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Financial Intelligence Centre Act

The Financial Intelligence Centre Act 38 of 2001 (FICA) was enacted for the purpose of identifying the proceeds of unlawful activities, combating money laundering and the financing of terrorist and related activities.

FICA imposes certain obligations on persons and institutions that may be approached and employed for these purposes. As an attorney firm, we qualify as an accountable institution in terms of FICA and must comply with its requirements. FICA obliges us to establish and verify the identity of our clients. We are required to request copies of certain documents that have been identified as necessary for this purpose and requires us to keep adequate records of these documents for a certain time period.

FICA also requires us to report certain domestic and international transactions to the Financial Intelligence Centre, which in turn provides such information to other intelligence and investigatory bodies, should the circumstances so require.

As a firm we are committed to ethical conduct and the prevention of money laundering and terrorist activities, but aim to balance the rights and privacy of our clients against our obligations in terms of FICA and undertake to maintain the privacy of our clients and only to disclose such information as required to be kept by us in terms of FICA and when requested to do so by the Financial Intelligence Centre.

Should you have any questions relating to FICA you can contact our Compliance Officer, Zelda Gilpin at zelda@phinc.co.za or 051 400 4012.

Client Testimonials

“ I wish to express my sincere gratitude to the PH Attorneys team. Our requests have always been prioritised even then the deadlines were tight. Thank you for going beyond the call of duty. We look forward to your continued support and building on this great relationship. ”
Juby Govender
“ I cannot even begin to quantify the ways in which Ilze Strydom's legal aid has helped my made my ongoing child maintenance case. She dazzled me with her communication skills and courage, and I was blown away by her integrity and endless hard work that went into making that day a win for us. Thank you for being a passionate voice on my children's behalf and for accepting the role to fight for their rights. You have been a great support guiding me through the legal process. ”
Drien Erasmus
“ PH Attorneys have rendered very professional service to Senwes Ltd for a number of years. Thank you for your excellent service. ”
Jaco Steyn
“ We are pleased to be associated with PH Attorneys as we always receive the highest standard of professional service. Irrespective of what we present them with - varying from from highly technical advice to litigation and any other commercial or legal matter related to our group of companies - the teams tending to our matters are always able and ready to assist. We can highly recommend their services as it is always timeous and professional, and their legal guidance of the utmost quality. ”
Dirk du Plessis
“ PH Attorneys has been our attorneys for almost a decade. We always receive the best professional service and advice from Meyer Volschenk and his team. ”
De Waal Boshoff
“ I’ve consulted & referred clients to Francois Fouché regarding offshore investment structures & international estate planning. Definitely some of the best advice in the market today. 5-star rating! ”
Duane Nienaber
“ Our business is a long standing self-built company that has evolved into a complicated and multi-faceted Commercial Vehicle Group. We needed progressive solutions to move with the times and embrace the new South African business environment. PH Attorneys provided practical advice to assist us in restructuring in a responsible manner to move our business forward. They are a great team of professionals that are always available to assist. ”
James Moore
“ PH Attorneys is without a doubt my preferred choice in transfer attorneys, always ensuring a hassle-free transfer process. Libo van Aswegen and his team are very efficient and professional in their work and always willing to go the extra mile. When any disputes arise, they solve it with professionalism and taking all parties’ interests to heart. The agent, seller and buyer are all kept up to date with the progress of transactions, and I can always count on receiving positive feedback from my clients. ”
Elri van Jaarsveld
“ PH Attorneys is the preferred supplier for legal, fiduciary and structuring advice for our company. They are innovative and always stay abreast of the latest legal requirements and changes, and ensure they fully understand our clients’ needs so their team of experts can provide effective solutions in any situation. Having this relationship has been a significant competitive advantage for us. ”
Magda van der Merwe
“ Over the years I have found PH Attorneys' level of service, professionalism and attention to detail to be far above any I have experienced before. Thorough and caring about client requirements and deadlines, I am kept up to date on all matters and developments on an almost weekly basis. Their insight and understanding of the transactions and transfer matters I presented them with were outstanding and have exceeded my expectations. I have no hesitation whatsoever in referring them and I am proud to be their client. ”
Woutri Mugglestone
“ As estate agent for over 17 years, my heart is in my business and I strive to always deliver the best service to my clients. For that reason, I always recommend PH Attorneys. They deliver outstanding, friendly service and are always prepared to go the extra mile, giving thorough weekly feedback regarding registration processes. Their property department is specialist in what they do and always do their utmost to assist buyers, sellers and agents alike. ”
Dirk Swart
“ PH Attorneys has been an invaluable partner to us in every aspect of our business. Their comprehensive offering of legal services, along with a dedicated client relationship team, have made them an integral part of our business and a truly trusted advisor in everything we do. ”
Katlego Tlale
“ My experience as a client of PH Attorneys is that, they are professional, understands our business needs and will always give the best legal advice even if it is not in your favour on the face of it. They are trustworthy and will always be available to assist and advise at all times. ”
Valentine Rantsoareng