South Africa’s new inflation target gets its first big test
The Reserve Bank is not ruling out more rate tightening after successive fuel price jumps have revived inflation risks.
SARB
Commentators flag key uncertainties in draft exchange control proposals
Exchanges say the draft could affect routine crypto use, while one legal analysis questions whether the framework is truly more permissive.
SARB revises near-term inflation higher, shifts rate bias amid oil shock
Baseline inflation is seen peaking at 4% in Q2, with scenario analysis pointing to possible rate hikes if second-round effects emerge.
New regulations will bring crypto into exchange control framework
National Treasury releases the draft Capital Flow Management Regulations to replace the Exchange Control Regulations.
Ithala pulled back from the edge, but its future remains in doubt
The Prudential Authority has withdrawn its liquidation bid after progress on depositor repayments, but Ithala is still unlicensed and cannot resume deposit-taking.
SARB finalises Budget-linked exchange control reforms
The final circulars implement the March proposals, with only targeted technical refinements following the consultation process.
How your investments fared in a volatile first quarter
A sharp market sell-off triggered by the Middle East conflict dented first-quarter returns, but local shares, bonds and property still posted strong 12-month gains.
Gambling figures mislead: SARB clarifies household spending trends
The Reserve Bank distinguishes between betting activity and losses, highlighting strong growth in online gambling but limited impact on overall household consumption.
Energy shock shifts rate outlook and raises stagflation risk
A Middle East-driven energy surge is reshaping inflation, interest rate expectations, and portfolio positioning, with direct implications for South Africa.
Rising oil prices complicate South Africa’s inflation outlook
After attacks disrupted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, crude prices spiked sharply – raising the prospect of higher fuel costs and renewed inflation pressure locally.
SARB releases draft exchange control circulars implementing Budget reforms
The proposed changes include higher discretionary allowances, adjustments to cross-border payment limits, and administrative reforms affecting authorised dealers.
Former Steinhoff executive Stéhan Grobler fined R358.75m
The FSCA says Grobler contravened the Financial Markets Act by publishing false or misleading financial statements between 2014 and 2017.
SARB proposes ARP regime to formalise alternative remittance channels
The draft ARP Manual introduces licensing, capital, and AML/CFT obligations for informal remittance providers.
SARB moves to scrap prime rate as loan reference benchmark
The central bank’s consultation paper outlines a structured transition to policy-rate-based lending, with fallback protections for legacy contracts.
Ruling leaves key exchange control questions unresolved in crypto arbitrage dispute
The case focuses attention on how the exchange control framework applies to crypto platforms that facilitate offshore trading through loans.
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.
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.
