Why the second half of 2026 demands a different investment playbook
After an unpredictable first half, Morningstar outlines the risks, opportunities, and investment themes it believes will shape markets for the rest of 2026.
#SouthAfricanReserveBank
SARB fines Southeast Exchange R600 000 for FICA failures
An inspection by the South African Reserve Bank uncovered shortcomings in a foreign exchange dealer’s anti-money laundering compliance framework.
COFI at the heart of FSCA’s 2026 regulation plan
The Authority’s three-year roadmap also outlines upcoming reforms affecting financial markets, retirement funds, payment services, and cross-sector regulation.
SARB forfeits nearly R11m in assets from former Steinhoff executive
The Reserve Bank orders the forfeiture of Chris Grové’s cash, property, and vehicles following a long-running exchange-control dispute.
Ithala enters next phase as repayment administrator’s role comes under review
As the National Treasury-backed repayment programme for Ithala depositors nears completion, KZN Treasury says the Prudential Authority will review the repayment administrator’s role.
Could your Uber ride be processed as an international payment?
The SARB is proposing new rules to address situations where local services are paid for through offshore payment networks.
Consumers fear they are running out of financial breathing room
A Debt Rescue survey suggests many households have little capacity left to absorb higher borrowing costs, adding to concerns about rising food, fuel, and electricity expenses.
How close is South Africa to a digital rand?
While research into a retail CBDC continues, the SARB believes modernising the payment infrastructure will deliver greater near-term benefits.
Fuel pushed May inflation higher, but the policy-rate outlook has shifted
The SARB still faces risks, although lower oil prices and improving supply expectations point to a less threatening inflation path than three weeks ago.
Judgment adds to uncertainty over crypto’s exchange control status
The High Court backs the SARB’s position that moving Bitcoin to foreign exchanges can amount to an unlawful export of capital.
Crypto payment-type activity may fall under FAIS, say regulators
Crypto assets fall outside the NPS Act, but intermediary-led payment-type activity involving crypto may still trigger a licensing requirement.
National Treasury defends draft capital flow regulations
Treasury and the SARB say the proposals are not intended to criminalise crypto possession and have extended the deadline to comment.
‘At least one’ rate hike likely if inflation worsens
Fuel-price shocks, sticky services inflation, and global pressures are making it harder for the SARB to keep inflation anchored near its new goal, says Sanlam.
Budget’s retirement threshold changes in effect despite legislative omission
IRFA also sets out how exit withdrawals now work when a member resigns and has already withdrawn from the savings component in the tax year.
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.
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.
