Overview

South Africa is on the verge of the most significant reform of trust legislation in almost four decades. The proposed Regulation of Trusts Bill, 2026 will repeal and replace the Trust Property Control Act, introducing a comprehensive new regulatory framework aimed at increasing transparency, enhancing trustee accountability, strengthening beneficial ownership reporting and aligning South Africa's trust regime with anti-money laundering requirements and international standards.

This webinar will provide trustees, fiduciary practitioners, tax professionals, accountants, attorneys, founders and beneficiaries with a practical overview of the proposed legislation and its anticipated impact on trust administration, governance, compliance and tax reporting. Participants will gain insight into the key provisions of the Bill, the practical challenges trusts may face and the steps that should be taken to prepare for the new compliance environment.

The session will also examine concerns raised by industry stakeholders regarding beneficial ownership reporting, trustee liability, annual returns, administrative penalties, reporting deadlines and the expanded powers of the Master of the High Court.

Webinar Content

Module 1: Why Trust Reform is Happening

• Background to the Regulation of Trusts Bill, 2026
• FATF requirements and anti-money laundering reforms
• Policy objectives behind the proposed legislation
• Repeal of the Trust Property Control Act and introduction of a new trust framework

Module 2: Key Changes Affecting Trustees

• Trustee authorisation requirements
• Independent trustee requirements
• Trustee disqualification provisions
• Trustee resignation procedures and practical implications
• Expanded fiduciary responsibilities and governance obligations

Module 3: Beneficial Ownership and Transparency

• New beneficial ownership requirements
• Beneficial ownership registers
• Reporting obligations to the Master
• Identification of beneficiaries and persons exercising control
• Interaction with FICA, SARS and CIPC reporting obligations

Module 4: Annual Compliance and Reporting Requirements

• Annual returns
• Annual financial statement requirements
• Annual fees and administrative obligations
• Record-keeping obligations
• Practical considerations for dormant and family trusts

Module 5: Expanded Powers of the Master

• Investigative powers
• Compliance notices
• Administrative penalties
• Removal and appointment of trustees
• Impact on trust governance and administration

Module 6: Penalties and Trustee Exposure

• Administrative fines
• Criminal offences
• Personal liability of trustees
• Compliance risks under the proposed legislation
• Practical risk mitigation strategies

Module 7: Tax and Estate Planning Implications

• Interaction between trust law and tax compliance
• SARS reporting considerations
• Beneficial ownership disclosures and tax administration
• Impact on existing trust structures
• Considerations for trust reviews before implementation of the Bill

Module 8: Preparing for the Future

• Practical steps trustees should take now
• Governance best practices
• Updating trust records and trust deeds
• Reviewing beneficial ownership information
• Developing a trust compliance roadmap

Competencies Developed

Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

Technical Competencies

• Understand the key provisions of the proposed Regulation of Trusts Bill, 2026.
• Identify the new compliance obligations applicable to trusts and trustees.
• Interpret beneficial ownership reporting requirements and their practical application.
• Evaluate the impact of the Bill on existing trust structures and estate planning arrangements.
• Understand the interaction between trust regulation, tax administration and anti-money laundering legislation.

Professional Competencies

• Assess trust governance risks arising from the proposed legislative changes.
• Advise trustees, founders and beneficiaries on legislative readiness.
• Develop practical compliance strategies for trust administration.
• Apply sound professional judgement when evaluating trust governance and reporting obligations.
• Communicate legislative developments and compliance requirements to clients effectively.

Ethical and Regulatory Competencies

• Promote transparency and accountability in trust administration.
• Understand trustees' fiduciary duties within an increasingly regulated environment.
• Recognise regulatory risks associated with beneficial ownership reporting and trustee non-compliance.
• Apply governance principles consistent with evolving regulatory and anti-money laundering standards.

Presenter

Michelle Hawkins

With over a decade of dedicated service at the South African Revenue Service (SARS), as a Senior Specialist in Tax Court Litigation, Michelle's expertise's in tax law, honed through a Master of Laws degree and practical application, has become the backbone of her career.

Michelle joined PKF Octagon in March 2025, and has leveraged her analytical skills to navigate complex tax litigation, drafting technical tax opinions and advise clients on the intricacies of tax.

Qualifications:

• Masters of Laws – LLM, Tax Law/Taxation – University of Pretoria
• Bachelor of Laws – LLB – University of South Africa
• B.Proc. Law – University of South Africa

CPD

Attending this webinar and the successful completion of the online assessment will secure a certificate of completion for 2 hours of Tax CPD.

Event Investment

Free for Tax Technician, Tax Practitioner, Tax Accountant CPD subscribers and Practice Packages. Not a CPD subscriber yet? Click here to register now.

• Regular price:  R460.00
• Group booking discounts available when you register for a group.

Payments & Cancellations

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