
Draft manual sets out proposed cross-border crypto regime
Early industry reaction focuses the implications for stablecoin payments and self-custody wallets, and the compliance burden.

Early industry reaction focuses the implications for stablecoin payments and self-custody wallets, and the compliance burden.

The SARB’s governor argues the country knows how to revive the economy; the real test is whether it has the resolve to implement the necessary reforms.

Better member data, stronger engagement, and AI-assisted tracing may improve future outcomes, but billions of rands in legacy retirement savings are likely to remain unclaimed.

The release of R7.1 billion buys time, but December’s equitable share assessment will determine whether non-compliant municipalities face another funding freeze.

The FFC says a system-wide breakdown in collecting and paying bills is fuelling arrears that more than a decade of government interventions has failed to contain.

Lawmakers want legal questions over withheld equitable-share allocations resolved as Treasury begins releasing billions of rand to compliant municipalities.

Municipalities that fix their governance failures could regain funding within weeks, while provinces and national departments are now facing the same scrutiny.

Stakeholders have until 10 August to comment on proposed amendments aimed at strengthening South Africa’s financial crime framework.

Just 10 of the 69 affected municipalities account for more than R21.6bn in arrears to utilities, retirement funds, SARS and other creditors.

Late-payment interest now accounts for almost half of arrears, suggesting unpaid contributions are remaining outstanding for longer.

The Authority’s three-year roadmap also outlines upcoming reforms affecting financial markets, retirement funds, payment services, and cross-sector regulation.

As the National Treasury-backed repayment programme for Ithala depositors nears completion, KZN Treasury says the Prudential Authority will review the repayment administrator’s role.

Advanced data matching is helping SARS to identify businesses and individuals whose tax affairs do not align with their activities.

The Social Relief of Distress grant might be extended while a new policy is finalised.

Most FSCA levies will rise by 3.2%, but retirement funds face a 15% increase in the OPFA levy, and charges are introduced for some entities.

Treasury says the country already has most of the rules it needs; the challenge now is proving that institutions are using them effectively.

Treasury adviser Ismail Momoniat warns that police corruption and unfinished financial-crime cases could weigh on SA’s FATF assessment.