Madlanga Commission: Why fixing policing matters to business
The inquiry’s revelations about organised crime and weak enforcement have implications for AML effectiveness, investment, and the recovery of criminal proceeds.
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Proposed beneficial owner rules bring fresh scrutiny for financial institutions
Institutions will have to identify and verify owners, assess their honesty and integrity at least every two years, and report beneficial-owner information to regulators.
Latest FATF review puts South Africa under a harsher spotlight
Treasury says the country already has most of the rules it needs; the challenge now is proving that institutions are using them effectively.
MPs query whether tougher AML laws are solving the problem
Treasury adviser Ismail Momoniat warns that police corruption and unfinished financial-crime cases could weigh on SA’s FATF assessment.
FIC publishes draft communication on travel rule compliance for CASPs
The draft PCC reinforces zero-threshold travel rule application, mandatory real-time monitoring, enhanced controls for unhosted wallets, and strict freezing obligations.
Draft amendments aim to remedy gaps in AML framework
The Bill largely clarifies and strengthens existing AML/CFT expectations rather than introducing a new regulatory philosophy.
Exiting the grey list won’t relax oversight – regulators pledge continued enforcement
The authorities say that supervision, prosecutions, and measurable outcomes must continue to avoid re-listing as the next mutual evaluation starts in 2026.
Delisting restores SA’s credibility, but major repricing unlikely
Analysts say sustained capital inflows will depend on continued reform, enforcement, and the wider global backdrop.
Slow RCR submissions highlight gaps in anti-money laundering compliance
While submissions of the mandatory Risk and Compliance Return improved over the past year, 30% of institutions targeted by the FIC’s directives had not complied by March 2025
Financial intelligence reports drive R144m in crime recoveries
Requests for reports from the FIC rose by 17% in 2024/25, reflecting the FATF’s pressure on South Africa to strengthen its anti-money laundering efforts.
‘Appropriate’ and ‘adequate’ – two words that will shape SA’s next FATF review
New criteria require closer supervisory scrutiny of DNFBPs on market entry, ongoing oversight, and high-quality suspicious-transaction reporting.
FSPs brace for tougher scrutiny as risk-based AML compliance takes centre stage
As South Africa prepares for a tougher FATF evaluation, FSPs must master risk-based compliance – balancing security, cost, and strong partnerships to target real threats and protect legitimate customers.
FATF completes on-site assessment of SA’s anti-money laundering reforms
The Financial Action Task Force’s Plenary in October will decide whether to remove South Africa from the grey list.
Financial institutions should prepare for ‘more demanding’ AML/CFT review
The FATF’s mutual evaluation in April 2027 will drill down into how well AML/CFT measures work in practice rather than just ticking technical boxes.
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.
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.
Under pressure: navigating the financial regulatory heat in 2025
Financial institutions that proactively embed governance, technology, and culture to meet evolving regulatory standards will not only avoid penalties but also strengthen credibility, build resilience, and drive long term value.
