Key fintech policy developments to watch in 2026
Regulatory initiatives across payments, digital assets, open finance and embedded finance are expected to progress this year.
#financialservices
Short-term insurers strengthen customer experience, but execution gaps persist
The 2025 CE Index places short-term insurers mid-table within financial services, with clear differences emerging between brands and channels.
Global risks are landing closer to home for SA businesses
While local risk rankings align with global patterns, infrastructure fragility, business interruption, and cybercrime leave SA firms particularly exposed to cascading disruptions.
Classic Financial creditors see first dividend, just over 6%
The initial payout returns roughly 6 cents on the rand to creditors, with legal costs taking a large slice – but further recoveries may change the final dividend.
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.
Where theory meets practice: HCWM graduates turn learning into impact
Top achievers share how MBSE’s Higher Certificate in Wealth Management translates knowledge into real-world confidence.
Ithala depositor payouts to continue through 2026 with three-year claim window
FNB has disbursed over R1 billion to Ithala customers and is sending about 5 000 SMS notifications per day to schedule branch visits.
A way out sought for consumers stuck in debt counselling
The National Debt Counselling Association is pushing for a regulated mechanism to remove consumers from incomplete debt counselling caused by life-changing events.
FSCA issues multiple public warnings about unauthorised operators
South Africans should verify anyone offering financial services or investment opportunities.
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.
Suretyships mean what they say: advisers learn hard lessons after broker house collapse
A Northern Cape High Court ruling shows how easily advisers can be left personally exposed.
Three paths, one milestone: how MBSE’s ACFP shapes financial planning careers
From a shipbuilding director to a career-changer at 40 and a junior adviser navigating cross-border portfolios, MBSE’s Advanced Certificate in Financial Planning equips diverse professionals with confidence.
Banks see strongest sentiment in a decade, but service gaps persist
Campaign-driven engagement boosted positivity across the industry, yet customer complaints around service, digital reliability, and trust highlight ongoing challenges for banks.
MBSE opens 2026 qualification applications with early-access incentive
Prospective students can jump-start their 2026 studies with early course access and benefit from a 50% discount on MBSE’s full suite of COB modules until 31 December.
Clock is ticking for intermediaries to shape OMNI-Risk Return
Comprehensive industry input now will influence what data the FSCA collects and how it prioritises future enforcement and benchmarking.
R2.1m in penalties: FSCA shuts down unauthorised forex scheme
The FSCA has fined two individuals R2.1 million and debarred them for 20 years after uncovering an unauthorised forex-trading scheme that drew in hundreds of investors.
Umboneleli Womngcwabo unyusa izigwebo ezilishumi elinambini (12) ze-FAIS Ombud ngokuchasene nayo
I-FSCA yarhoxisa ilayisenisi ye-Luvuyo’ kwinyanga yeThupha emva kokuba uthotho lwezigqibo lufumanise ukuba le nkampani ayiphumelelanga ukuhlawula amabango kwaye yasebenza ngaphandle kombhali ongaphantsi.
