News & Events
Click on the links below to read our most recent news and find out more about the work of the OBS, and how we get involved in charitable programmes.
Press Releases . 25 Nov 2021
The Festive Season is a time when most South Africans, like the rest of the world, will be looking to spoil their loved ones by purchasing them gifts.
Press Releases . 19 Jul 2021
South Africa is in the middle of one of the most tyring times in the country’s history. Unemployment was on the rise which will only worsen in the aftermath of the current situation. In addition, tensions are boiling over turning into violent acts and destruction which are currently disrupting society. This includes bank ATM’s and branches.
Press Releases . 12 May 2021
It is no longer strange to hear from business that 2020 was an exceptional year. For some, it was exceptionally bad and lead to unbelievable hardships. For others, it turned into an exceptionally busy year. The Ombudsman for Banking Services (OBS), Reana Steyn, points out that the OBS had a busy year.
Press Releases . 16 Apr 2021
With an increase in banking fraud, and a modus operandi of targeting online transactions, banks are continuing to evolve their products, services and systems to try and stay ahead of fraudsters. This is being achieved through the development and introduction of world-class security systems and technologies which will aim to protect consumers from becoming potential fraud victims.
Press Releases . 04 Mar 2021
February is the month of love. While we are spoiling our loved ones with tokens of our love and appreciation, we must remember that this is a time when cyber criminals are spreading their own brand of love by targeting the bank accounts of online shoppers.
Press Releases . 24 Aug 2020
The worldwide pandemic, and associated lockdown, have brought about many changes in consumer behaviour. One of which is the surge in online shopping.
Press Releases . 01 Jul 2020
July is National Savings Month and there is no better time to think about how you are going to reach your future financial goals. Even though 2020 thus far have not been kind to most South African’s pockets, one should not give up on financial goals.
Press Releases . 13 May 2020
The impact of COVID-19, and the financial crisis that is bound to follow in its wake, will have a lasting impact on society and business as a whole. It will be a time of great financial stress and a time where the services of bodies such as the Ombudsman for Banking Services (OBS) will be needed now more than ever.
Press Releases . 15 Apr 2020
Consumer concerns related to Covid-19 including fears of being infected by the coronavirus while attending to their banking matters and stress related to debt issues have come to the attention of the Ombudsman for Banking Services.
Press Releases . 30 Mar 2020
Following President Ramaphosa’s announcement on Monday, 23 March 2020, of a national shutdown to combat the spread of COVID-19, the Ombudsman for Banking Services (OBS) have adhered to his request and enforced the requested lockdown of our office premises.
Press Releases . 01 Feb 2020
Unfortunately, vishing is not new, but customers may be new to the scam. That’s why the Banking Ombudsman wants to warn customers, particularly in these tough economic times, when consumers are more vulnerable. Vishing is a method used to trick banking customers into divulging their confidential banking details, to scam unsuspecting bank customers out of their hard-earned money,” says Banking Ombudsman Reana Steyn.
Press Releases . 01 Nov 2019
For many South Africans Black Friday and Cyber Monday may bring welcomed bargains, but Reana Steyn, the Ombudsman for Banking Services, cautions consumers to be aware that the increased hype around sales and quick bargains also increases the risk of fraud.
