When higher taxes backfire: Illicit trade thrives
Higher taxes may boost government revenue, but they could also drive consumers towards illegal operators, undermining the regulated market and the tax base.
Grey list comeback? South Africa’s anti-corruption warning
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.
AfCRA could change how African sovereign risk is assessed
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.
Your face could be the next target in a banking scam
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.
Unpaid investment advice still counts: Tribunal upholds five-year debarment
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.
Two-pot: Will the money stay put?
The Marsh Index recognises two-pot as progress, but Alexforbes says its preservation benefits will take time to show as legacy savings are depleted.
Tribunal tells FSP it cannot use debarment as punishment
A financial services representative’s unpaid debts and alleged fuel-card misuse were not enough to justify debarment.
COFI Bill still not before Parliament as reform score falls
The COFI Bill’s progress score has fallen as the legislation remains untabled, despite advances in other areas of financial-sector reform.
Motorists buy less fuel per visit as rising prices squeeze household budgets
Fuel purchases among Discovery Insure clients fell 33% in October, but commuting has held steady as rising prices put pressure on household budgets.
Municipal instability comes with a bill for households, businesses and investors
Unreliable services, rising operating costs and coalition uncertainty are putting pressure on household finances and business confidence ahead of the local government elections.
Life annuities: the restriction advisers cannot afford to leave unexplained
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.
Stolen excavator claim fails over inadequate due diligence
Although one rejection ground did not apply, breaches involving background checks and false pretences were sufficient to defeat the commercial insurance claim.
FAIS Ombud flags millions lost in online CFD trading
The FAIS Ombud secured R39.58 million in settlements and awards for consumers in 2025/26, up 24.66% year on year.
South Africa’s retirement system has assets, but not enough reach
According to the 2026 Marsh CFA Institute Global Pension Index, South Africa ranks 51st out of 55 retirement systems.
Retirement funds cannot outsource accountability for cyber risk
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.
RE1 and RE5: Get your regulatory examination sorted before year-end
From booking deadlines, examination fees, and what to bring on the day, here is what candidates need to know to plan for their RE1 or RE5 regulatory examination.
Financial security on paper means little when benefits fail
The Deputy Pension Funds Adjudicator and the FAIS Ombud warn that financial protection depends on more than products and paperwork.
CASA warns against using credit to gamble as online betting surges
Online gambling surged 390% in four years, with losses potentially extending beyond household finances to consumers’ long-term credit standing as debt mounts and repayments fall behind.
