SA nears grey list exit after complying with all 22 action items
South Africa now awaits an on-site visit by the FATF Africa Joint Group – paving the way for an anticipated exit from the grey list at the October plenary.
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Expect the FSCA to call – heightened AML/CFT oversight ahead
What the Authority expects from financial services providers when it conducts Financial Intelligence Centre Act inspections.
FSP fined for inadequate client-screening processes
An RMCP must set out the processes for identifying, investigating, and reporting suspicious transactions, and for screening clients against the sanctions lists.
FSCA imposes R3m fine on Ninety One for FICA lapses
An inspection identified inadequate implementation of the RMCP and deficient customer due diligence processes.
FIC calls on businesses to take their RMCP obligations seriously
The Centre, through inspections and compliance monitoring, will test an RMCP against the legislative requirements.
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.
FIC demands full RCR compliance to aid exit from the grey list
The Financial Intelligence Centre issues a stern reminder to designated non-financial entities – particularly legal practitioners and estate agents – to file their overdue risk and compliance returns.
FIC maps the money laundering, terror financing risks facing SA’s crypto sector
The report outlines the CASP sector’s vulnerabilities and provides guidance on how enhanced compliance and improved risk management can help to safeguard the industry.
FIC seeks further input on guidance for money or value transfer service providers
The Financial Intelligence Centre has refined its draft PCC, addressing industry feedback on payment system operators, open- and closed-loop cards, and third-party payment services.
Reporting Directive for cross-border transactions issued
Directive 3A and PCC 50A set clear guidelines for accountable institutions on reporting international funds transfers and handling reporting failures.
FIC opens consultation on updated IFTR guidelines
The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC) has issued published Draft Directive 3A and Draft Public Compliance Communication 50A for public consultation.
FIC accepting RMCPs after the 12 March deadline
But institutions that file their RMCPs after the deadline are regarded as non-compliant and may be sanctioned.
Crucial deadline for accountable institutions supervised by the FIC
They must submit a copy of their RMCP to the Financial Intelligence Centre by 12 March.
What if your client’s beneficial owner is in a sanctioned jurisdiction?
Clients with UBOs in sanctioned areas face enhanced risk, potentially triggering relationship termination and strict regulatory measures.
FIC’s Guidance Note 7A raises the bar for compliance
The Guidance Note reflects significant amendments relating to an accountable institution’s RMCP.
SA won’t get off the grey list in June – Treasury now aiming for October
South Africa is yet to demonstrate ‘sustained effectiveness’ in investigating and prosecuting serious money laundering and terrorist financing activities
FIC publishes revised RMCP guidelines
Guidance Note 7A provides further guidance to accountable institutions about their Risk Management and Compliance Programme obligations.
