Why investors are watching South Africa’s municipal elections
BLSA’s Busisiwe Mavuso says functioning municipalities are becoming as important to economic growth and investor confidence as energy and logistics reforms.
AI use surges among financial planners, but governance remains uneven
The FPSB’s second global study finds growing use in client service and research, alongside reported efficiency gains and concerns about privacy and reliability.
OPFA introduces dedicated form for section 13A complaints
Retirement funds are expected to submit fuller, better-documented complaints when pursuing employers over unpaid contributions and missing contribution schedules.
Banxso, Medbond, and Steinhoff drive FSCA penalties to R2.9bn
The Regulatory Actions Report shows how the Authority is combining penalties, licence withdrawals, and debarments to tackle serious misconduct.
Bonitas defends administrator switch after record financial results
Executives acknowledged the disruption caused by the June administrator switch while insisting the scheme’s long-term strategy remains on track.
FSCA sharpens focus on online harm and unauthorised advice
The regulator highlights how digital scams, referral models, and trading signals can pull consumers into unlicensed services.
FIC flags filing errors as RCR deadline closes
Many institutions have left registration too late, submitted the wrong documents, or filed branch returns instead of consolidated legal entity returns.
Sanlam adviser loses urgent application despite court’s finding on disputed ‘bobbejaan’ phrase
The High Court accepted the adviser’s explanation of an Afrikaans expression for interim purposes, but held that unresolved earlier allegations could still justify terminating his contract.
FIC proposes annual RMCP submissions for selected institutions
The draft directive will introduce a new recurring compliance obligation, with updated programmes also having to be lodged within 10 business days of approval.
FIC clarifies geographic reporting rules in final Directive 10
The Centre has refined the directive’s scope and addressed concerns over its legal basis, administrative burden, and practical application.
Moonstone verification credited with cutting regulatory exam fraud
The FSCA says enhanced identity checks have strengthened the integrity of the regulatory examination process and reduced impersonation.
Planning for survival: How medical advances are reshaping insurance claims
Old Mutual says advisers should focus more on the financial impact of surviving illness, as recovery increasingly brings prolonged income and healthcare pressures.
Crypto transactions and undeclared holdings face growing scrutiny
Experts say taxpayers with undeclared crypto income should consider voluntary disclosure before enhanced reporting increases the likelihood of a SARS audit.
Adviser usage falls, according to latest Old Mutual Monitor
Fewer respondents are using advisers as AI tools gain traction, and many remain unsure where to turn for financial guidance.
Unclaimed retirement benefits – a problem that won’t go away
Better member data, stronger engagement, and AI-assisted tracing may improve future outcomes, but billions of rands in legacy retirement savings are likely to remain unclaimed.
No checklist for proving a permanent life partnership, says Adjudicator
Continuous cohabitation and joint bank accounts are relevant but not decisive when trustees assess whether a claimant was a permanent life partner.
A new board, but old questions at the PIC
Fresh appointments may restore oversight, but they do not resolve the disputes and investigations that continue to beset the Corporation.
When it’s your money, who should decide?
As employers hand more responsibility for retirement and healthcare benefits to staff, the industry is rethinking how to balance freedom with better financial decisions.
