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.
SARB
What phasing out the prime lending rate means for consumers
The shift from prime to a repo-plus model won’t cut your debt overnight, but it promises more transparent lending.
SARB softens exchange control rules, but barriers for non-residents remain
The Reserve Bank has partially reversed its exchange control changes, removing tax-clearance requirements for some non-resident income flows. However, restrictions on rental income and directors’ fees remain in place.
NPC report recommends reducing retirement funds’ offshore limit
The National Planning Commission recommends revising Regulation 28 to redirect at least 20% of retirement fund assets towards infrastructure and productive fixed assets.
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.
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.
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: 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.
High Court rules on SARS’s R5.3bn claim against Sasfin Bank
The judgment dismissed parts of Sasfin’s exceptions and left SARS’s statutory claim under the Financial Sector Regulation Act to proceed.
SARB’s new exchange control rules draw criticism
The Institute for International Tax and Finance says the latest exchange control changes could discourage foreign investors and add red tape for non-residents.
SARB sanctions money transfer service for FICA non-compliance
The South African Reserve Bank cites deficiencies in Access Forex’s RMCP, customer verification, and staff training.
SARB seizes vehicles and personal effects from Markus Jooste’s estate
The South African Reserve Bank declares five vehicles, jewellery, and art from the estate forfeit under the Exchange Control Regulations.
SARB and Treasury align on 3% inflation objective as repo rate holds
Governor Kganyago signals target reform ‘as soon as is practical’ while policymakers pause cuts.
SARB moves to liquidate community bank
Ditsobotla is in worse financial shape than previously thought, and the resolution process is unlikely to turn things around.
Court slaps Ithala for ignoring warnings, upholds repayment administrator’s authority
The High Court says the state-owned financier must comply with deposit controls while awaiting the Supreme Court of Appeal’s ruling.
No blanket exchange control exemption for cryptocurrencies
The SARB will publish targeted frameworks to govern cross-border crypto flows and CASP reporting, says the Minister of Finance.
SARB sees path to growth: lower inflation, de-risking, and smarter debt
Reserve Bank Governor Lesetja Kganyago says permanently lower inflation, fiscal consolidation, and reduced country risk could cut interest rates and create space for sustainable growth.
