That new client who “knows people in government” might be your biggest compliance risk. Under South Africa’s anti-money-laundering laws, politically exposed persons (PEPs) (and even their families) trigger the toughest checks in the book. Miss one, and your firm could face FIC sanctions that make tax penalties look like pocket change. From cabinet cousins to state-contract CFOs, the line between influence and exposure is thinner than ever. Here’s what every accountant needs to know before saying yes to a powerful client and how to keep your practice off the regulator’s radar.

What if your next revenue stream isn’t a new client—but a red flag?
In this eye-opening second instalment of our Risk Management Series, we show you how to go beyond ticking boxes and start turning business risks into real advisory value. Learn how to score and rank risks, use COSO without the corporate fluff, and build registers that clients actually understand. Whether you’re helping them dodge compliance disasters or prepare for funding, this is how you shift from reactive accountant to trusted business strategist, and get paid for it.

Foreign hires can grow your practice or expose it.
In South Africa’s post-greylist reality, hiring a foreign national isn’t just an HR step, it’s a financial crime compliance event. Every passport, visa, and background check you skip becomes a risk waiting to surface. Regulators are asking: Do you really know who’s on your payroll?
This practical guide breaks down how to protect your firm. From verification and recordkeeping to staff training and real-world risk control. Before you sign that next contract, make sure your compliance file is ready.