Finance & Equity

In the heart of South Africa's vibrant township economy, valued at an estimated R750 billion, a transformative shift is taking place. Small to medium-sized businesses are flourishing as the adoption of cashless transactions grows. Despite the widespread availability of banking services, with eight out of ten South African adults having a bank account, cash remains the dominant form of payment.

Growing up in Cape Town with a mother whose life epitomised resilience and strength, I was offered an early glimpse into the different forms of leadership that many women embrace, but that are often overlooked by society.

The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) recently announced the completion of the observation period for the South African Rand Overnight Index Average (ZARONIA). This development marks a pivotal shift in South Africa’s financial landscape, transitioning from the Johannesburg Interbank Average Rate (JIBAR) to ZARONIA as the primary reference rate.

In a first for the local financial services sector, a diverse collaborative industry work group established following the inaugural SA Market Surveillance Conference held last year, has developed a draft industry code of conduct to guide financial institutions and align with international standards to bolster market surveillance in the country.

The rise of financial technology (fintech) in Africa is not just a story of innovation; it's a narrative about empowerment and transformation. As the continent continues to grapple with the challenges of limited access to traditional banking services, fintech has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering a path towards financial inclusion and economic growth.

On 27 June 2024, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) announced its enhanced Beneficial Ownership disclosures for the 2024 Filing Season. Not even 24 hours later, the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC) issued a media release enforcing beneficial ownership (OB) declaration, to be able to file annual returns. This may simply be a compliance coincidence, but more likely a strategic move to eradicate non-compliance for companies, trusts, and partnerships, on all levels.

The key to helping investors to better protect themselves from falling victim to investment fraud is to stay alert and be aware of the key characteristics and red flags associated with Ponzi and Pyramid schemes. Ponzi schemes have existed for over one hundred years and range in shape, complexity, and size. Investors are often promised extraordinarily high returns within a short period of time, with little or no risk.

South Africa’s tough economic conditions have left many consumers struggling to build emergency cash savings. According to our data, more than half (52%) of entry level private banking clients have less than one month of their salary saved in immediately accessible cash savings available, to use in the event of unforeseen circumstances such as retrenchments or urgent medical procedures.

Companies can leverage identity platforms to create internal Ultimate Beneficial Owner (UBO) databases. What are the risks of unintentionally transacting with a shady shell company or funds gained from criminal activities? In South Africa, it's substantial.

No matter how much you love your job, financial freedom should be your ultimate goal. For those unfamiliar with the term, financial freedom can best be understood as a state where individuals or households have enough financial resources to cover their living expenses without having to depend on work to maintain their standard of living.