Gender-neutral surname ruling shakes up families and institutions
Employers, banks, insurers, and other identity-verifying bodies must accept surname assumptions by any spouse and update onboarding and benefits procedures accordingly.
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Regulators invite comment on draft IT and cyber incident reporting rules
Financial institutions subject to Joint Standards 1 of 2023 and 2 of 2024 are asked to provide feedback by 5 October 2025.
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.
COFI | Financial institutions should start their transition planning now
Early preparation will ensure agility and competitiveness once the new regime takes effect.
Authorities developing Joint Standard on cloud computing and data offshoring
The FSCA and PA publish recommended best practices, urging financial institutions to adopt a risk-based approach aligned with their size and complexity.
Strengthening South Africa’s sustainable finance framework
The FSCA’s Sustainable Finance Programme seeks to harmonise local markets with global ESG standards – focusing on taxonomy, disclosure, reporting and investor education to bolster climate resilience.
FSCA urges financial institutions to verify CPD providers
The Authority says an entity called LearnOn was found to have issued invalid certificates linked to the Financial Planning Institute.
Defining ‘financial education initiative’: key takeaways from new Conduct Standard
Senior legal adviser Lize de la Harpe unpacks the critical definitions, scope-limits, governance, and reporting obligations of the FSCA’s Conduct Standard.
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.
African Bank pays R500 000 fine for misleading marketing
The advert touted a personal loan as an ‘investment’, contravening Conduct Standard 3’s requirements for clear, fair, and factually correct advertising.
Financial institutions urged to prioritise cyber resilience as Joint Standard takes effect
With Joint Standard 2 on cybersecurity coming into force on 1 June, the Prudential Authority emphasises the need for financial institutions to bolster resilience, share intelligence, and prepare for inevitable cyberattacks.
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?
Finalised Conduct Standard for financial education released
In response to stakeholder concerns over increased costs, the FSCA says the requirements can be scaled to each institution’s size and complexity.
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.
Deadline looms for input on FSCA’s financial education charter
The finalised Financial Education Commitment Charter is set to have a significant on impact the industry, requiring institutions to invest in targeted education programmes.
Retirement fund trustees face personal liability for cybersecurity non-compliance
With the Joint Standard on Cybersecurity and Cyber Resilience set to take effect in June, trustees could be held personally liable for losses due to data breaches.
Social media scam peddles fake RE5 exam certificates at a discount
Fraudulent RE5 exam certificates were recently advertised on Facebook, sparking a public warning from the FSCA about regulatory exam fraud.
