Ithala pulled back from the edge, but its future remains in doubt
The Prudential Authority has withdrawn its liquidation bid after progress on depositor repayments, but Ithala is still unlicensed and cannot resume deposit-taking.
Industry News
Tribunal upholds PA decision on bank’s ‘simulated’ capital transaction
The FST dismisses African Bank’s application to overturn a directive to reverse a R685m intra-group transaction, finding it lacked commercial substance.
Actuarial study finds no single model resolves RAF challenges
A comparative study of three compensation models finds that combining elements of each may provide a more balanced solution.
Investment performance drives PPS member payouts to record levels
The mutual insurer reports R5.56bn in investment returns compared with R1.32bn in operating profit, while higher claims put pressure on underwriting performance.
Claim dismissed after decade-long delay in Discovery Life dispute
A disability claim was paid, then disputed on non-disclosure grounds. Years of stalled litigation meant the court dealt with the case on procedure, not substance.
EE compliance enters enforcement phase as fines of up to 10% loom
Sakeliga’s Constitutional Court bid marks a final push to halt EE quotas as enforcement deadlines approach.
Benefit payment hold-up leads to compensation order against fund
The Pension Funds Adjudicator finds that delays in processing a member’s withdrawal and transfer of retirement savings were wrongful and negligent.
BHI Trust fallout widens as FSCA bans intermediary for 20 years
The FSCA’s latest action highlights the regulatory risks for individuals who may have been linked to the BHI Trust scheme.
Tax amendments materially narrow understatement penalty defence
The bona fide inadvertent error defence is limited to substantial understatements, but there is relief for taxpayers seeking to challenge estimated assessments.
Draft policy reframes financial education as a core conduct requirement
National Treasury’s draft framework signals tighter expectations for how firms deliver, integrate, and measure financial education.
How your investments fared in a volatile first quarter
A sharp market sell-off triggered by the Middle East conflict dented first-quarter returns, but local shares, bonds and property still posted strong 12-month gains.
Grey-list exit raises the bar for supplier due diligence, says CIPS
CIPS points to tighter scrutiny, stronger due diligence requirements, and a growing focus on beneficial ownership as South Africa enters its next FATF review.
Manager Watch: Strong year, weaker long-term outlook
Alexforbes’ latest survey shows robust 2025 performance but highlights weaker 10-year returns and rising dispersion in equity returns.
SA equities top Bank of America rankings amid market turbulence
South Africa leads Bank of America’s EEMEA rankings despite severe market losses, highlighting resilience, strong dividends, and sustained investor interest.
SCA examines capitalised interest in applying the in duplum rule
Interest that accrues and remains unpaid does not escape the in duplum rule merely because it is capitalised.
Court rejects fast-track repossession bid over disputed debt and flawed process
A High Court ruling has refused FirstRand’s summary judgment bid, signalling stricter scrutiny of debt claims, documentation, and enforcement processes.
Gambling figures mislead: SARB clarifies household spending trends
The Reserve Bank distinguishes between betting activity and losses, highlighting strong growth in online gambling but limited impact on overall household consumption.
