The South African Reserve Bank’s mandate to promote and maintain financial stability in terms of the Financial Sector Regulation Act 9 of 2017

Abstract

A stable and resilient financial system contributes substantially to balanced and sustainable economic growth. Financial stability instils confidence in the economy by reducing systemic risks, facilitating effective fund intermediation, and preventing the fallout from failing financial institutions. The 2008 Global Financial Crisis (GFC) was a watershed moment in financial regulation, highlighting the challenges posed by large, complex, and highly interconnected financial institutions, as well as intricate financial instruments like derivatives. The crisis emphasised the need for robust regulatory frameworks to prevent similar future crises. Key regulatory responses included raising bank capital requirements, intensifying supervision, and improving bank resolution and deposit protection mechanisms. Together, these measures emphasised financial stability as a primary focus in the post-GFC regulatory landscape. The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) is central to maintaining financial stability as mandated by the Financial Sector Regulation Act 9 of 2017 (FSRA). The SARB is responsible for monitoring the financial landscape and mitigating systemic risks that could disrupt the stability of the financial system. This research assesses the SARB’s effectiveness by comparing its financial stability tools to those used in the United States (US), which was the financial system of origin of the GFC. The study also examines how these US tools were applied during the 2023 banking turmoil. By analysing these comparisons, this research aims to identify specific improvements that could strengthen the SARB’s financial stability framework. In an era of interconnected financial systems, ineffective financial stability management can lead to far-reaching consequences, impacting key economic indicators such as gross domestic product (GDP) growth, unemployment, and public trust. Effective financial regulation is crucial for maintaining financial stability, especially in South Africa’s economy. This research examines the tools and strategies employed by the SARB to fulfil its mandate of ensuring financial stability to uncover insights that can enhance the resilience of South Africa’s financial system in times of stress or systemic crises such as pandemics or other large-scale economic shocks.