South Africa Crypto Sector Gains Regulatory Lift as 248 Providers Secure Licenses

South Africa’s crypto market is accelerating into a higher-confidence phase as the FSCA confirms 420 CASP license applications, approvals stacking up, compliance pathways clarifying, and institutional-grade oversight reinforcing momentum around which firms are positioned to scale under authorization.

South Africa Crypto Market Builds Momentum as 420 Providers Flood Licensing Pipeline

The regulation of crypto-related financial activity continues to evolve in South Africa as oversight expands. The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), a South African financial markets regulator, updated the public on its crypto asset service provider (CASP) licensing process on Dec. 12, outlining application volumes, approvals, and enforcement expectations.

Detailing the scale of market engagement, the announcement states:

As at 10 December 2024, the FSCA has received a total of 420 CASP licence applications, of which 248 have been approved and nine declined.

“A further 106 applications were voluntarily withdrawn by applicants following engagements with the FSCA on the appropriateness of their respective business and operating models. 56 applications are still in the process of being considered,” the regulator added.

The FSCA explained that declined applications generally failed to meet fit and proper requirements under the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, particularly in relation to operational ability and competency standards. These shortcomings included unclear or incomplete business plans, weak operating model descriptions, and an inability to demonstrate sufficient practical experience and knowledge of crypto assets.

Institutions that withdrew or were declined retain the option to reapply in the future, provided they can demonstrate full compliance with licensing requirements, but they are barred from conducting any crypto asset service provider activities until authorized. The authority also cautioned that unauthorized activity would be met with regulatory action, with limited transitional relief applying only to certain applicants awaiting final decisions.

Read more: South Africa Moves to Regulate Cross-Border Crypto Flows

In addition to application outcomes, the update outlined supervisory expectations and transitional measures. The authority extended an exemption from regulatory examination requirements for licensed providers and their key individuals until June 30, allowing more time to comply with prescribed standards. Failure to meet the revised deadline may result in suspension or withdrawal of authorization.

The update reaffirmed that crypto assets are defined as digital representations of value using cryptography and distributed ledger technology, but not issued by a central bank. It further clarified that licensing does not amount to recognition of crypto assets as legal tender, which remains outside the current position of the South African Reserve Bank. The regulator encouraged market participants and the public to consult its official register of licensed providers as regulatory clarity and participation in the crypto sector continue to develop.

FAQ ⏰

• How many crypto licence applications has the FSCA received?

The FSCA has received 420 crypto asset service provider licence applications.

• Why were some CASP applications declined or withdrawn?

Applications failed due to weak business plans, operating models, or lack of crypto expertise.

• Can declined crypto firms reapply for a licence in South Africa?

Yes, firms may reapply once they fully meet FSCA licensing requirements.

• Does FSCA licensing make crypto legal tender in South Africa?

No, crypto assets are not recognized as legal tender by the Reserve Bank.