The year 2025 is ear marked to be a landmark period for the fintech industry, marked by ground breaking innovations, regulatory milestones, and continued push towards financial inclusion. Webber Wentzel's fintech experts have outlined the key trends to expect in areas such as generative AI and machine learning, payments, crypto and blockchain, open banking and open finance, as well as mobile banking and financial services.
1 GENERATIVE AI AND MACHINE LEARNING
In October 2024 the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies published the South Africa National Artificial Intelligence Policy Framework for public comment. The framework sets out nine strategic pillars for South Africa's artificial intelligence policy. In 2025 we expect to see the finalisation of this framework with further engagement on the adoption of guidelines for the effective use of artificial intelligence tools in highly regulated industries such as the f inancial sector.
2 PAYMENTS
Several regulatory amendments to the regulatory regime for payments are expected in 2025, including proposed changes to the National Payment System Act. In December 2024, the South African Reserve Bank confirmed multiple workstreams and initiatives to modernise South Africa's national payment system. These changes are expected to allow for greater involvement of non-bank entities directly accessing the payment system. The finalisation of the Conduct of Financial Institutions Bill (COFI) is expected to include provisions addressing payment system related activities.
3 CRYPTO AND BLOCKCHAIN
At the end of 2024, the Financial Sector Conduct Authority confirmed that 248 crypto asset service provider (CASP) licenses had been issued. With a newly regulated market , we expect to see more joint ventures, collaborations and partnerships between CASPs and traditional financial institutions. We also expect to see the roll out of further regulation and standards around the regulation of crypto assets dealing with cross border flow of funds and the market conduct of CASPs. The finalisation of the Conduct of Financial Institutions Bill is expected to have provisions dealing with crypto assets.
4 OPEN FINANCE
Formal adoption of a South African open finance framework by the Financial Conduct Sector Authority is on the cards. We expect to see the adoption of guidelines regulating the activities of financial institutions and third-party providers. The finalisation of the COFI Bill is expected to have provisions dealing with open finance related activities.
5 INVESTMENT & REGIONAL ENGAGEMENT
supervisory bodies is also expected, aiming 4 OPEN FINANCE Formal adoption of a South African open finance framework by the Financial Conduct Sector Authority is on the cards. We expect to see the adoption of guidelines regulating the activities of financial institutions and third-party providers. The finalisation of the COFI Bill is expected to have provisions dealing with open finance related activities. MEET OUR AUTHORS In 2025 we expect further foreign investment in local players, as well as entrants from other international regions entering the South African market. Increased engagement between regional regulators and to establish regional rules for fintech entities that operate in multiple jurisdictions across Africa.
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