
Treasury asks First National Bank to assist Ithala’s SASSA customers
Treasury and SASSA respond to an allegation that Ithala’s client database was ‘unlawfully’ transferred to FNB.

Treasury and SASSA respond to an allegation that Ithala’s client database was ‘unlawfully’ transferred to FNB.

Treasury’s proposed tax changes for investment funds may lead to trading distortions and reduced revenue, say industry experts.

Ithala accuses the appointed repayment administrator of overstepping his authority, while the Prudential Authority moves to liquidate the entity.

MPs also want to meet with the FSCA to discuss banking-relating issues, including credit policies, fees, and client confidentiality.

Financial institutions will participate in evaluating improvements to Conduct Standard 3 of 2020, aligning these efforts with the COFI Bill.

The amendments to the Companies Act, FICA, and the Financial Sector Regulation Act are designed to close regulatory gaps and enhance enforcement.

The Bill provides for flexibility when provident and provident preservation funds perform the seeding calculation.

More than 3.6 million companies were registered with SARS, and only 0.1% of them contributed 72.3% of corporate income tax revenue in 2022.

Exceeding the R1m threshold without registering could have serious consequences for businesses. SARS is stepping up enforcement, with a wave of cases landing in the Specialised Commercial Crimes Court.

The bank’s Financial Stability Review also flags the growing financial distress among households and SMMEs and the vulnerabilities in the commercial real estate sector.

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.

But with challenges around outdated systems, procurement bottlenecks, and cybersecurity risks, will the government be able to harness the full potential of South Africa’s digital future?

The proposal is for hedge funds to be subject to a different tax regime, potentially removing the ‘revenue versus capital distinction’ that causes tax uncertainty.

The proposed minimum unit price for alcohol could make drinking less affordable and curb harmful consumption, but critics argue it may unintentionally fuel the already substantial illicit alcohol market.

SASRIA says the proclamation issued by President Ramaphosa follows its request for assistance from the Special Investigating Unit.

MPs are also told that the fiscus cannot afford a permanent and expanded Social Relief of Distress grant without tax increases.

After years of stalled progress, the FSCA’s recent comments suggest National Treasury may renew its push for auto-enrolment.