‘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.
#FinancialIntelligenceCentreAct
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.
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.
Staying ahead of regulatory change: why ongoing training is non-negotiable
As regulatory enforcement escalates, MBSE’s specialised FICA, POPIA and NCA short courses provide financial professionals with the most practical way to stay compliant, avoid costly penalties, and build lasting client trust.
Free FIC webinars for accountable institutions in August
The sessions will cover institutions’ regulatory reporting obligations and establishing beneficial ownership.
Accountable institutions must ensure they are correctly registered
Institutions that are wrongly registered as ‘business entities with a reporting obligation’ face being sanctioned by the FIC.
FSCA gears up for tougher enforcement as scams and misconduct rise
From funeral policy breaches to crypto non-compliance and weak AML measures, the regulator’s latest report outlines its key priorities – with online harm topping the list.
Prudential Authority sanctions three banks for FICA breaches
HBZ was fined an effective R7.5m, Citibank’s fine was fully suspended, and Bank of Taiwan was reprimanded.
FICA compliance: FSP turns a R500k sanction into a learning curve
The owner of MIKA Finansiële Dienste shares four key takeaways after successfully remediating the deficiencies in its RMCP.
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.
FSP fined for inadequate client-screening processes
An RMCP must set out the processes for identifying, investigating, and reporting suspicious transactions, and for screening clients against the sanctions lists.
FSCA imposes R3m fine on Ninety One for FICA lapses
An inspection identified inadequate implementation of the RMCP and deficient customer due diligence processes.
FIC calls on businesses to take their RMCP obligations seriously
The Centre, through inspections and compliance monitoring, will test an RMCP against the legislative requirements.
FICA non-compliance costs bank R10 million
Absa was fined R7m for inadequate customer due diligence and R3m for delays and closures of transaction monitoring alerts.
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.
No exemptions: all CASPs must adopt ‘travel rule’ directive
The FSCA and the FIC remind CASPs and FSP CASPs of the compliance requirements that take effect on 30 April.
