Prudential Authority fines major bank R13m for FICA non-compliance
Standard Bank’s compliance failures include the untimely submission of suspicious activity reports and neglecting system alerts.
FICA
Key regulatory and compliance developments: looking back at 2024 and what’s ahead in 2025
Billy Seyffert unpacks 2024’s major compliance changes, from the two-pot retirement system to cybersecurity standards, offering practical advice to stay ahead in 2025.
Bill proposes wide-ranging changes to strengthen AML regime
The amendments to the Companies Act, FICA, and the Financial Sector Regulation Act are designed to close regulatory gaps and enhance enforcement.
Incidental credit providers excluded from FICA registration
The revised draft of PCC 23A brings further clarity to the interpretation of credit providers under the Financial Intelligence Centre Act.
FSCA fines two financial firms R1.2 million for FICA compliance failures
Risk management failings, inadequate customer due diligence, and lack of senior management oversight are key lessons for the industry.
FIC cracks down on RCR defaulters: R10 000 fine today, bigger sanctions tomorrow
Accountable institutions that did not pay the smaller fine or remediate their non-compliance now face harsher penalties.
FSCA slaps R2.2 million in fines on FSPs for FICA violations
The FSCA highlights the role of RMCPs in safeguarding financial institutions and the financial system after compliance breaches by two FSPs.
Shareholder ties don’t lessen FICA compliance obligations
The Appeal Board dismisses an FSP’s argument that its close ties with its sole shareholder reduced the need for comprehensive due diligence.
FIC tightens crypto asset compliance with ‘travel rule’ directive
Starting 30 April 2025, CASPs and FSPs will have to collect and share detailed client information when engaging in crypto transfers.
Bank fraud: FICA doesn’t create a private law right to third-party damages
A couple who were victims of business email compromise argued that FICA imposed a private law duty on Nedbank to protect them from financial harm.
R7.7m fine stands as FIC Appeal Board rules against law firm
The firm of attorneys said its non-compliance was not intentional and was the result of a lack of awareness.
Accountable institutions given final deadline for DPI
Following widespread challenges with its e-portal, the FSCA has re-opened submissions for its Directive to Provide Information.
Uncloaking the mysteries of financial sector penalties
The huge penalties imposed by the FSCA and the Prudential Authority raise questions about the clarity and consistency of the factors influencing these fines.
SA racing against February deadline if it wants to exit grey list by mid-2025
National Treasury tells companies and trusts to submit their beneficial ownership information by the end of November.
Should all tokens be equal in the crypto market?
As the regulatory framework develops, many questions remain – particularly around whether all tokens, from fungible coins to unique NFTs, will be regulated the same way.
FIC to launch inspections on CASPs amid growing regulatory scrutiny
The Financial Intelligence Centre’s sector final risk assessment report for crypto asset service providers is set to be published in the new financial year.
HSBC and Bidvest hit with fines for FICA non-compliance
The fines on both banks run into millions of rands, but most of the penalties are conditionally suspended.
