Funeral insurance Bill moves to Parliament, but questions persist
The proposed reforms could require significant operational changes for insurers, but industry experts believe they address only part of the problem.
#consumerprotection
Banking complaints surge as fraudsters follow customers online
Complaints to the banking ombud jumped 25% in 2025, with phishing, account takeovers, and unauthorised transactions leading the way.
NCR signals tougher affordability enforcement as vehicle finance risks mount
Lenders and dealers should dig deeper into living costs, dependants, and insurance obligations to avoid stretching consumers beyond their means.
Clearer communication can prevent many motor insurance disputes
The NFO says proactive disclosure, better underwriting conversations, and stronger intermediary oversight will benefit customers and insurers alike.
High Court warning to banks over rushed home auction valuations
The judgment strengthens constitutional protections for homeowners by rejecting speculative ‘drive-by’ property valuations used in foreclosure proceedings.
SARS, NCC join forces to tighten grip on non-compliant imports
A new SARS–NCC agreement strengthens enforcement against non-compliant imports as authorities tighten controls on e-commerce and customs risks.
Draft policy reframes financial education as a core conduct requirement
National Treasury’s draft framework signals tighter expectations for how firms deliver, integrate, and measure financial education.
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.
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.
