Editor’s Thoughts.

This past Friday, the Conduct of Financial Institutions (COFI) Bill was formally introduced in the National Assembly, which puts it on Parliament’s agenda and starts the official law‑making process. The next step is referral to the (likely) Finance Portfolio Committee, where we can expect a call for public comment, given COFI’s far‑reaching impact. That will be a key moment for industry and consumer voices to engage before the Bill is finalised. (No, I still haven’t seen the final version – but I will share as soon as I do.)

Alongside COFI on the legislative front, governance is tightening too: Keshni Naicker and Neli Seng (Bowmans) unpack a draft whistleblower law that will demand far more robust internal frameworks from employers.

In the economics and markets, South Africa’s labour market remains under severe strain, with Asanda Notshe (Mazi) warning about a looming “financial cliff” as stagnant employment, retrenchments and two‑pot withdrawals expose fragile household finances. And with the (rickety) ceasefire coming to an end this week between the US and Iran, Dave Foord reminds us that politics is increasingly in the driving seat of markets, reinforcing the case for genuine diversification and a clear-eyed view of risk.

If I spoke emoji this would be my thought for the week: 🫣(applies equally to markets, politics and the weather!)

Finally, we’ve just posted episode 6 of Inside Private Markets and it’s time to give you a halfway leg stretch. We’re taking a break for a week to give you an opportunity to catch your breath, catch up on this series and earn those CPD hours. Instead of dropping episode 7 tomorrow, you can exepect it next Tuesday (28/04).

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