SA’s growth outlook brightens – but personal inflation could dim the gains
Old Mutual’s Johann Els says rising personal inflation could quietly erode household finances and retirement savings – making it vital to save early and more.
SARB
Community-owned bank placed in resolution as SARB steps in
Ditsobotla co-operative bank has been placed in resolution after the SARB cited regulatory breaches, financial losses, and governance failures.
SARB ramps up 3% inflation goal – Godongwana insists on due process
The Reserve Bank’s repo rate cut by 25bps to 7% signals the start of a more accommodative cycle as inflation remains firmly under control.
SARB and Ibex Holdings reach settlement ending R6.3bn forfeiture dispute
The settlement agreement lifts restrictions on Ibex’s Pepkor shares, enabling the group to drastically reduce its stake.
SARB: Two-pot system adds two percentage points to PIT growth
Even after record withdrawals, retirement fund assets expanded in the third and fourth quarters of 2024, driven by movements in financial markets.
Government opposes taking full ownership of the Reserve Bank
Treasury cautions that the forced acquisition of two million private SARB shares could breach bilateral treaties and unsettle investor confidence.
CODI hits R20bn target in first year of operation
With systems in place and 95% of depositors fully covered, CODI is stepping up its readiness to handle a potential bank failure.
Prudential Authority sanctions three banks for FICA breaches
HBZ was fined an effective R7.5m, Citibank’s fine was fully suspended, and Bank of Taiwan was reprimanded.
Can the SARB anchor inflation at 3% without hiking rates?
SARB economist Thuli Radebe explains how targeting lower inflation could ease borrowing costs and support growth – challenging fears that a 3% goal means more interest rate hikes.
High Court ruling on crypto exchange control suspended pending appeal
Until the appeal is resolved, the operation of the exchange control rules remains unchanged, and market participants should err on the side of compliance.
Cryptocurrencies outside Exchange Control Regulations, court rules
Legal experts anticipate a legislative response to plug the loophole and safeguard against large‐scale capital flight via digital assets.
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.
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.
