AML and Financial Services Regulatory Outlook 2025-2026

Posted 02 February 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category Compliance

Brought to you by SA Accounting Academy: South Africa’s regulatory landscape for 2025 and 2026 is defined by intensified efforts to strengthen the anti-money laundering (AML) and countering the financing of terrorism (CFT) framework.

In terms of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act, No. 38 of 2001 (FICA) and the Financial Sector Regulation Act, No. 9 of 2017, the regulatory focus remains on addressing the technical deficiencies identified by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The 2025 period has seen a significant increase in the enforcement of compliance obligations for Accountable Institutions, particularly regarding the identification and verification of beneficial owners.

Key regulatory priorities for the remainder of 2025 and into 2026 include:

  • Enhanced scrutiny of Schedule 1 Accountable Institutions, including legal practitioners, trust property control service providers, and estate agents.
  • Rigorous application of the General Laws (Anti-Money Laundering and Combating Terrorism Financing) Amendment Act, No. 22 of 2022.
  • Integration of automated screening tools for Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) and Sanctioned Persons.
  • Refinement of the “Twin Peaks” regulatory model oversight by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) and the Prudential Authority.

The transition into 2026 is expected to bring consolidated reporting requirements and a shift toward more proactive, risk-based supervision. This involves not only the collection of data but the demonstrable use of that data to mitigate financial crime risks within specific sectors.

Click here to view the full regulatory snapshot: Regulatory snapshot: Financial Service and AML

What this means for you, your business, or your clients

  • For yourself: Ensure your professional CPD records include updated training on FICA Schedule 1 compliance and the latest FIC directives to maintain standing with your professional body.
  • For your business: Review and update the firm’s Risk Management and Compliance Programme (RMCP) to reflect 2025 legislative amendments and ensure beneficial ownership registers are current.
  • For your clients: Advise clients on the mandatory filing of beneficial ownership information to avoid administrative penalties under the Companies Act and FICA.

Originally published at https://accountingacademy.co.za/news/read/aml-what-to-expect-in-2026

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