Trust, not tech, will decide Africa’s digital-asset future
Research across five countries finds consumers prefer banks over crypto platforms, citing security, regulation, and protection from scams.
Fintech
Sanlam’s AI Coach expands into healthcare
Sanlam Studios’ upgraded AI Coach now offers guidance on medical aid, primary care and gap cover.
Absa partners with Ripple to offer cryptocurrency custody services in SA
The partnership positions Absa among South African banks exploring blockchain infrastructure, offering secure custody for cryptocurrencies.
FSCA collects R119m in fines amid record enforcement year
In response to South Africa’s greylisting, the Authority has grown its AML/CFT team, increased on-site inspections, and ramped up fines.
Old Mutual banks on late-mover edge as OM Bank goes live
CEO Clarence Nethengwe says arriving after rivals has given Old Mutual the chance to learn what customers really want in digital banking.
Buy now, panic later: a legal deep dive into SA’s payment revolution
This analysis examines whether BNPL falls under the National Credit Act or the FAIS regime, spotlights enforcement gaps, and considers how the pending COFI Bill could plug systemic vulnerabilities.
Competition Tribunal clears TymeBank–Sanlam loan book deal
TymeBank and Sanlam will form SanlamTyme JVCo, combining digital banking muscle with lending expertise in a R5bn unsecured loan book partnership.
In the age of AI, asset managers face a new kind of intelligence test
As artificial intelligence accelerates a quiet revolution in active asset management, Coronation’s Peter Kempen argues the future lies in blending AI’s speed and scale with human intuition and judgment.
AI + empathy: why financial advice’s future is human at heart
Momentum CEO Jeanette Marais says the future of scalable, effective financial advice lies in blending smart tech with emotional intelligence.
FSCA discloses approach to regulating a rapidly changing financial sector
Unathi Kamlana says the Authority will support the integration of advanced technologies and strengthen frameworks for consumer protection, cyber resilience, and financial inclusion.
FSCA eyes DeFi: testing the waters for smarter crypto regulation
As South Africa’s decentralised finance market gains traction, the FSCA is exploring ways to balance innovation with consumer protection.
Nethengwe to lead OM Bank as launch draws near
With regulatory approval secured, Old Mutual Bank is set to debut later this year, offering a digital-first banking experience tailored for South Africa’s mass market.
Access Bank and Sava aim to transform small-business banking in SA
Sava, a fintech startup backed by Access Bank South Africa, has received regulatory approval to launch a digital banking platform tailored to SMEs.
Forged IDs fuel 50% of global fraud as South Africa sees 300%-plus surge in 2024
The surge in fraud underscores the urgent need for stringent compliance measures to protect clients and maintain trust amid rising threats.
Is the FSCA preparing for auto-enrolment to expand retirement coverage?
After years of stalled progress, the FSCA’s recent comments suggest National Treasury may renew its push for auto-enrolment.
MTI liquidation: a global effort to recover crypto funds from a Ponzi scheme
Leveraging the Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency, the liquidators co-ordinated with courts in the US, UK, and Australia, setting a precedent for future international crypto claims.
Are South Africans ready for the digital payment revolution?
The South African Reserve Bank’s inaugural Payments Study Report provides extensive insights into how the public perceives and uses various payment methods and instruments.
