Advisory

Specialist guidance on retirement fund legislation, regulatory requirements and governance matters to support compliant, informed decision-making.