Question:
Can a bank deduct your outstanding amount on a secured personal loan from your provident fund when you are retrenched?
Answer:
Mr(s) Europa,
No, a bank cannot claim this amount directly from your provident fund. This is one of the advantages of a retirement fund for you - the money in the fund is safe from creditor claims. To keep sage-guarding your money this way, you should preserve your savings on leaving your fund (transfer to a preservation fund, retirement annuity or to you new employer's fund); because once the money has been paid out to you (forms part of your personal assets), you no longer enjoy this protection.