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.
#NationalTreasury
Two-pot amendments resolve uncertainty for older provident fund members
The Revenue Laws Amendment Act settles the treatment of provident and provident preservation fund members aged 55 or older on T-day.
Disciplinary process under way at GPAA amid governance concerns
Parliament reiterates concerns about financial management and governance highlighted in recent audit outcomes.
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.
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.
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.
Relief at last: Ithala depositors can access frozen funds from 8 December
Treasury’s R2.2bn intervention ends an 11-month account freeze, unlocking payouts for Ithala’s 257 000 depositors while the liquidation case continues.
Countdown to JIBAR cessation: SARB urges market to step up transition to ZARONIA
South Africa’s financial markets brace for the end of Jibar as SARB signals a major shift toward the more transparent, transaction-based ZARONIA benchmark.
Treasury pushes back against increasing taxes on higher-income earners
Deputy DG Christopher Axelson tells Parliament Treasury will prioritise improved revenue collection and closing loopholes rather than further rate increases.
SARB adds crypto and stablecoins to new financial-stability risk category
Top domestic Bitcoin wallets moved nearly R63bn offshore since 2019, spurring the SARB and Treasury to develop a cross-border crypto transaction framework.
Treasury proposes 20% national online gambling tax to curb harm
The measure is expected to generate over R10bn, but Treasury says its primary aim is to deter harmful gambling behaviour.
SARB clarifies 3% inflation target as policy shifts draw mixed reactions
The MPC’s first rate cut in months underscores the SARB’s view that a lower target can support a gradual easing cycle.
Treasury calls for technical tax proposals ahead of 2026 Budget
National Treasury is inviting submissions of technical tax proposals for possible inclusion in Annexure C of next year’s Budget Review.
Treasury upbeat on near-term tax haul, but flags medium-term shortfalls
The MTBPS raises the 2025/26 gross revenue estimate by R19.7bn but warns of a R15.7bn shortfall against Budget estimates for 2026/27.
Treasury: 3% inflation target will improve competitiveness but squeeze short-term revenues
Godongwana announces a shift from the 3%-to-6% range to a 3% target with a 1-percentage-point tolerance band, to be implemented over two years.
Treasury concedes on one CIS tax proposal, holds firm on another
National Treasury has withdrawn its proposal that would have triggered capital gains tax when fund managers merge collective investment scheme portfolios.
Schools’ exit VAT liability postponed for a year
VAT-registered schools will have to deregister from 1 January 2026, but the deemed output VAT on retained assets will only be payable the following year.
