National Treasury Invites Comments on Draft Consumer Financial Education Policy

Posted 10 April 2026 Written by Acts Online
Category National Treasury

Brought to you by SA Legal Academy: National Treasury has released a draft consumer education policy for public comment, targeting the improvement of financial and digital literacy among South African consumers.

In terms of its policy-making mandate for the financial sector, National Treasury has called for written submissions by 15 May 2026 regarding a draft consumer education policy. The proposed framework is intended to address systemic challenges where financial customers struggle to use products safely or confidently due to low levels of financial and digital literacy.

The draft policy forms part of a broader regulatory effort to enhance the long-term financial well-being of consumers. The primary objectives of the intervention include:

  • Reducing consumer vulnerability to financial exploitation and fraud;
  • Improving the ability of customers to navigate digital financial platforms;
  • Promoting informed decision-making regarding complex financial products; and
  • Supporting the safe and sustainable use of financial services.

The policy highlights that many financial customers currently lack the necessary skills to manage their financial affairs effectively, which often leads to poor long-term outcomes. By standardising and strengthening consumer education, the Treasury aims to mitigate these risks across the financial services landscape.

Click here to view the official notice and related documentation.

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

  • For yourself: You should monitor the development of these standards to advise on future disclosure and educational requirements in the financial services sector.
  • For your business: Financial services firms should review existing consumer education initiatives to ensure alignment with the proposed policy’s focus on digital literacy and product safety.
  • For your clients: Retail clients will likely see changes in how financial products are marketed and explained, with a greater emphasis on digital safety and long-term well-being.

Originally published at https://legalacademy.co.za/news/read/financial-education-consumer-focused-draft-policy-out-for-comment

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