Sanlam H1 2026 Results: Cash Flows up 64%, Banking Next

In Short

Sanlam reported stronger new business and client cash flows in the first half of 2026. Severe weather claims and weaker markets weighed on some earnings lines. The group also confirmed progress on digital platforms, including a transactional banking partnership rollout.

What Happened

Sanlam released results for the six months ended 30 June 2026. New business grew 22% to R224 billion on a comparable basis. Net client cash flows rose 64% to R78 billion, which points to higher net money coming into its investment and insurance products.

Core earnings increased 1% to R7.4 billion. Sanlam said severe weather related claims and large loss events across South Africa and other parts of Africa offset operating improvements. Adjusted headline earnings fell because shareholder investment returns were lower than the prior period, linked to weaker equity and bond markets in Africa and India.

On strategy, the group highlighted several moves. In South Africa, it completed the sale of its active asset management business to Ninety One, receiving a 9% effective stake. In Morocco, it received regulatory approval for the integration of SanlamAllianz Moroccan entities, and said the merger and regulatory integration were completed in July 2026.

Sanlam also said it received regulatory approval to provide transactional banking services through a partnership with GoTyme Bank. Transactional banking means day to day banking like payments, transfers, and card use. The partnership is expected to go through beta testing in the second half of 2026, then a phased rollout from the first quarter of 2027.

Why It Matters

Sanlam’s results show demand is still growing for insurance and investment products across its African footprint and India, even with climate related claims pressure. The GoTyme partnership is also a clear signal that large insurers are leaning into embedded financial services, where banking features are offered inside existing customer channels.

If the 2027 rollout goes smoothly, transactional banking could deepen customer retention and open new fee income streams. Sanlam said it remains optimistic about meeting its full year 2026 guidance, assuming weather related claims normalise in the second half.