SCA: Bank’s settlement agreements circumvented the NCA’s protections
The Supreme Court confirms that any post-default restructuring of NCA-regulated loans must comply strictly with the Act.
Industry News
Capital gains tax is ‘sabotaging South Africa’s economic growth’
CGT levies gains created by inflation and currency depreciation, eroding real returns and discouraging long-term investment, says the Free Market Foundation.
Court finds Minister of Police liable for farm attack losses
The High Court has ruled the state liable for over R2 million after police ignored warnings and failed to protect a game farmer’s property and wildlife.
Year-end surge in FSCA warnings: watch out for unauthorised financial offers
The FSCA warns that fraudsters are ramping up, impersonating licensed providers, soliciting unrealistic returns, and even posing as the regulator itself.
R1bn RAF media spend under scrutiny as SCOPA flags irregularities
SCOPA’s inquiry uncovers questionable procurement decisions, unexplained overspending, and gaps in oversight that demand a forensic review.
Slight increase in life insurance policies in first half of 2025
Recurring-premium risk policies grew modestly, while the number of endowment policies and retirement annuities declined, ASISA statistics show.
Health department, Treasury discussing changes to medical tax credit
Policymakers are planning a systematic phasing-out of the rebate as the NHI Fund takes over payment for benefits financed through medical schemes.
Waiting periods – how they affect medical scheme benefits
This edition of Cover to Cover explains waiting periods, helping advisers guide clients on when benefits start and strategies to avoid gaps in cover.
Tribunal proposes no change to levy in 2026/27
Although the percentage will remain the same, supervised firms will pay more to the Tribunal because of the FSCA and PA levy increases.
No easy answers when valuing living annuities at divorce
Courts and practitioners face contested valuation methods – from present-value drawdowns to post-death capital – with tax and drawdown assumptions driving outcomes.
Optimum Investment Group takes 40% stake in Obsidian Capital
The deal aims to enhance efficiency, broaden product capability, and deliver greater value for clients.
Asia soars, America slips: inside the 2025 passport power shift
Singapore reclaims the world’s top passport as South Africa stays strong at third in Africa with access to 102 visa-free destinations.
Absa partners with Ripple to offer cryptocurrency custody services in SA
The partnership positions Absa among South African banks exploring blockchain infrastructure, offering secure custody for cryptocurrencies.
Sanlam Collective Investments hit with R10.6m FIC Act penalty
Despite the FSCA’s findings of RMCP gaps, SCI confirms that client funds remain secure and no money laundering or terrorist financing was detected.
SIU flags interference as SCOPA inquiry exposes governance and financial failures at RAF
The Special Investigating Unit has raised serious concerns over potential interference by the Road Accident Fund in its ongoing investigation.
CMS: No complaints about brokers’ conduct in 2024/25
The Council for Medical Schemes’ latest annual report shows a decline in registered complaints – continuing a three-year downward trajectory.
Judge slams motor dealership for ‘sharp practice’ in defective vehicle case
The High Court upheld the NCT’s ruling against Avura Motors, criticising the dealership for attempting to discredit an assessor’s report it had previously relied on.
