Move to two-pot system drives jump in complaints to the Adjudicator
Outgoing Adjudicator Muvhango Lukhaimane says the system has laid bare long-standing non-compliance with section 13A of the Pension Funds Act.
#FinancialServicesTribunal
Associate arrangement justified PSG’s deviation from its debarment policy
The Tribunal says that even informal communications qualify as regulated advice if they involve financial recommendations.
Unauthorised policies falsely attributed to a junior accredited rep
The Tribunal confirms Assupol’s decision to debar a representative after forensic evidence showed he advised on life policies while unauthorised.
FST upholds debarment over ‘ghost caller’ policy
The evidence accumulated by Momentum supported its finding that the agent lacked honesty and integrity.
Levies payable to the FSCA set to rise in 2025/26
The proposed amendments will also see increases in the Tribunal levy and the FAIS Ombud’s charge per KI/representative.
Policy breaches alone are not enough to justify debarment
The Tribunal said allegations of not following sales scripts may breach internal policy but do not in themselves demonstrate dishonesty or a lack of integrity.
Tribunal upholds R1.18m fine and debarment for unauthorised services
Pierre Erasmus said the sanctions were disproportionate, and his dealings with clients were friendships, not formal business relationships.
Client’s ‘substance-induced’ U-turn fails to convince Tribunal
The client initially swore to non-consent, but in a second affidavit he said drugs clouded his memory, insisting he was present when the policies were initiated.
Tribunal upholds debarment over ‘ghost quotes’
The FST found that repeated creation of phantom quotes and unauthorised ITC checks breached honesty and integrity standards.
FST upholds FSCA’s revocation after employer trustees excluded from vote
The Tribunal agrees with the Authority that the rule amendment was void because the employer-appointed trustees were asked to leave the meeting during the deliberations.
Tribunal sets aside debarment of rep who failed a polygraph test
Polygraph testing alone cannot establish dishonest conduct; where the circumstantial evidence is weak or contradictory, debarment is a disproportionate sanction.
Tribunal dismisses N-e-FG executives’ ‘restorative justice offer’
In exchange for their admissions, they sought to substitute their debarments with an undertaking to repay R470m in client losses.
Tribunal upholds debarment for unauthorised transactions
Despite claims of verbal consent from her client, the FST found the adviser’s informal arrangements did not satisfy the requirements for written, explicit authorisation.
Tribunal affirms Ombud’s stance on credit life cover complaint
After the High Court remitted the matter, a new Tribunal panel deemed the challenge ‘frivolous and vexatious’.
Lack of full and frank disclosure sinks FSP’s licence application
The Tribunal agrees with the FSCA that the entity’s key individual did not ‘come clean’ about her past misconduct.
FSPs’ ‘growing vigilance’ sees debarments rise by over 40%
The FSCA records a marked increase in new investigations in 2024/25, particularly those related to unregistered insurance business.
Tribunal sets aside broker’s debarment based on contractual grievances
The FSP’s allegations that the representative violated the terms of the settlement and service agreements did constitute a material breach of the FAIS Act.
