The Fit and Proper Requirements have been amended over the years in accordance with the Financial Services Board’s evaluation of competency gaps in the financial services industry. This has resulted in a complex set of requirements that change depending on when a representative or key individual was appointed. Certain exemptions from the Regulatory examination Level II have also been made possible, adding to the complexity of what exam or qualification should be obtained for which category, sector or subsector. . . . . read full article

RE 1 and RE 5 exams are live and can be written at any of SAIFM’s normal exam venues countrywide, in neighbouring states and overseas. SAIFM is also willing to offer these examinations at an employer’s office subject to certain conditions. . . . read full article

The Regulatory Exams of the Financial Services Board that forms part of the competency requirements for financial services providers, has received a lot of attention in the media, some of which were quite negative. A lack of understanding as to what is actually involved, often informs this criticism. An overview of the regulatory exams provides much needed information and explanations to FSPs and new entrants to the market.. . . . . read full article

In search of a safer "safety net" the review and tightening of banking or financial sector regulation, ‘bank capital’ arguably prevailed as the area or topic most in need of attention. Basel III came into being as a combination of Basel II requirements and those lessons learned from the financial crisis. In short, a "comprehensive set of reform measures, developed by the BCBS, to strengthen the regulation, supervision and risk management of the banking sector.". . . . read full article

We expect an upward trajectory in consumer inflation in 2011 though driven mostly by supply-side pressures in the form of food and oil We expect core inflation to lag behind and be a key reason as to why the SARB will only hike rates in January 2012. . . . read full article

Over the years investment analysts have created many “rules of thumb” to determine whether an equity market is over or under-valued. One of the more popular is the so-called “rule of 20” which states that an equity market of which the sum of the country’s inflation rate and its PE ratio is below 20, can be considered cheap. . . . . read full article

IOSCO is recognized today as one of the world's key international standard setting bodies. Cooperation and transfer of expertise, in particular between developed and emerging markets, are at the heart of its mission. Developments in the financial markets have reinforced the importance of IOSCO’s activities within the global financial services industry. ISOSCO contributes to adherence to international objectives and sound principles of securities regulation and promotes the exchange of information and cooperation between securities regulators worldwide. . . . read full article

The regulation of financial services and markets in the UK is to be found in the Financial Services and Markets Act of 2000 (“FSMA”). For firms wanting to set up in London, it is therefore crucial that they establish whether they are required to be authorised by the FSA before they carry on business. Examples of few key regulated activities and their customary owners are discussed. . . . . read full article

The University of South Africa will once again host the International Banking Conference (IBC) from 10 – 14 November 2011, on board the MSC Sinfonia Ocean Liner. The theme of the 2011 IBC is ‘Financial Services in the Spotlight: In Search of Sustainability’. . . . . read full article

It is prudent to trade derivatives on a regulated, formal platform such as most global exchanges provide. Regulatory safeguards cannot ensure trading profits, but they certainly shield the investor from unforeseen and unrelated risks, whilst providing a transparent and competitive trading environment for all participants. . . . read full article

Investors in Africa do not have ready access to investments representing a large part of their own countries’ GDP, if at all. As a result, they largely miss out on the opportunity to participate in this aspect of wealth creation. The key to unlocking the access to these wealth-generating assets lies in ETFs . . . . read full article

A listing on the JSE may be just what a company needs to take it to the next level, whether this entails accessing capital for growth, profile building or realising investment for its shareholders. Whatever the reason, the decision to list a company’s shares on a public exchange is a significant one. . . . . read full article

Interlinkages between funding stress and equity markets in advanced economies and emerging markets financial indicators were highly correlated and have seen sharp increases during specific crisis moments.. . . . read full article

The JSE has adopted an electronic central order book for equity derivatives, much like what already exists in the JSE’s equities market. Here an electronic central order book aggregates all bids and offers and automatically executes trades when prices match. As seen in other derivatives markets, the implementation of a central order book and the resultant transparency and increased competition fuels the growth of a market . . . . read full article

In light of the global financial crisis, however, it would seem that Islamic Finance has the potential to become increasingly significant for various other reasons, especially for the insights that can be gained from the underlying philosophy and different financial architecture inherent in the Islamic financial system. . . . . read full article

Part of Strate’s responsibility as an SRO (Self Regulating Organisation) is to provide training and accreditation to a Strate Compliance Officer (“SCO”) and an Alternate Compliance Officer (“ACO”) as each Strate Participant is required to have a certified Compliance Officer as well as an Alternate Compliance Officer in their organisation. . . . . read full article

CIDA is an innovative initiative in tertiary business education. This independent, non-profit, donor funded organization has already graduated 1250 students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds with a fully accredited Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree.. . . . read full article

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