Financial inclusion high, financial health low: insurers face outcomes test
With only 16% of South Africans financially healthy, insurers are being pushed to prove that products deliver real value when customers need them most.
FSCA signals delay to Omni pilot as rollout reaches ‘inflection point’
Officials outline key supervisory areas affecting financial institutions, with a focus on governance, AML controls, cyber resilience, and consumer-facing risks.
Industry outlines priorities to address liquidity and access in SA capital markets
Listings reform, settlement changes, retail participation, and infrastructure upgrades feature as ways to strengthen market depth and competitiveness.
CDH flags compliance risks in replacement policy advice
The law firm says recent FAIS Ombud and Tribunal decisions highlight disclosure, suitability, and record-keeping failures in replacement policy cases.
FSCA examining finfluencers’ impact on consumer decisions
The Authority is studying the influence of financial content on social media, while advancing industry co-ordination as online fraud losses rise.
Debarment overturned after Tribunal criticises ‘desktop’ investigation
A failure to verify a client’s income amounted at most to negligence, but the evidence did not justify debarment for dishonesty.
Struggling with debt? Options before repossession begins
The NFO says consumers can limit costs by acting early through voluntary termination, private sale, or Sell Assist programmes.
Insurers must report number of personal lines claims in 2025
The FSCA says the information helps it to monitor the extent to which insurers are delivering fair outcomes for consumers.
Geopolitical conflict | South African insurers urged to reassess exposure
An interconnected conflict environment is driving risks, with local insurers advised to review policy wording, reinsurance arrangements, and portfolio concentrations.
Phased COFI implementation requires early impact mapping, FSCA says
The Authority urges financial firms to assess the likely impact of the COFI framework across governance, licensing, product design, and data.
SARS raids mark overdue escalation in illicit economy crackdown
Search-and-seizure operations targeting customs corruption mark a move from policy to enforcement, as SARS steps up efforts against illicit trade draining billions from the fiscus.
Two-pot withdrawals surge as repeat claims reshape savings behaviour
Withdrawal activity has spiked again at the start of the new tax year, with data showing repeat claims are becoming entrenched and raising concerns about long-term retirement outcomes.
Regulation must adapt to a more complex financial system, says Kamlana
Unathi Kamlana says regulation must evolve with a more complex, technology-driven financial sector, with greater focus on accountability and customer outcomes.
Living benefits overtake death claims as Discovery Life payouts shift
Discovery Life’s 2025 statistics show 65% of payouts go to living benefits – advisers must rethink risk, product design, and client conversations.
Old Mutual earnings rise as insurance, investments and Africa drive results
Results from operations rose 13% to R9.8bn as insurance profitability improved and investments crossed R1 trillion in assets under management.
Old Mutual announces chair succession ahead of Manuel’s retirement
Roger Jardine, who joined the Old Mutual board in September 2025, is set to take over as chairman after the June AGM.
Gambling surge strains retirement savings and prompts tax response
Old Mutual findings and industry commentary show gambling is reshaping spending, eroding savings, and drawing policy attention, with implications for employers and advisers.
E-commerce risks outpace consumer protection laws, Ombud warns
A joint NCC and CGSO paper highlights rising e-commerce complaints and regulatory gaps, with proposed reforms set to reshape platform accountability and consumer protection.
