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Moonstone Monitor -  25 January 2018
In This Week's Newsletter
 
From the Crow's Nest
Transitional provisions under New Fit and Proper Determination – Some relief for pre 2010 FSPs
 
Your Practice Made Perfect
New Fit and Proper Regulatory Exam Requirements – KIs no longer have to write RE 5
Changes to RE Questions – New Fit and Proper requirements will affect question bank and study material
The January edition of the informative Insurance Gateway Newsletter can be downloaded here
 
Technologically Speaking
5 Top customer engagement tactics to try in 2018
 
Regulatory Examinations
Schedules for 2018
Self-Help Guidelines and Frequently asked questions
 
Careers Platform
Are you hiring? Advertise your position on Moonstone’s Career Platform
Featured Positions
 
In Lighter Wyn
Krewe en kookwater – Meneer Weskus reageer op Switserse wetgewing
Paul Kruger 2017-08-03
Paul Kruger Author/Editor
 
 
 
 

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From the Crow's Nest
From the Crow's Nest
Transitional provisions under New Fit and Proper Determination
Whilst the 2017 Determination of Fit and Proper requirements rings in a new era of onerous obligations, it also provides a substantial amount of relief for the “oud-stryders” in terms of a number of exemptions.

It is important to note that the interim arrangements often refer to the “commencement date” of the 2017 Determination, which is 1 April 2018.

Qualifications

The qualifications obtained by a FSP, key individual or a representative —

  1. relating to a particular financial product and particular financial service in relation to a specific category of FSP in respect of which the FSP, key individual or representative was authorised, approved or appointed prior to 1 January 2010; and

  2. that complied with the relevant requirements set out in section 10 of the 2008 Determination of Fit and Proper Requirements,

is deemed to meet the minimum qualification requirements but only insofar it relates to that particular financial product and particular financial service in respect of which it was so authorised, approved or appointed.

The qualifications recognised by the Registrar and published on the List of Recognised Qualifications is deemed to be recognised for the particular financial product and particular financial service for which the qualification was recognised.

Experience

The experience gained by a FSP or a representative, excluding a representative working under supervision, who was authorised or appointed for a particular financial product and particular financial service in relation to a specific category of FSP prior to the commencement of the 2017 Determination is deemed to meet the minimum experience requirements for that particular financial product and particular financial service.

The experience gained by a key individual approved prior to the commencement of the 2017 Determination to manage or oversee the rendering of a particular financial service in respect of a particular financial product in relation to a specific category of FSP is deemed to meet the minimum experience requirements.

Product specific training

A FSP or representative, excluding representatives working under supervision, authorised or appointed prior to the commencement of the 2017 Determination is deemed to have completed the product specific training for which they were authorised or appointed.

This provision is limited to the particular financial products for which the FSP or representatives was authorised or appointed and in respect of which financial services were rendered prior to 1 April 2018, and does not apply to the requirement to complete product specific training on amendments to particular financial products where those amendments occurred after the commencement of this Notice.

A representative working under supervision at commencement of the 2017 Determination has three months from 1 May 2018 to comply with the product specific training requirements.

A person authorised or appointed after commencement of the 2017 Determination, but prior to 1 May 2018, also has three months from this date to comply with the product specific training requirements.

Class of business training

Similarly, a FSP, key individual, other than a key individual of a Category I FSP, or representative authorised, approved or appointed prior to 1 April 2018 is deemed to have completed the class of business training in respect of the financial products for which they were so authorised, approved or appointed.

A key individual of a Category I FSP, approved prior to 1 April 2018, is deemed to have completed the class of business training in respect of the financial products for which the key individual was approved to manage or oversee or, in the case of a Category I FSP, in respect of which the key individual was approved, was authorised, during any period prior to the commencement of this Notice.

Such a key individual must, within six months after commencement of the 2017 Determination, inform the Registrar of the classes of business it currently manages and oversees in respect of all FSPs for which it is approved and submit the information in the manner and format prescribed by the Registrar.

A representative working under supervision on 1 April 2018 must complete Class of Business training prior to 1 August 2019 to comply with the class of business training requirements for the financial products in respect of which they are working under supervision.

The flipside of the coin for those who enjoy an exemption from the above requirements is that the long delayed Continuous Professional Development kicks in from 1 June 2018.

For a proper understanding of the above it is essential that you read the full text of Chapter 7 of the 2017 Determination of Fit and Proper Requirements.

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Your Practice Made Perfect
Your Practice
New Fit and Proper Regulatory Exam Requirements
Board Notice 194 of 2017 contains the latest information on who should write which exams.

The competence requirements relating to regulatory examinations determine that all FSPs, key individuals and representatives should write and pass the relevant regulatory exam, as indicated in the table below:
 
Column A
(Category
 I)
  Column B
(Category
II)
Column C
(Category
 IIA)
Column D
(Category
III)
Column E
(Category
IV)
FSP RE 1 RE 1; and
RE 3
RE 1; and
RE 3
RE 1; and
RE 4
RE 1
Key
Individual
RE 1 RE 1; and
RE 3
RE 1; and
RE 3
RE 1; and
RE 4
RE 1
Represen-
tative
RE 5 RE 5 RE 5 RE 5 RE 5

Of particular significance is the apparent removal of the unnecessary obligation for both key individuals and sole proprietors to write the RE 5 in addition to the RE 1. We are in the process of ascertaining with the FSB whether this also means that a KI who is also a rep in the same FSP now no longer has to write the RE 5.

The following people are exempt from this requirement:

  • A Category I FSP, its key individuals and representatives in respect of the Long-term Insurance subcategory A and/or Friendly Society Benefits only and

  • A representative of a Category I FSP appointed only to perform the execution of sales in respect of a Tier 1 financial product, and those who render financial services in respect of a Tier 2 financial product.

Moonstone’s RE department is currently extremely busy with new registrations as the June deadline draws nearer. They have asked that we remind candidates to make sure that they are liable to write before registration, as there are specific terms and conditions for cancellation which we have to adhere to.

An interesting development is that many of our corporate clients are encouraging their staff to write the regulatory exams despite not being required to do so. The motivation is twofold: Firstly to help them understand better what is required of them, and secondly to enhance their career prospects.

Click here to read the full section on REs in the F & P Determination.
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Changes to Regulatory Exam Questions
The amended Determination of Fit and Proper Requirements comes into effect on 1 April 2018.

Regulatory Exam Study Material

The amended requirements will have a substantial impact on the content of the study material for the REs.

We believe that the FSB will soon provide guidance on the deadline by when the amended requirements are to be incorporated in the regulatory exam questions.

Candidates who are currently preparing to write the exams should consider the possible implications of such changes, and endeavour to write the exams before it becomes effective.

Candidates are advised to carefully consider the above and to only write the REs once they are absolutely ready.
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Technologically Speaking
Suitebox 2017-06-29
Moonstone Information Refinery
 
5 Top customer engagement tactics to try in 2018

TS 2018-01-25

Neil Summers, Head of Sales at Moonstone, recently wrote an article for Bizconnect which is of great interest to those keen to explore new avenues to generate business by harnessing IT advances to their benefit.

With increased Internet connectivity comes greater opportunity for online commerce and subsequent client engagement.

Globally, 96% of customers with smartphone Internet access reach for their devices as the first port of call before purchasing products and services. They expect useful, relevant and convenient information access, provided through their chosen channel.

These heightened and evolving consumer expectations also hold true in Africa, where Internet penetration has reached 21.8%, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Add wearables such as smartwatches to the mix together with a plethora of connected devices, also known as the Internet-of-Things, digital customer interaction is both increasing daily and becoming even more complex. So, just where are things headed this year?

Click here to read the brief but informative article.
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Regulatory Examinations
Regulatory exams banner
2018 RE Schedules updated

Please note
: Registration cut-off is 11 working days before date of exam.
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Frequently Asked Regulatory Exam Questions
1. What exam must I write?
Both the RE 5 and RE  are Level One exams. RE 5 is for Representatives and RE1 for Key Individuals. The RE 3 exam is for licence category II candidates.
2. How much does it cost?
The FSB determines the fee. Currently it costs R1163 per exam, also in the case of a re-write.
3. What preparation material is available?
Fully updated resources are available for those requiring access to the legislation applicable to the regulatory examinations:
  Please make sure that you first read the FSB’s Preparation Guide to make sure you follow the right process in preparing. Page seven includes a recent amendment to guide candidates in studying in the correct manner.
  Click on the following highlighted sections to download the relevant updated Inseta learning material for key individuals, RE 1, and representatives, RE 5.
  LexisNexis provides a “Legislation Handbook” together with a “Preparation Guide” containing the qualifying criteria, with a link to the relevant legislation.
  The Juta FAIS Pocket Statutes also contains a CD with a comprehensive list of updated supplementary legislative material for reference purposes. Please click here to order this from our online shop.
  The FSB’s telematics broadcast on the RE 1 and RE 5 provides a good introduction and overview, and can also be ordered online in:
    DVD format or on a
USB memory stick
MP4 direct download - 2 Gb
4. Where can I write? Go to: http://www.faisexam.co.za/show_venues
5. What dates are available?
Go to: http://www.faisexam.co.za/view_schedule
6. What training is available?
As an Exam body we are not allowed to recommend companies that offer face-to-face Regulatory exam classes. You can try Google for someone in your area. Bear in mind that this exam tests your knowledge about the laws applicable to the provision of financial advice and intermediary services. The questions are based on very specific qualifying criteria set out in the FSB preparation guide. Any training that does not have this as a basis will not prepare you properly for the exam. Do your own research and don’t just accept what others say.
7. Where can I buy old question papers?
There are no genuine “old question papers” available. Be very careful when buying such preparation aids as some of those on offer are not in line with the high standard prevailing in the actual exams and often lead to a false sense of knowledge which is sadly exposed when confronted by the actual exam. Follow the guidelines provided in the FSB Preparation Guide and you are far more likely to achieve success.
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Careers Platform
Are you hiring? Advertise your position on Moonstone’s Career Platform
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Featured Positions
  • Commercial Underwriter: HIC Underwriting Managers, Bedfordview - Join our dynamic team if you are Fais compliant with 120 credits and 5 years of experience. Read More

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In Lighter Wyn
In Lighter Wyn
Meneer Weskus Reageer
Maandag is daar ‘n berig oor nuwe wetgewing in Switserland wat dit onwettig maak om kreef lewendig in ‘n pot kookwater te gooi.

Ek dag toe ek sal by my vriend Gappa in Vredenburg hoor wat hy hiervan dink.

“Het jy die berig vanoggend in die koerant gesien? Switserland het nou nuwe wetgewing wat bepaal dat dit te wreed is om kreef lewendig in kookwater te gooi. Jy moet hulle eers doodskok. Is die wêreld besig om heel te mal te raak?”

Gappa antwoord:

“Ja, ek het gesien.Gelukkig is die krewe aan die Weskus gewoond daaraan om lewendig gekook te word en boonop kan hulle nie Switsers verstaan nie.”

“As ons moes wag tot hulle dood is, sal ons te dronk wees om hulle te kook.”

Gee daai man ‘n witblits.

Is nothing sacred anymore?

Spot the sacriledge…

ILW 2018-01-25

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