New regulations will bring crypto into exchange control framework
National Treasury releases the draft Capital Flow Management Regulations to replace the Exchange Control Regulations.
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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The Prudential Authority has withdrawn its liquidation bid after progress on depositor repayments, but Ithala is still unlicensed and cannot resume deposit-taking.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.
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.
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.
