BY TANDZILE DLAMINI
EZULWINI – FNB Eswatini has introduced a new fixed investment product aimed at converting pension lump sums into steady monthly income, as the bank sharpens its focus on retirement security.
The “Retirees Savings” product was launched on 21 April 2026 at Happy Valley Hotel in Ezulwini, offering an annual interest rate of 7.25%, paid monthly, with a minimum investment of E10 000. Capital is fully protected and returned at the end of a fixed three year term.
Speaking at the launch, FNB Eswatini Executive Head of Retail, Mncedzi Ngomane, said the product responds to the financial realities facing emaSwati at retirement and aligns with the bank’s long term customer support strategy.
“A year ago, we marked our 30th anniversary with a promise to deliver solutions that remain relevant to emaSwati today and into the future. The Retirees Savings product is a continuation of that commitment, ensuring that we walk the journey with our customers into retirement,” he said.
Ngomane said retirement should be treated as a structured transition rather than a financial endpoint, noting that many pensioners face uncertainty after receiving lump sum payouts.
“For many, retirement comes with concerns about financial security and continued relevance. We see retirees as a vital part of society. This product is designed to provide dignity, stability and peace of mind through predictable income and protection of lifetime savings,” he said.
Under the model, retirees invest a lump sum, typically from pension benefits, and receive monthly interest payouts while their capital remains intact. The funds are locked in for three years, with early withdrawals attracting penalties of up to five percent.
FNB Head of Transact and Liabilities, Nosizwe Sigwane, said the solution removes complexity often associated with post retirement investment decisions. “This is a simple offering that gives predictable income, full capital protection and no need for active investment management,” she said.
The bank is also engaging employers to integrate the product into workplace retirement planning. Human resource practitioners have been urged to encourage employees nearing retirement to consider structured income solutions.
FNB says it will roll out workplace sessions to educate employees on managing pension payouts and avoiding rapid depletion of savings after retirement.
The product enters a market where many retirees struggle to sustain income beyond initial pension withdrawals, positioning structured financial planning as central to long term household stability.
