Defining ‘financial education initiative’: key takeaways from new Conduct Standard
Senior legal adviser Lize de la Harpe unpacks the critical definitions, scope-limits, governance, and reporting obligations of the FSCA’s Conduct Standard.
Investors kept buying despite first-quarter market sell-off
South African investors committed R51 billion to collective investment schemes in the first quarter of 2026 despite heightened market volatility.
Scammers falsely claim to be associated with Brenthurst Wealth, Nicolette Mashile and 1nvest
Online fraudsters are abusing the names of Brenthurst Wealth’s Magnus Heystek and Brian Butchart, as well as Nicolette Mashile of Financial Fitness Bunny, to solicit money from the public.
‘No big stick’: Tau calls for collaboration on Transformation Fund
The Fund is intended to amplify, not replace, existing enterprise and supplier development mechanisms under the B-BBEE framework.
Fraudsters pose as SAPS officers to extort money and data
Impostors use calls, WhatsApp and video links – complete with fake warrants – to coerce compliance under the guise of a criminal probe.
VAT hike halted – but legal uncertainty keeps SA on fiscal edge
Tax specialist Louis Botha answers pressing questions about the suspended VAT increase and its broader implications for budget-making power and taxpayer rights.
US dollar: what crisis?
From a peak 13% overvaluation versus major peers heading into January, the US dollar has plunged 7% on a trade-weighted basis in three months – a pace more than twice as fast as during Trump’s first term.
Budget 3.0 coming after court-backed VAT suspension and new Rates Bill
SARS tells vendors there is now no legal basis for them to charge consumers VAT of 15.5% from 1 May.
Ithala’s fate hangs in the balance amid legal battles and funding disputes
Ithala depositors remain locked out of their funds while disputes over frozen accounts, strategic alliances, and government guarantees deepen.
FICA non-compliance costs bank R10 million
Absa was fined R7m for inadequate customer due diligence and R3m for delays and closures of transaction monitoring alerts.
Exemption clears money market portfolios to invest in Zaronia instruments
The exemption waives the requirement for known-in-advance rates, letting money market portfolios invest in Zaronia-linked overnight placements.
Godongwana given 30 days to revise Budget after VAT reversal
The ANC and the DA present South Africans with different versions of what led to the decision to halt the increase.
Employment equity targets drop key safeguards from Solidarity deal
The final employment equity targets have sparked concerns over transparency and methodology in the absence of clear, evidence-based rationale from the Department of Employment and Labour.
New employment equity regulations raise the stakes for employers
With the 2025 Employment Equity Regulations now in effect, designated employers must align with stricter sectoral targets or face stiff penalties – unless they can justify non-compliance.
Under pressure: navigating the financial regulatory heat in 2025
Financial institutions that proactively embed governance, technology, and culture to meet evolving regulatory standards will not only avoid penalties but also strengthen credibility, build resilience, and drive long term value.
Amended POPIA Regulations tighten the screws on direct marketing
The recently gazetted amendments enhance the rights of data subjects and clarify the compliance obligations of responsible parties.
African Bank pays R500 000 fine for misleading marketing
The advert touted a personal loan as an ‘investment’, contravening Conduct Standard 3’s requirements for clear, fair, and factually correct advertising.
Remote signing recording secures claim against company’s sureties
The recording’s admissibility under RICA and common-law principles were key to overcoming allegations of forgery and invalid electronic execution.
