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.

Spam calls are now electronic communication: guidance note closes direct marketing loophole
The Information Regulator’s Guidance Note on Direct Marketing under POPIA classifies traditional phone calls as electronic communication.

SCA upholds order to release full Steinhoff forensic report
The judgment highlights the impact of Steinhoff’s collapse on retirement funds and the public’s right to understand the nation’s biggest corporate scandal.

Small businesses gain relief under Employment Equity Act amendments
The amendments to the Employment Equity Act will come into force on 1 January. Employers must navigate new compliance requirements and prepare for the road ahead.

Financial pressure shapes South Africans’ views on two-pot options
Survey finds that 57% are comfortable with having access to their savings, while 29% are concerned about the impact on their long-term savings.

High Court reinforces key principles of disclosure in insurance
Applicants must fully disclose all relevant information during underwriting, even if it was divulged in past applications.

Tribunal ruling draws clear line on Adjudicator’s jurisdiction over unapproved disability claims
The ruling underscores that disputes over unapproved disability claims underwritten by insurers through employer-held policies must be addressed with employers and insurers.

‘Enhanced member engagement’ yields higher inflows for Alexforbes
Profit from operations increased by 13% despite higher operating expenses attributed in part to implementing the two-pot system.

How your money personality shapes year-end spending
Recognising the three key traits – prudence, anxiety, and prestige – can help individuals manage their spending habits and avoid financial stress

Criminal liability for small businesses that fail to register for VAT
Exceeding the R1m threshold without registering could have serious consequences for businesses. SARS is stepping up enforcement, with a wave of cases landing in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.

Two pots: most Alexforbes members who have claimed will do so again
The company says 32% of its membership base have submitted claims with a value of about R6.5 billion.

SARB warns of the risks if SA fails to exit the grey list by June 2025
The bank’s Financial Stability Review also flags the growing financial distress among households and SMMEs and the vulnerabilities in the commercial real estate sector.

FIC report on how to identify and avoid holiday scams
The report highlights patterns, red flags, and practical steps to avoid holiday rental and travel scams.

Rising medical inflation: how employers are adapting to soaring healthcare costs
Aon’s 2025 Global Medical Trend Rates Report points to a concerning widening gap between medical inflation and general inflation.

Vaping epidemic among teens fuels debate on Tobacco Control Bill and insurance impact
A UCT-led study finds that nearly one-third of Grade 12 learners regularly engage in vaping.

Judge rebukes bank for ‘high-handed’ approach to credit agreement reinstatement
Credit providers must quantify their reasonable enforcement costs promptly to allow for an agreement to be reinstated.

Santam to acquire stake in MultiChoice’s insurance business
Santam will pay Sanlam Life R925 million to buy 60% of the A1 ordinary shares in NMS Insurance Services.

