
AGOA loss may hit confidence harder than growth, economists say
The proposed withdrawal could leave exporters, workers and industries facing tougher competition in the US market.
BLSA’s October 2026 Reform Tracker warns that stalled anti-corruption reforms and weaknesses in law enforcement could put South Africa’s removal from the FATF grey list at risk.

The proposed withdrawal could leave exporters, workers and industries facing tougher competition in the US market.

The Appeals Committee found KeyHealth had not shown its proposed care was an effective alternative and ordered it to fund ravulizumab in full.

The SARB has delayed Jibar’s end to May 2027, giving lawmakers and market participants more time to prepare for contracts that cannot easily move to ZARONIA.

Higher taxes may boost government revenue, but they could also drive consumers towards illegal operators, undermining the regulated market and the tax base.

The new Africa Credit Rating Agency aims to expand ratings coverage and bring a different perspective to credit assessments. Its challenge will be to earn investors’ confidence.

Formal fraud matters closed by the NFO rose 27.5% in the first nine months of 2026, as it warns shoppers about scams targeting their digital banking profiles.

An unpaid role in an investment club has resulted in a five-year debarment after the Tribunal found that the arrangement fell outside the stokvel exemption.

The Marsh Index recognises two-pot as progress, but Alexforbes says its preservation benefits will take time to show as legacy savings are depleted.

A financial services representative’s unpaid debts and alleged fuel-card misuse were not enough to justify debarment.

The COFI Bill’s progress score has fallen as the legislation remains untabled, despite advances in other areas of financial-sector reform.

Fuel purchases among Discovery Insure clients fell 33% in October, but commuting has held steady as rising prices put pressure on household budgets.

Unreliable services, rising operating costs and coalition uncertainty are putting pressure on household finances and business confidence ahead of the local government elections.

Two complaints heard by the FAIS Ombud highlight the consequences when advisers fail to properly assess clients’ circumstances or explain the restrictions of a life annuity.

Although one rejection ground did not apply, breaches involving background checks and false pretences were sufficient to defeat the commercial insurance claim.

The FAIS Ombud secured R39.58 million in settlements and awards for consumers in 2025/26, up 24.66% year on year.

According to the 2026 Marsh CFA Institute Global Pension Index, South Africa ranks 51st out of 55 retirement systems.

The FSCA’s practical guidance on Joint Standard 2 of 2024 sets out what retirement funds need to do to strengthen cyber resilience, oversee service providers, and prepare for cyber incidents.