Standard Bank’s Unayo Platform Set to Disrupt Mobile Money Status Quo in Africa

A global digital platform that addresses the unsolved payment needs of communities, through innovation and accessibility. Standard Bank has introduced a digital platform that combines the simplicity of mobile money with the sophistication of a bank account, aiming to connect Africa’s informal market to financial services in an easily accessible manner. Unayo transactions are free

Fintech Startup SOL Announces Rebrand with Exciting New Virtual Card Offering

SOL unveils virtual card and new brand as it redefines the customer experience SOLmate, an online payment platform that offers clients a digital wallet facility, has unveiled an exciting new product offering together with an extensive rebrand and renewed corporate vision. Following a name change to SOLmate, the fintech has launched a new, innovative virtual

Listed Zip to Unleash Africa Growth with the Acquisition of SA’s Payflex

ASX-listed Zip Co Limited has announced its intention to fully acquire South African buy now pay later (BNPL) fintech Payflex as part of its global expansion plans. With a presence in twelve markets across five continents, Zip plans to grow the South African business and expand into other African markets with sizable underbanked, digitally savvy populations

PwC & BankservAfrica | New report maps South Africa’s Digital Identity Journey

Initiative by BankservAfrica and the community makes massive inroads over short space of 12 months Countries around the globe are fast-tracking their Digital Identity programmes for the digitalised future. South Africa is not far behind – the collective knowledge and insights by the digital community over the past months have generated the momentum needed to

Mastercard MEA SME Confidence Index: 74% of SMEs in Construction and Manufacturing Across Middle East and Africa Optimistic About Future Growth

74% of the region’s small and medium businesses in construction and manufacturing are optimistic about the next 12 months, according to Mastercard MEA SME Confidence Index SME confidence levels were highest among businesses in retail, while construction and manufacturing had most businesses forecasting increases to steady revenues Research identified key areas with the greatest potential

Mukuru | Why the Financial Sector Should Care About ‘the Invisible 9%’

In developing economies 9 percent fewer women than men have access to financial services. Mukuru Chief Information Officer, Sandy Rheeder, explains why bridging this divide has become critical.  While the last Global Findex report on financial inclusion shows an increase of 515 million formally banked individuals between 2014 and 2017. While this is indeed progress,

FNB Launches ESG Offering as Part of its Global ETN Programme

In line with its belief that all South Africans deserve the opportunity to be able to invest in international companies that are leaders in their fields, FNB this week launched three exciting new Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs). Approximately 3 million customers already save and/or invest with FNB and the bank continues to expand its innovative

Shoprite’s Money Market Account Launches Instant EFT Payments

Shoprite is the first South African retailer to launch an instant electronic funds transfer (EFT) service. The EFT service enables customers to instantly send vouchers to another person in just three simple steps. Senders only need to enter the recipient’s mobile number and the amount they wish to pay. There is no need to download an app

Absa Group Reports Increased Earnings on Broad-based Recovery

Revenue increased 3% to R41.2 billion Operating costs rose 5% to R22.6 billion Cost-to-income ratio increased to 54.9% from 53.9% Pre-provision profit increased 1% to R18.6 billion Impairments fell 68% to R4.7 billion Headline earnings per share increased to 1 019.7 cents from 173.6 cents Return on equity improved to 15.3% from 2.6% Group CET

Women Entrepreneurs Lead the way in Digital Presence, According to Mastercard SME Research in Middle East and Africa

81% of women entrepreneurs across the Middle East and Africa have a digital business presence according to Mastercard MEA SME Confidence Index Latest research by Mastercard highlights high digitalization among women-owned businesses as opportunity for broader SME recovery and digital economy growth Despite the gender gap and social challenges, entrepreneurial women across the world and