
Draft amendments narrow taxpayers’ ‘bona fide inadvertent error’ defence
The proposal restricts the ‘bona fide inadvertent error’ defence under the understatement penalty regime to cases where the tax shortfall is a ‘substantial understatement’.
The Authority says the penalties reflect the financial benefit gained from unlawful conduct and the harm to clients – handing 30-year debarments to several Banxso executives.

The proposal restricts the ‘bona fide inadvertent error’ defence under the understatement penalty regime to cases where the tax shortfall is a ‘substantial understatement’.

Designated employers must begin aligning their workplace demographics with the Employment Equity Act’s numerical targets from 1 September.

Old Mutual’s Michelle Acton tells IRFA delegates that Australia’s superannuation system provides a roadmap for boosting coverage and retirement outcomes.

While index levels look stable through September’s expiries, concentrated option exposures and rising fund-based covered-call strategies create a fragile backdrop for a sudden move.

COFI replaces the registration model with a conduct-focused licensing regime for retirement funds – a step that will raise governance, fit-and-proper checks and public disclosure requirements across the sector.

Every rand overpaid to SARS is an opportunity cost. Allocate refunds to debt repayment, savings, or retirement contributions for greater long-term benefit.

The SAVCA 2025 survey shows PE firms powering ahead with R26.6bn in investments, resilient portfolio growth, and a stronger focus on infrastructure, ESG, and transformation despite tougher fundraising conditions.

The Federal Circuit ruled most of the tariffs lack statutory authorisation but left the duties in place while the administration prepares an appeal.

Despite fears of mass withdrawals, early data shows most members are preserving their two-pot savings – a shift that could leave South Africans up to four times wealthier in retirement.

The FSCA’s Zareena Camroodien provides a comprehensive overview of regulatory developments and strategic goals affecting the retirement sector.

As regulatory enforcement escalates, MBSE’s specialised FICA, POPIA and NCA short courses provide financial professionals with the most practical way to stay compliant, avoid costly penalties, and build lasting client trust.

Discovery Invest’s new retirement offering combines a living annuity’s market exposure and income flexibility with a lifetime guarantee that kicks in from age 80.

The agreement resolves a probe into alleged market-division in Toyota vehicle finance and removes restrictions that blocked WesBank from competing at dealerships.

The FST found that repeated creation of phantom quotes and unauthorised ITC checks breached honesty and integrity standards.

National Treasury has opened a forensic investigation into procurement deals after irregularities in contracts totalling more than R1.2bn were reported.

IRFA president Geraldine Fowler calls on retirement funds to invest for impact, strengthen operations, and shape reforms, stressing their power to drive both financial security and societal change.

Santam’s Thabiso Rulashe on how insurers are adapting to stay resilient – and profitable – in an era of rising risks.