Defining ‘financial education initiative’: key takeaways from new Conduct Standard
Senior legal adviser Lize de la Harpe unpacks the critical definitions, scope-limits, governance, and reporting obligations of the FSCA’s Conduct Standard.
Author: Moonstone Information Refinery
Scammers falsely claim to be associated with Brenthurst Wealth, Nicolette Mashile and 1nvest
Online fraudsters are abusing the names of Brenthurst Wealth’s Magnus Heystek and Brian Butchart, as well as Nicolette Mashile of Financial Fitness Bunny, to solicit money from the public.
‘No big stick’: Tau calls for collaboration on Transformation Fund
The Fund is intended to amplify, not replace, existing enterprise and supplier development mechanisms under the B-BBEE framework.
Fraudsters pose as SAPS officers to extort money and data
Impostors use calls, WhatsApp and video links – complete with fake warrants – to coerce compliance under the guise of a criminal probe.
VAT hike halted – but legal uncertainty keeps SA on fiscal edge
Tax specialist Louis Botha answers pressing questions about the suspended VAT increase and its broader implications for budget-making power and taxpayer rights.
Budget 3.0 coming after court-backed VAT suspension and new Rates Bill
SARS tells vendors there is now no legal basis for them to charge consumers VAT of 15.5% from 1 May.
Ithala’s fate hangs in the balance amid legal battles and funding disputes
Ithala depositors remain locked out of their funds while disputes over frozen accounts, strategic alliances, and government guarantees deepen.
FICA non-compliance costs bank R10 million
Absa was fined R7m for inadequate customer due diligence and R3m for delays and closures of transaction monitoring alerts.
Exemption clears money market portfolios to invest in Zaronia instruments
The exemption waives the requirement for known-in-advance rates, letting money market portfolios invest in Zaronia-linked overnight placements.
Godongwana given 30 days to revise Budget after VAT reversal
The ANC and the DA present South Africans with different versions of what led to the decision to halt the increase.
Employment equity targets drop key safeguards from Solidarity deal
The final employment equity targets have sparked concerns over transparency and methodology in the absence of clear, evidence-based rationale from the Department of Employment and Labour.
New employment equity regulations raise the stakes for employers
With the 2025 Employment Equity Regulations now in effect, designated employers must align with stricter sectoral targets or face stiff penalties – unless they can justify non-compliance.
Amended POPIA Regulations tighten the screws on direct marketing
The recently gazetted amendments enhance the rights of data subjects and clarify the compliance obligations of responsible parties.
African Bank pays R500 000 fine for misleading marketing
The advert touted a personal loan as an ‘investment’, contravening Conduct Standard 3’s requirements for clear, fair, and factually correct advertising.
No exemptions: all CASPs must adopt ‘travel rule’ directive
The FSCA and the FIC remind CASPs and FSP CASPs of the compliance requirements that take effect on 30 April.
What you need to know about credit scores
South Africa mainly uses two credit-scoring models, but they’re not identical. Understand how each model evaluates your financial habits, and how to improve your standing in both.
SCA dismisses former hedge fund manager’s bid to stay prosecution
The appeal court upholds the High Court’s finding that neither the prosecutorial delay nor Marc van Veen’s brain-tumour diagnosis warrant a permanent stay.
