South Africa's FSCA warns about 'Discovery Online Trade Plus' and two other firms using real companies' identities
The regulator says none of the three is authorised to provide financial services.
Johannesburg — South Africa's Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has warned the public about three operations it says are using the identities of legitimate financial businesses.
The warnings, issued on 6 November, cover Discovery Online Trade Plus, Halifax Loans SA, and individuals using the name of Aeon Investment Management to promote forex trading on WhatsApp.
Borrowed licence numbers
The FSCA said Discovery Online Trade Plus claimed to be an authorised provider and used the licence number of Gikuyu Brokers Investments (FSP 51424), which confirmed it has no link to the operation. Halifax Loans allegedly presented itself as linked to Halifax Insurance Brokers (FSP 9998), which also denied any association. Aeon Investment Management (FSP 27126) said it had nothing to do with the WhatsApp group. The regulator said it could not reach any of the three operations.
Separately, the FSCA made final the withdrawal of Mixirite's licence, after preliminary findings of aggressive sales and promises of unrealistic or guaranteed returns.
How to check
The FSCA urged people to be wary of unsolicited offers on social media, especially those promising high returns, asking for upfront payments or extra money to release investments, or pressing for a quick decision. Consumers can check a provider on the FSCA's online FSP search or call 0800 110 443.
Source: IOL, November 2026.
