FSCA aligns waiting periods for funeral policy benefits across insurers
Microinsurers are no longer restricted to imposing a waiting period of three months for a death, disability, or health event resulting from natural causes.
Compliance and Legislation
CIS managers warned against breaching the portfolio exposure limits
The exceptions to the exposure limits do not apply when the limits are breached because distributions are re-invested, the FSCA says.
FSP tries to debar another firm’s representative who approached its clients
The FSP conflated the requirements for debarment under section 14 of the FAIS Act with the requirements and procedure for a debarment by the FSCA.
FSCA finalises new Interpretation Ruling on section 37C of the PFA
Interpretation Ruling 1 of 2020 incorrectly brought an unclaimed benefit within the ambit of section 37C of the Pension Funds Act.
CEO fined R7.5m and barred as a director for share-trading during closed period
The JSE says Luxe’s former chief executive refused to acknowledge regulatory correspondence or co-operate with the investigation.
SARS can seize the property of third parties on the premises identified in a warrant
The suspicion that the third party’s vehicle contained material relevant to the taxpayer under investigation was sufficient for it to be searched, SCA finds.
FIC invites comments on its draft risk assessment report for crypto asset service providers
The inherent risk of money laundering and terrorist financing for CASPs in South Africa is high, the report says.
Key aspects of Treasury’s proposals to reform SA’s financial ombud system
The National Financial Ombud’s jurisdiction will be expanded in phases to include the activities of all regulated financial institutions.
Labour Court upholds restraint of trade, warning against confidentiality breaches
Two insurance brokers found themselves under the scrutiny of the Labour Court, as they were called to account for soliciting clients from their previous employer.
New National Financial Ombud scheme launches
The previously separate credit, banking, and long-term and short-term insurance ombud schemes are now under one roof.
FIC publishes new guidance on financial sanctions compliance
Accountable institutions are required to scrutinise client information against the targeted financial sanctions lists to identify designated persons and entities linked to clients.
Existing financial ombud system is ‘too complex’ for consumers to navigate
There is a high degree of consensus over the reform recommendations put forward by the World Bank Group, says Treasury.
Ombuds will handle cases involving disputes of fact or law and award compensation
And the requirement to accept oral complaints applies to financial institutions, not only ombuds.
FSCA fines asset manager R16m for FICA non-compliance
The reasons for the sanction are virtually identical to those that saw the Authority fine an FSP earlier in February.
Certain intermediaries can continue to provide premium collection services
Independent intermediaries must adhere to the conditions if they want to rely on the exemptions from the regulations under the Short-term and Long-term Insurance Acts.
Information Regulator issues Enforcement Notice over direct marketing violations
The regulator says its ‘leniency regarding direct marketing through unsolicited electronic communications is going to be a thing of the past’.
New tax reforms edge closer: public comment open on four draft Bills
The Draft Global Minimum Tax Bill aims to enforce a 15% multinational top-up tax on multinational enterprise groups, aligning with global efforts to implement a comprehensive system of minimum taxation.
