Tag: regulation

The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has launched a market inquiry (the Inquiry). The inquiry will investigate the impact of Over-The-Top Services (OTTs) on licensees in the telecommunications, broadcasting and postal sectors. The scope of the inquiry is broad. It could have significant implications for OTT service providers, telecommunications licensees and broadcasting licensees.

South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition published revised merger notification thresholds and filing fees under the Competition Act 89 of 1998 (Competition Act). These changes take effect on 1 May 2026. The updated thresholds raise turnover and asset values. These values determine whether a transaction qualifies as a small, intermediate or large merger. As a result, some deals previously requiring mandatory notification may now fall below the filing threshold.

The Conduct of Financial Institutions (COFI) Bill will redefine professionalism in South African financial advice, and advisers who adapt early will lead the field. South Africa’s financial advice sector is entering a decisive new era. The COFI Bill, expected to take effect in 2026, will redefine what quality advice means and how it must be proven.

Regulation is meant to protect customers, curb risk and keep businesses accountable. However, too often, today’s laws do the opposite. They create impossible trade-offs, criminalise good-faith defenders and punish organisations that try to do the right thing.

The European Union (EU) is often overlooked in global power analyses that favour hard power, which finds expression in areas such as military strength, intelligence capabilities, or ideological exports.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers unprecedented opportunities for growth and innovation but also presents significant challenges and risks, especially concerning human rights and corporate governance.

Ron Stuart | Partner | ESG Lead | KPMG South Africa | mail me | The last two years have seen many countries taking steps...

Sustainability has risen to board level discussions in South African corporates, as they grapple with both the public’s demand for environmentally friendly products as well as the growing requirements of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting.

In today's world, it's nearly impossible to imagine life without technology and computers. Initially confined to workplaces, computers quickly became ingrained in many aspects of our daily lives, such as shopping, and, most recently, remote work. With the advent of Artificial Intelligence (AI), computers can now mimic human cognitive abilities, such as learning and reasoning, and make independent decisions, just like humans, and there is much more to come.

While health laws and regulations are always made with the best of intentions, the costs that they represent to the economy – particularly in trying times like today – are unacceptably high. This is especially true for small businesses that must comply with a host of First World standards. It is time to reassess.