Key fintech policy developments to watch in 2026
Regulatory initiatives across payments, digital assets, open finance and embedded finance are expected to progress this year.
#ConductofFinancialInstitutionsBill
NDCA pushes for fit and proper requirements for debt counsellors
The Association’s proposal will embed COFI’s principles and the TCF outcomes into debt-counselling practice.
FSCA is aligning its work with COFI before the Bill becomes law
The new Integrated Regulatory System will deliver a single, unified view of entities and support an activity-based supervisory model aligned to COFI’s principles.
New Rules for Adjudicator emphasise efficiency, consistency, and COFI readiness
The draft Rules for the Office of the Pension Funds Adjudicator formalise existing procedures and align the OPFA with COFI and the cross-scheme framework.
COFI will redefine the OPFA’s role and scope
Expanding the Office’s mandate to include disputes involving advice will enhance member protection, but there are concerns over jurisdictional overlaps and operational costs.
How COFI will affect the retirement funds industry
COFI replaces the registration model with a conduct-focused licensing regime for retirement funds – a step that will raise governance, fit-and-proper checks and public disclosure requirements across the sector.
‘Clean data is the golden thread’ behind effective retirement supervision
The FSCA’s Zareena Camroodien provides a comprehensive overview of regulatory developments and strategic goals affecting the retirement sector.
Buy now, panic later: a legal deep dive into SA’s payment revolution
This analysis examines whether BNPL falls under the National Credit Act or the FAIS regime, spotlights enforcement gaps, and considers how the pending COFI Bill could plug systemic vulnerabilities.
COFI | Financial institutions should start their transition planning now
Early preparation will ensure agility and competitiveness once the new regime takes effect.
COFI countdown: FSPs urged to prepare with the precision of a World Cup coach
Compliance expert Anton Swanepoel says financial services providers must adopt a winning mindset, strategy, and tech-driven approach.
COFI is coming – and FSPs can’t afford to wait
Early preparation for COFI will give firms a competitive edge and help to avoid the compliance scramble seen during FAIS implementation.
COFI | Why FSPs should start planning now for proportionality
As the COFI Bill edges closer to becoming law, practice management expert Anton Swanepoel urges smaller FSPs to define their size early to unlock the benefits of proportional regulation.
FSCA’s three-year regulatory strategy anchored in COFI roll-out
A revamped licensing schedule and an enhanced Integrated Regulatory Solution platform will form the backbone of COFI-aligned supervision.
Moonstone is positioned to provide guidance amid COFI uncertainty
Moonstone’s innovative approach to compliance, rooted in deep expertise and tailored guidance, is poised to help financial institutions not only comply but also thrive.
FSCA probes complaint processes amid surprisingly low filing rates
A survey shows that only 8% of consumers lodged complaints with financial institutions between 2021 and 2023. Does this figure reflect genuine satisfaction or signal barriers in the complaint process?
FSCA’s contingency plan: navigating COFI delays and licensing overhaul
The FSCA is preparing for the massive task of migrating about 12 500 financial services providers into the new COFI framework.
FSCA discloses approach to regulating a rapidly changing financial sector
Unathi Kamlana says the Authority will support the integration of advanced technologies and strengthen frameworks for consumer protection, cyber resilience, and financial inclusion.
