South African crypto platforms VALR, Luno, AltCoinTrader and EasyEquities have joined a coalition opposing the National Treasury's proposed restrictions on cross-border cryptocurrency transfers, according to TechCentral. The exchanges argue the draft rules would amount to a ban and are publicly pushing back against the proposal. The dispute highlights growing tension between the country's crypto industry and regulators over how digital asset flows should be controlled.

South Africa's franchise industry, valued at R1 trillion and supporting approximately 500,000 jobs, is undergoing a significant regulatory examination following a market inquiry initiated by the Competition Commission. This inquiry addresses allegations of unfair business practices within the sector, marking the most comprehensive investigation to date.

Kenya is advancing its regulation of the digital asset market with the proposed Virtual Asset Service Providers (VASP) Regulations, 2026. These draft regulations aim to establish a formal legal framework for businesses in the cryptocurrency and digital asset sector, transitioning from an unregulated environment to one that requires licensing and compliance, according to Sharp Daily.

South Africa's Financial Sector Conduct Authority says it has imposed R10-million in penalties and 20-year debarments against individuals accused of manipulating share trading linked to Africa Bitcoin in September 2022. According to the regulator, the enforcement action targets share manipulation, with the debarments barring those involved from the financial industry for two decades. The penalties stem from trading activity that took place during that month, though further details about the individuals or the specific trades involved were not disclosed in the report.

Mncane Mthunzi has taken on a leading role representing South Africa's automotive industry at a difficult time for the sector. According to TechCentral, the country's vehicle exports to the United States have collapsed by 74%, while the transition to new energy vehicles is stalling. Mthunzi now carries the fight to defend and reposition the industry as it faces mounting pressure from shifting global trade conditions and the uncertain pace of electrification in the domestic market.

The Association for Savings and Investment South Africa (Asisa) has warned that overlapping regulations could increase compliance costs for financial sector companies. According to Moneyweb, the industry body is calling for better-aligned rules, even as transformation efforts continue to make progress across the sector. The warning reflects concerns that duplicated or conflicting regulatory requirements place unnecessary burdens on firms operating in South Africa's financial services industry.