Godongwana defends the banks’ right to close accounts
Financial institutions will participate in evaluating improvements to Conduct Standard 3 of 2020, aligning these efforts with the COFI Bill.
FSCA
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.
Key regulatory and compliance developments: looking back at 2024 and what’s ahead in 2025
Billy Seyffert unpacks 2024’s major compliance changes, from the two-pot retirement system to cybersecurity standards, offering practical advice to stay ahead in 2025.
FSCA slaps R2.1m fine and 20-year ban on unauthorised forex operator
An investigation found that Greyshore Investments solicited deposits while promising to trade on behalf of investors, without the necessary authorisation.
US financial company’s name hijacked in impersonation scam
The FSCA says the scammers are also misusing the FSP number of a Bloemfontein-based financial planning business.
Investigation: United African Stokvel’s promises were worthless
The stokvel misused a significant portion of the money it collected, while the remaining amounts were used to pay purported returns to some investors, says the Authority.
FSCA fines two financial firms R1.2 million for FICA compliance failures
Risk management failings, inadequate customer due diligence, and lack of senior management oversight are key lessons for the industry.
‘Investment’ scammers impersonate companies on Telegram
The FSCA also alerts the public to individuals who may be providing financial services without authorisation.
FSCA crypto licensing update: more than 240 CASPs approved
Of the 420 CASP licence applications received, nine were declined, while 106 applications were voluntarily withdrawn.
FSCA withdraws decades-old guideline on surplus submissions
After more than 20 years, the Authority is withdrawing Circular PF No. 127, which aimed to streamline surplus submissions for retirement funds in the termination process.
Enforcement is the Achilles’ heel in contribution compliance, says Adjudicator
The FSCA, National Treasury, and the Pension Funds Adjudicator tell MPs what they are doing to address the non-payment of retirement fund contributions. Regulatory interventions other than COFI may be in the offing.
R300m a year: the price tag of administering the two-pot system
The FSCA is evaluating whether administration fees are reasonable. If it believes they are not, it will explore whether it is necessary to cap or regulate fees.
Repeat offender hit with R1m fine and 15-year debarment
Mareo Nel resumed unauthorised forex trading despite signing an enforceable undertaking in 2021.
FSCA flags unauthorised investment schemes and funeral policies
An entity must be authorised by the FSCA and the Prudential Authority to issue insurance policies in South Africa.
Proposals for stricter guidelines for foreign collective investment schemes
The updated guidelines focus on investor protection, derivatives usage, and strict reporting measures.
Arrears in local government sector reach alarming levels
58% of South Africa’s municipalities – 149 out of 257 – are behind on their retirement fund contributions, highlighting a growing issue in local government finances.
Data reveals trends in members’ two-pot withdrawals
FSCA plans to issue guidance on what it considers to be a fair and transparent approach to transaction fees.
