Banking in South Africa is centred on the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), which is the monetary authority and controls gold and foreign exchange reserves.

Legislation and regulatory authorities

  • Banks Act, 1990.
  • Financial Sector Regulation Act, 2017. Prudential Authority within SARB.
  • Financial Intelligence Centre Act, 2001 and Financial Intelligence Centre.
  • Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, 2002 (FAIS).
  • National Credit Regulator (NCR) National Credit Act, 2005 (NCA).
  • Information Regulator and Protection of Personal Information Act, 2013 (POPI).

Commercial banking

Commercial banking in the country is dominated by the "big five" banks: Standard Bank, FirstRand, Absa, Nedbank, and Investec. As of March 2020, they control nearly 90% of the sector's total assets.

References



Top Banks in South Africa Motivation Africa

Banks in South Africa Overview & Guide to Top 10 Banks in South Africa

3 ways banking is expected to change in South Africa TV BRICS, 29.12.21

The South African Banking Industry report Who Owns Whom

Opening a bank account in South Africa South Africa Guide