Is your financial institution ready for new employment equity targets?
The transformation imperative in South Africa’s financial services sector has reached a critical juncture with the recent amendments to the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 (EEA), which came into effect on 15 April 2025. By Dhevarsha Ramjettan, partner, Nivaani...
The actual cost of FICA non-compliance
In the past 18 months, institutions across banking, legal, and financial services have faced steep penalties for non-compliance with the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA). By Sameer Kumandan, MD of SearchWorks360 Capitec, Old Mutual, HSBC, and Standard Bank...
How the Travel Rule enhances digital currency safety
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Travel Rule for digital currency took effect in South Africa on 30 April, an important milestone in bringing transparency to the country’s digital assets sector. By Bradley Elliott, CEO of RelyComply With South Africa still...
Navigate the ethical crossroads of AI
As artificial intelligence (AI) permeates critical decision-making processes across industries, robust ethical governance frameworks are paramount. Agentic AI, capable of autonomous action and self-improvement, presents unique challenges, writes Sarthak Rohal, senior...
Enhance audit confidence with accurate financial reporting
In an era where financial scrutiny is higher than ever, the accuracy and consistency of financial reporting have become non-negotiables, as investors, regulators and stakeholders demand reliable financial disclosures, placing significant pressure on finance teams and...
Why security is the cornerstone of POPIA compliance
The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) has evolved considerably since it was first put into practice four years ago. In 2024, the Information Regulator (IR) intensified enforcement, issuing at least seven enforcement notices for non-compliance to several...
ASSAf helps to demystify POPIA for researchers
The Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf) has launched its POPIA Voluntary Compliance Framework for Research, endorsed by the ASSAf Council. It is compulsory for all researchers to comply with POPIA. This voluntary Framework provides practical guidance for...
RMCP enforcement is here, and the consequences are real
Having a Risk Management and Compliance Programme (RMCP) isn’t just a procedural formality - it is a legal requirement under Section 42 of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA), writes Sameer Kumandan, MD of SearchWorks360. More importantly, it has become the...
The business benefits of getting POPIA right
Waiting until you’re on the wrong side of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) before taking action is a risk no business can afford. Beyond the threat of hefty fines or legal consequences, there’s the potential for serious reputational damage –...
POPIA regulations get a makeover
The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) Regulations have received a facelift, with the Information Regulator publishing amendments to the Regulations on 17 April 2025. By Nadine Mather, partner, and Pascale Towers, senior associate at Bowmans The...
What SA’s tougher carbon tax means for high-emission industries
The South African government’s ‘carrot and stick’ approach to carbon emissions is going to feature more stick and less carrot in the coming years, as the incentives become less generous and the deterrents more onerous. In other words, the tax-free carbon allowance is...
The state of data protection laws in Africa
Data protection is no longer a niche concern; it’s a fundamental part of the digital age. With businesses, governments, and individuals increasingly relying on digital platforms, the issue of personal data security has never been more critical. By Oluwakemi Ola,...