The Lucere Blog
Compliance, without the guesswork.
Notes on FICA/FFC readiness, client due diligence, and building the audit trail before someone asks for it.
Trust, But Verify: What the Regulation of Trusts Bill Means for Your Agency
A draft Bill open for comment until 11 September 2026 would rewrite the 38-year-old Trust Property Control Act, adding criminal penalties for false beneficial ownership records and new powers for the Master of the High Court. Here is what changes for estate agencies handling trust-owned property.
CIPC Can Now Deregister Your Buyer's Company Over a Beneficial Ownership Filing
CIPC has started inspecting beneficial ownership filings, and a company can already be deregistered over one missed declaration. Here is what estate agencies need to check before accepting a mandate from a company or trust client, and why the deregistration risk lands on your deal, not just the client's accountant.
Screen, Freeze, Report: What Targeted Financial Sanctions Actually Require of Your Agency
Sanctions screening is not the same obligation as verifying who your client is, and one estate agency has already paid R266,000 for treating it that way. Here is what FICA targeted financial sanctions rules actually require: who to screen, how often, and the five-day window you have to report a match.
Off the Grey List, Not Off the Hook: What the New AML Bill Means for Estate Agencies
South Africa left the FATF grey list in October 2025, but a new AML bill already before Parliament hands the FIC and CIPC sharper enforcement powers. Here is what it actually changes for estate agencies, and what to fix before it passes.
The FICA Rules Are Changing Again: What Estate Agencies Should Know
South Africa exited the FATF grey list in 2025, but a new bill before Parliament tightens company standing checks, beneficial ownership scrutiny and audit powers even further. Here is what Bill B15-2026 changes and what estate agencies should do now, before it becomes law.
The RCR Deadline Has Passed. Is Your Agency Still Exposed?
Most estate agencies missed the 31 July 2026 Risk and Compliance Return deadline. With a new AML bill before Parliament and FATF's Mutual Evaluation underway, here's what that miss actually means, and how to close the gap.
Who's Really Behind the Buyer?
Your buyer is a company, not a person. FICA needs you to know who actually stands behind it. Here is what beneficial ownership means in practice, who counts, and what to do about it before your next FIC or PPRA inspection.
The Complete FICA Compliance Checklist for South African Estate Agencies
Fidelity Fund Certificate renewal now hinges on demonstrable FICA compliance. Here is the full checklist, from your RMCP to record-keeping, section by section, so you can audit your own firm honestly.