AFRICA: South Africa Regulators to Unveil Document Categorizing Stablecoins as a ‘Particular Type of Crypto Asset’

In 2024, the Intergovernmental Fintech Working Group, a consortium of South African regulators that unveiled a position paper on crypto assets in 2021, is expected to “publish additions to include stablecoins as a particular type of crypto asset.” The consortium is also considering the impact of tokenisation on domestic financial markets and is expected to release a paper providing an overview of tokenisation by June 2024.

IFWG to Analyze Stablecoin Use Cases
Later this year, South Africa’s Intergovernmental Fintech Working Group (IFWG) is set to publish a document that categorizes stablecoins as a specific type of crypto asset, the latest National Treasury budget review document has revealed.

The IFWG, a body comprising South African regulators such as the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) and the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC), is also expected to “conduct analytical work to understand the applicable use cases of stablecoins.”

As detailed in the budget review, this new document will supplement a position paper released in 2021. In the position paper, the IFWG proposed 25 recommendations on the regulation, policy, and legal stance towards crypto assets that South Africa should adopt.

IFWG to Recommend Stablecoin Policy and Regulatory Response
As reported by Bitcoin.com News, the IFWG advised authorities to classify crypto assets as financial products. However, the body emphasized that such a classification does not equate to an endorsement of crypto assets. In November 2023, in line with the IFWG’s recommendations, the FSCA designated crypto assets as financial products.

According to the budget review, the IFWG is expected to propose an appropriate policy and regulatory response once again. The body will also ensure that its recommendations align with global standards.

In the realm of tokenization, South Africa’s budget review for 2024 indicates that the IFWG is currently examining the potential effects on the nation’s financial markets.

“The IFWG is considering the impact of tokenisation on domestic financial markets. By June
2024, a paper providing an overview of tokenisation will be published. By December 2024, a discussion paper will be published that outlines the policy and regulatory implications of
tokenisation and blockchain-based financial market infrastructure,” the National Treasury 2024 Budget Review states.

29 April 2024

UK: UK urged to tighten defences against ‘dirty money’ after offshore data leak

The Government is facing fresh calls to tighten Britain’s defences against “dirty money” after a leak of offshore data exposed the secret financial dealings of some of the world’s richest and

Read More
15 February 2024

UK: HMRC Warns of Tax Refund Scams and Urges Vigilance During Transfer Pricing Audits

HMRC is warning taxpayers of an increase in phishing scams offering bogus tax refunds. As transfer pricing audits ramp up, individuals and businesses must remain vigilant and informed to protect their

Read More
22 November 2024

US: Golden Visa Inquiries From US Citizens Soar After Trump Win

For those seeking golden visas, European countries are the most popular destinations.Affluent Americans are exploring golden visa programmes that allow foreign citizenship or residency through substantial

Read More
14 March 2024

EU: EU-frozen Russian assets to generate 15-20 bln until 2027, EU official says

Russian assets, frozen in the European Union after Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine, are likely to generate between 15 billion and 20 billion euros in after-tax profits until 2027, depending on the

Read More