Surge in unregulated buy-now-pay-later raises affordability concerns
Credit expansion is coming almost entirely from the deeper use of cards and personal loans by current credit-active consumers, rather than fresh market entrants, says RCS.
SARB
High Court slams SARB over R200m block on Steinhoff successor’s funds
Judge finds the Reserve Bank acted without evidence or legal basis in freezing funds Ibex needed to repay offshore creditors.
R2bn Ithala guarantee sparks row over fiscal risk to KZN
The Minister of Finance’s bailout plan for Ithala’s retail depositors has drawn sharp criticism from KZN’s Finance MEC Francois Rodgers, who warns the deal’s fine print could leave the province footing a hefty bill.
Ithala’s fate hangs in the balance amid legal battles and funding disputes
Ithala depositors remain locked out of their funds while disputes over frozen accounts, strategic alliances, and government guarantees deepen.
Under pressure: navigating the financial regulatory heat in 2025
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.
Levies and fees weighed as PA prepares to regulate CISs and retirement funds
The PA shared an update on the six workstreams focused on the transition, confirming that they will be ready to regulate CISs and retirement funds by 1 April 2026.
Steinhoff’s shadow still looms over Pepkor as SARB freezes shares
The SARB freezes 506 million Pepkor shares held by Ainsley, a subsidiary of Ibex, which took over Steinhoff’s assets and liabilities following its liquidation.
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.
More arrests in Steinhoff saga as executives face justice
The arrest of two more former Steinhoff executives ties back to a fraudulent scheme involving a handwritten note by Markus Jooste.
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.
Bank of America predicts only one repo rate cut this year
Stable growth and fiscal discipline could see South Africa’s credit rating rise two notches in the next three years.
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.
SARB warns of the risks if SA fails to exit the grey list by June 2025
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.
SARB unfreezes R9bn: a win for Ibex Holdings in settling foreign debts
The SARB plans to continue enforcement action against Ibex Holdings, formerly Steinhoff, and other parties but may consider a settlement to resolve the matter.
