Six key themes from the FSCA’s FICA compliance inspections
Moonstone Compliance’s analysis identifies recurring shortcomings that FSPs should fix to avoid enforcement action.
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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 PCC 122 clarifies FICA obligations for special purpose vehicles
SPVs designated as accountable institutions must comply with FICA in full, including independent registration and adherence to RMCP and reporting requirements.
New deadline to comment on draft AML/CFT Bill
The legislation will strengthen reporting and governance obligations across the non-profit, corporate, and financial sectors.
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.
Draft AML/CFT amendment Bill tightens regulatory net
The Bill proposes that arrangements yielding outcomes similar to traditional financial products be treated as financial services.
Draft FIC directive proposes detailed location reporting
Accountable institutions will have to provide comprehensive information on the location of their operations when registering with the Financial Intelligence Centre.
FIC urges businesses to simplify compliance: ‘focus on risks, not paperwork’
Accountable institutions should adopt practical, risk-based RMCPs tailored to their operations, rather than relying on lengthy templates.
PA fines Discovery Bank R3m for FICA compliance failures
A 2021 inspection found late submission of suspicious activity reports, inadequate staff training, delayed monitoring responses, and shortcomings in the bank’s RMCP.
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.
SARB sanctions money transfer service for FICA non-compliance
The South African Reserve Bank cites deficiencies in Access Forex’s RMCP, customer verification, and staff training.
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.
FIC publishes Revised Guidance Note 7A
The updated guidance gives concrete examples of compliance failures and explicitly states that poorly documented RMCPs may be treated as non-compliant.
FIC’s goAML will be offline from 8 to 14 September for upgrade
Ensure registrations and filings are finalised by 5pm on 8 September and back up all records – the old system will be retired after the upgrade.
Free FIC webinars for accountable institutions in August
The sessions will cover institutions’ regulatory reporting obligations and establishing beneficial ownership.
