
FICA compliance: FSP turns a R500k sanction into a learning curve
The owner of MIKA Finansiële Dienste shares four key takeaways after successfully remediating the deficiencies in its RMCP.
The owner of MIKA Finansiële Dienste shares four key takeaways after successfully remediating the deficiencies in its RMCP.
What the Authority expects from financial services providers when it conducts Financial Intelligence Centre Act inspections.
An RMCP must set out the processes for identifying, investigating, and reporting suspicious transactions, and for screening clients against the sanctions lists.
An inspection identified inadequate implementation of the RMCP and deficient customer due diligence processes.
The Centre, through inspections and compliance monitoring, will test an RMCP against the legislative requirements.
Financial institutions that proactively embed governance, technology, and culture to meet evolving regulatory standards will not only avoid penalties but also strengthen credibility, build resilience, and drive long term value.
One of the sanctioned FSPs says it’s important to request virtual meetings with the FSCA after each feedback round to ensure all compliance expectations are met.
But institutions that file their RMCPs after the deadline are regarded as non-compliant and may be sanctioned.
They must submit a copy of their RMCP to the Financial Intelligence Centre by 12 March.
The Guidance Note reflects significant amendments relating to an accountable institution’s RMCP.
Guidance Note 7A provides further guidance to accountable institutions about their Risk Management and Compliance Programme obligations.
Standard Bank’s compliance failures include the untimely submission of suspicious activity reports and neglecting system alerts.
Risk management failings, inadequate customer due diligence, and lack of senior management oversight are key lessons for the industry.
The FSCA highlights the role of RMCPs in safeguarding financial institutions and the financial system after compliance breaches by two FSPs.
The Appeal Board dismisses an FSP’s argument that its close ties with its sole shareholder reduced the need for comprehensive due diligence.
The firm of attorneys said its non-compliance was not intentional and was the result of a lack of awareness.
The fines on both banks run into millions of rands, but most of the penalties are conditionally suspended.
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