Financial inclusion high, financial health low: insurers face outcomes test
With only 16% of South Africans financially healthy, insurers are being pushed to prove that products deliver real value when customers need them most.
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FSCA examining finfluencers’ impact on consumer decisions
The Authority is studying the influence of financial content on social media, while advancing industry co-ordination as online fraud losses rise.
E-commerce risks outpace consumer protection laws, Ombud warns
A joint NCC and CGSO paper highlights rising e-commerce complaints and regulatory gaps, with proposed reforms set to reshape platform accountability and consumer protection.
Appeals Board ruling puts Centriq–Dis-Chem partnership on the line
In Circular 48, the CMS signals tougher enforcement against exempted insurers, warning that non-compliant branding and failure to notify regulators will attract decisive action.
MediCheck claims win as Discovery Health writes off up to R170m in ATB recoveries
Discovery Health has abandoned recovery action against more than 16 500 members, agreeing to absorb up to R170 million in overpaid ATB claims after sustained pressure from MediCheck,
Banks and dealerships can’t hide behind fine print
Consumers can now claim directly against banks for faulty vehicles, while a major used-car dealer faces fines and refunds, signaling tougher enforcement of consumer rights.
Ombud warns of surge in day-trading losses as investors underestimate risk
Many trading platforms are FSCA-licensed but expressly do not provide advice. This typically blocks successful complaints unless advice can be proved.
FSCA issues multiple warnings amid rise in year-end fraud attempts
As festive spending ramps up, the FSCA has issued a string of warnings about impersonators and unauthorised entities preying on consumers.
FSCA collects R119m in fines amid record enforcement year
In response to South Africa’s greylisting, the Authority has grown its AML/CFT team, increased on-site inspections, and ramped up fines.
How FSPs and consumers can fortify against online risks
Nine steps financial services and crypto asset providers can take to curb the deceptive use of their name and branding.
Do fines deliver justice for victims of financial misconduct?
The FSCA’s success in collecting penalties remains uneven because of several structural and legal challenges.
FSCA gears up for tougher enforcement as scams and misconduct rise
From funeral policy breaches to crypto non-compliance and weak AML measures, the regulator’s latest report outlines its key priorities – with online harm topping the list.
‘Droom Troue’: Tribunal orders R500 000 in penalties and refunds
The National Consumer Tribunal rules the Droom Troue competition was a sham, ordering refunds and fines after couples were misled into paying for a prize that never existed.
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?
Consumer Tribunal orders suppliers to refund R697 000 for botched deals
The suppliers, which abandoned a home renovation and denied a refund for a defective vehicle respectively, were also fined a total of R250 000.
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.
Burial society ordered to pay after failing to inform policyholder of premium hike
The FAIS Ombud found that Luvuyo Burial and Consulting failed to comply with the Policyholder Protection Rules.
