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.
#WebberWentzel
How insurers can anchor consumers in a changing risk landscape
Rapid, transparent claims processing and simplified policy wording are key to building trust. Firms that demonstrate protection consistently can contribute to a resilient market.
Can taxpayers lose by challenging SARS? The hidden risks in transfer pricing disputes
Taxpayers challenging assessments in transfer pricing disputes face hidden risks, including the rare possibility that the Tax Court could consider increasing an assessment.
Asset forfeiture and unlawful money schemes
Fraud victims have two distinct remedies: criminal-law-driven asset forfeiture via the Prevention of Organised Crime Act and civil liquidation proceedings under the Companies Act.
What ‘capital’ could be in a CIS capital distribution
A proposed amendment to the Income Tax Act will tax unit trust investors on capital distributions before disposals, without any base cost offset.
Draft Bill hides a ‘stealth tax’ in your unit trust investments
Proposed amendments could undermine the tax-efficient compounding that makes a collective investment scheme an attractive investment vehicle.
Draft amendments narrow taxpayers’ ‘bona fide inadvertent error’ defence
The proposal restricts the ‘bona fide inadvertent error’ defence under the understatement penalty regime to cases where the tax shortfall is a ‘substantial understatement’.
How COFI will affect the retirement funds industry
COFI replaces the registration model with a conduct-focused licensing regime for retirement funds – a step that will raise governance, fit-and-proper checks and public disclosure requirements across the sector.
LRA Amendment Bill caps dismissal remedies for high-income earners
The proposed changes limit employees earning over R1.8m a year to compensation – capped at their annual salary – for unfair dismissal claims.
Navigating the retirement age maze: a practical guide for employers
Synchronising employment agreements with the rules of occupational retirement funds promotes legal certainty, secures employee benefits, and smooths succession planning.
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.
What if your client’s beneficial owner is in a sanctioned jurisdiction?
Clients with UBOs in sanctioned areas face enhanced risk, potentially triggering relationship termination and strict regulatory measures.
FIC’s Guidance Note 7A raises the bar for compliance
The Guidance Note reflects significant amendments relating to an accountable institution’s RMCP.
Legal experts advise companies to bolster internal anti-corruption measures
A recent amendment means members of private or public companies who fail to prevent their ‘associates’ from participating in corruption will face liability.
Industry and organised labour respond to new proposed two-pot date
All stakeholders emphasise the need to finalise the amendments to the Income Tax Act and the Pension Funds Act.
