HEADLINES STANDARD BANK CONTINUES TO BACK PIONEERING OPTASIA, AI-LED FINTECH WITH LANDMARK USD 330 MILLION SYNDICATE D REFINANCING Standard Bank, Africa’s largest bank by assets, continues to support Optasia, a leading AI‑led fintech company with the largest fintech IPO on the JSE in 2025, through a joint underwrite and participation in the syndicated refinancing and upsizing...

FNB’s Integrated Advice Product Head Ester Ochse says, “Pressure changes how we make decisions. When costs increase unexpectedly, the instinct is often to respond immediately, whether by cutting back in ways that aren’t sustainable, or making financial choices that don’t fully account for what comes next. But short-term financial shocks require a clear understanding of...

FNB and Beachwood Investments (Pty) Ltd are proud to announce the conclusion of a residential development funding deal that is expected to make R800 million available for the Beachwood Coastal Estate in Durban North, beach front. The estate will consist of freehold stands ranging from R8 – R21 million, apartments from R8 – R16 million, duplexes and...

BY: TANA MALINGA Many South Africans believe they are ready for retirement. They are saving a little money, belong to an employer pension fund, or keep funds in a bank account. These steps create a sense of comfort and confidence about the future. But financial experts warn that this confidence may not always reflect reality.Research...

Many South Africans believe they are “on track” for retirement. They’re saving something. They belong to an employer fund. They have a plan – or at least, they think they do.Yet the reality tells a very different story.Insights from FNB’s 2025 Retirement Survey reveal a striking confidence gap. While around 60% of respondents say they...

BY: TANA MALINGA South African Breweries (SAB), in partnership with Henley Business School Africa, has launched the SAB Retailer University, an innovative business development programme aimed at strengthening local entrepreneurship and supporting sustainable economic growth. The initiative is designed to equip local retailers with essential business skills, practical tools and strategic insight needed to build...

Business CONSUMER SPENDING SPARKS A DIGITAL PAYMENTS BREAKTHROUGH IN SOUTH AFRICA CONSUMER SPENDING SPARKS A DIGITAL PAYMENTS BREAKTHROUGH IN SOUTH AFRICA IMAGE SUPPLIED BY: TANA MALINGA South Africa’s festive season did more than boost retail sales, it confirmed a major change in how people pay, shop, and do business. New figures from Standard Bank show...

IMAGE SUPPLIED MULTI-STORE OR MULTI-BRAND? FINDING YOUR WAY IN FRANCHISE GROWTH IN 2026 BY: TANA MALINGA Multi unit franchising is growing fast in South Africa, and it is not only happening in restaurants. As 2026 begins, many franchise owners in different sectors. Grocery, liquor, retail, and education, are thinking about expanding. But doing well with...

Online shopping, social media, and mobile apps are all part of everyday life for most South Africans. From ordering groceries and booking rides to sharing photos and downloading new apps, digital activity isn’t optional anymore. Yet many people don’t realise that what they do online everyday affects how safely they can access their money and protect...