Godongwana reassures Ithala’s depositors with R2bn guarantee
The minister’s address to the FSCA conference also touched on regulation, South Africa’s G20 presidency, political tensions over the Budget, and economic growth.
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Legal battle over Ithala’s future heats up as liquidation looms
The PA and the repayment administrator accuse Ithala of operating unlawfully – comparing its actions to a Ponzi scheme. Ithala argues the freezing of depositors’ accounts is a calculated manoeuvre designed to collapse its operations.
KZN Treasury’s R2.4bn loan request raises more questions than answers
As the KwaZulu-Natal government scrambles to keep Ithala afloat, its urgent request for a R2.4 billion loan from National Treasury sparks confusion – especially given an earlier government guarantee.
PA report contradicts Ithala and KZN Treasury’s solvency claims
A PA-commissioned solvency report questions Ithala’s financial health, raising concerns about its equity, loan book, and potential shortfall in repaying depositors.
Removal firm fined for offering insurance without authorisation
The FSCA fines Kings International Removers R1.1 million and debars its owner for eight years.
SIU investigation into Ithala tender unrelated to liquidation bid
Meanwhile, MPs have questioned the SARB’s push to liquidate Ithala, arguing it conflicts with Parliament’s resolution to support the bank’s growth.
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.
Prudential Authority fines major bank R13m for FICA non-compliance
Standard Bank’s compliance failures include the untimely submission of suspicious activity reports and neglecting system alerts.
Battle between PA and insurers: court clarifies regulatory powers
The High Court confirms the Prudential Authority’s right to challenge Tribunal decisions while affirming the limits of retrospective penalties.
Access Bank and Sava aim to transform small-business banking in SA
Sava, a fintech startup backed by Access Bank South Africa, has received regulatory approval to launch a digital banking platform tailored to SMEs.
Ithala hits back: sharp criticism of Reserve Bank’s liquidation move
Ithala accuses the appointed repayment administrator of overstepping his authority, while the Prudential Authority moves to liquidate the entity.
How Ithala’s banking ambitions crumbled: the rise and fall of a rural icon
The Prudential Authority’s push for Ithala’s provisional liquidation has brought the bank’s journey to an abrupt halt, leaving 257 000 depositors in limbo.
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.
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 and PA to revamp funeral insurance regulations – call for stakeholder input
Inputs provided during workshops in 2025 will guide the formulation of ‘a pragmatic and balanced approach’ to the regulation and supervision of funeral insurance.
Uncloaking the mysteries of financial sector penalties
The huge penalties imposed by the FSCA and the Prudential Authority raise questions about the clarity and consistency of the factors influencing these fines.
FSCA announces proposed levy increase for 2025/26
The increase is below the 6% CPI-related increase permitted by the Levies Act.
