Legal Loophole or Progress? Unpacking the SARB Exchange Control Case Ruling
Pretoria High Court declares cryptocurrencies exempt from exchange control after SARB froze $37M (R556M) Bitcoin transfer by Leo Cash and Carry, attempting $1M forfeiture from Standard Bank.
Judge Mlambo rules crypto not “money” or “capital” under Exchange Control Act, exposing legislative gaps threatening capital flight. Norton Rose Fulbright warns “reprieve may be short-lived” as Baker McKenzie notes amendments could reassert oversight. FATF travel rule implementation by 2025 and Nigeria-Kenya regulatory reforms shape Africa’s digital asset future.