The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has invited public comment on a proposed Synthetic Financial Centre (SFC) framework, aimed at strengthening South Africa’s position as a financial and investment hub in Africa.
The initiative, being advanced by National Treasury, would allow certain international financial activities to be managed from South Africa, even where the investors or underlying assets are based elsewhere.
The first phase would enable approved institutions to manage qualifying foreign investment portfolios and related foreign currency activities from South Africa, with further developments planned for future phases.
The proposed framework could help attract international investment activity, deepen local financial markets, create opportunities for financial services professionals and strengthen South Africa’s role as a gateway for investment into Africa.
Interested parties are invited to submit written comments on the draft SFC framework, reflected in the draft Exchange Control Circular attached as Annexure A, to the SARB’s Financial Surveillance Department at SARB‑FinSurvDocuments@resbank.co.za by close of business on 30 November 2026, in the format prescribed in Annexure B.
Read more: SARB: Synthetic Financial Centre Initiative
Source: South African Reserve Bank, 21 October 2026.
