High Court orders Ramaphosa to disclose NHI signing record
The President must produce the full record of his decision-making when assenting to the NHI Bill after the court rejected arguments that such records fall outside judicial review.
COFI: What must an advice file prove beyond compliance?
The FSCA’s Lezanne Botha explains why signed forms and completed disclosures are not enough, and what evidence can show that advice was suitable and customers were treated fairly.
Bank held liable for R2.1 million paid to fraudulent ‘executor’
A High Court ruling notes procedural failures at Standard Bank’s deceased estates department – highlighting that banks must verify and act only on valid letters of executorship.
FSCA investigating banks’ transaction fees
The Authority has found wide discrepancies in charges for similar services across banks, says Godongwana.
Retirement funds can’t use POPIA to withhold information from the Adjudicator
PAIA and POPIA should not be misused to hide inadequate investigations into dependants’ claims.
Dual‐citizenship ban ruled unconstitutional after 30 years
The Constitutional Court declares invalid the section of the South African Citizenship Act that automatically revoked citizenship upon acquisition of another nationality.
‘Little appetite’ for shift from asset-based charges and commission
The Adviser Barometer, based on the responses of nearly 600 financial advisers on the Allan Gray platform, sheds light on what’s driving fee structures, technology investments and client-engagement strategies in South Africa’s advice industry.
High Court slams SARB over R200m block on Steinhoff successor’s funds
Judge finds the Reserve Bank acted without evidence or legal basis in freezing funds Ibex needed to repay offshore creditors.
R2bn Ithala guarantee sparks row over fiscal risk to KZN
The Minister of Finance’s bailout plan for Ithala’s retail depositors has drawn sharp criticism from KZN’s Finance MEC Francois Rodgers, who warns the deal’s fine print could leave the province footing a hefty bill.
Constitutionality of the minister’s power to amend tax rates remains untested
UCT tax lecturer Ben Cronin argues that by allowing the minister to amend the income tax rates by announcement in the Budget, Parliament has overstepped its competence, eroding the doctrine that places legislative authority firmly in its hands.
Retirement fund cannot withhold benefits without precise liability admission
The Tribunal says the Adjudicator should have addressed the fund’s reliance on two acknowledgements of debt stating different amounts.
Accountability still lacking as corruption persists in South Africa
South Africa’s score on the global Corruption Perceptions Index remains at a decade-low, reflecting persistent governance failures.
How professional indemnity fits into broker risk management
Overlooking crucial risk management steps can significantly affect brokers’ liability exposure and their PI insurance coverage.
Tight-lipped Treasury braces for tough Budget to plug R75bn shortfall
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana won’t reveal where the spending cuts or savings will come from but says South Africa must “do more with less”.
Coalition politics hampered Budget consensus, says Godongwana
South Africa’s credibility among investors and ratings agencies will depend on whether the government meets the fiscal targets it has set, says Treasury.
Link between size of household investments and financial advice
The research also finds that South Africans turn to advisers primarily in times of uncertainty or when faced with a personal crisis.
What is my advisory firm or client book worth?
Selling a client book based solely on past revenue snapshots can leave both buyer and seller exposed. Advisers should factor in growth potential, profit margins, and transferability strategies to arrive at a fairer price.
Member’s withdrawal bid denied as two-pot rules exclude legacy RAs
The Pension Funds Adjudicator rules the fund acted within the law when it refused a member’s request to dip into his FlexiPension plan.
