Under Schedule 1 of the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FIC Act), accountable institutions include certain businesses and professionals that must implement anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) controls.

Examples include:

• Attorneys and legal practitioners

• Auditors, accountants, and bookkeepers

• Estate agents and property practitioners

• Financial service providers and credit providers

• Trust and company service providers

• Motor vehicle dealers and high-value goods traders

If your organisation falls under one of these categories, you are required by law to comply with FICA and related regulations.

FICA (Financial Intelligence Centre Act) compliance helps prevent money laundering, fraud, and financial crime.
It requires accountable institutions to identify and verify clients, maintain records, and report suspicious activities to the Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC).

Failing to comply can result in penalties, reputational damage, or even licence suspension.

The Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) governs how organisations collect, store, and use personal data in South Africa.
Every business that processes personal information — including client, employee, or supplier data — must comply with POPIA.

Ashbridge Compliance helps you create privacy frameworks, consent policies, and staff training to ensure your organisation meets these data protection standards.

Yes — if you are an accountable institution, you likely need to comply with both.
FICA governs financial and client verification processes, while POPIA regulates how you handle and protect personal information.
Together, they ensure your business operates lawfully, ethically, and securely.

We take a hands-on, practical approach to compliance.
Our consultants can:

• Conduct compliance risk assessments

• Draft or review your Internal Rules and RMCP

• Provide training for your staff

• Assist with FIC registration and reporting

• Supply ready-to-use templates and tools

• Recruit qualified compliance professionals

We act as your compliance department — without the overhead.