FSCA examining finfluencers’ impact on consumer decisions
The Authority is studying the influence of financial content on social media, while advancing industry co-ordination as online fraud losses rise.
Life insurers top R5 trillion as growth masks rising risk pressures
Strong market performance lifts assets to record highs, but lapses and protection gaps persist beneath the surface.
Debarment overturned after Tribunal criticises ‘desktop’ investigation
A failure to verify a client’s income amounted at most to negligence, but the evidence did not justify debarment for dishonesty.
Struggling with debt? Options before repossession begins
The NFO says consumers can limit costs by acting early through voluntary termination, private sale, or Sell Assist programmes.
Insurers must report number of personal lines claims in 2025
The FSCA says the information helps it to monitor the extent to which insurers are delivering fair outcomes for consumers.
Geopolitical conflict | South African insurers urged to reassess exposure
An interconnected conflict environment is driving risks, with local insurers advised to review policy wording, reinsurance arrangements, and portfolio concentrations.
Phased COFI implementation requires early impact mapping, FSCA says
The Authority urges financial firms to assess the likely impact of the COFI framework across governance, licensing, product design, and data.
SARS raids mark overdue escalation in illicit economy crackdown
Search-and-seizure operations targeting customs corruption mark a move from policy to enforcement, as SARS steps up efforts against illicit trade draining billions from the fiscus.
Two-pot withdrawals surge as repeat claims reshape savings behaviour
Withdrawal activity has spiked again at the start of the new tax year, with data showing repeat claims are becoming entrenched and raising concerns about long-term retirement outcomes.
Regulation must adapt to a more complex financial system, says Kamlana
Unathi Kamlana says regulation must evolve with a more complex, technology-driven financial sector, with greater focus on accountability and customer outcomes.
Living benefits overtake death claims as Discovery Life payouts shift
Discovery Life’s 2025 statistics show 65% of payouts go to living benefits – advisers must rethink risk, product design, and client conversations.
Old Mutual earnings rise as insurance, investments and Africa drive results
Results from operations rose 13% to R9.8bn as insurance profitability improved and investments crossed R1 trillion in assets under management.
Old Mutual announces chair succession ahead of Manuel’s retirement
Roger Jardine, who joined the Old Mutual board in September 2025, is set to take over as chairman after the June AGM.
Gambling surge strains retirement savings and prompts tax response
Old Mutual findings and industry commentary show gambling is reshaping spending, eroding savings, and drawing policy attention, with implications for employers and advisers.
E-commerce risks outpace consumer protection laws, Ombud warns
A joint NCC and CGSO paper highlights rising e-commerce complaints and regulatory gaps, with proposed reforms set to reshape platform accountability and consumer protection.
VAT decision highlights constitutional defects across tax Acts
Tax experts say the constitutional problem identified by the High Court could affect several other laws that give the finance minister similar powers.
FIC invites comment on proposed risk and compliance returns
The draft directive requires certain accountable institutions to submit RCR questionnaires covering information from 2023 to 2026.
Sanlam’s business engines: a look at the group’s 2025 performance
A breakdown of the results shows how the group’s main business clusters performed as it continues repositioning for growth across South Africa, Africa, and India.
