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Experian Report: SA Businesses Resilient Despite Economic Challenges
Experian's Business Debt Index (BDI) shows South African businesses' resilience amid tough economic conditions. The latest report indicates a slight uptick in Q4, with the index rising from 0.148 to 0.364. This suggests both economic resilience and businesses' ability to manage creditors despite a challenging growth environment. “What has contributed towards improving business health is
Kazang takes the lead in digital transformation in Southern Africa's informal market
Southern Africa’s informal trading market has seen an exponential rise in digital transactions since the lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic, with merchants embracing digital payments and acceptance as a means of embracing efficiencies, serving their customers, and growing their businesses. This, in turn, has helped to drive financial inclusion and access to key products and
Are telecom companies window-dressing with certification to avoid thorough audits?
The time has come for South African telecommunication companies to face greater scrutiny. With data prices higher in South Africa than in many other African states, these companies should be more accountable to their customers. Yet this is not happening. It has become clear that some companies prefer vendors to stay in the system despite
AI’s power in redefining cross-border payments in a connected world
As transactions in the global economy continue to cross geographical boundaries, there’s a growing need for tech that guarantees efficient, secure and cost-effective exchanges. Today, the adoption of digital technology is no longer a question of who utilises what, but a reality across the entire fintech spectrum, with around 73% of global banking transactions taking place through
Insights from the BDO Techtonic States Study
In an era of unprecedented uncertainty, the headwinds facing businesses are stronger than ever. Businesses find themselves navigating a complex landscape, where economic shifts and geopolitical challenges loom large on the horizon. In such turbulent times, the key question is not whether change will occur, but rather how effectively leaders can prepare for and adapt
Gartner: Cybersecurity needs Identity & Access Management
According to Gartner, organisations should entrench identity management as part of their cybersecurity foundation. Specifically, security teams can work with identity and access management (IAM) practitioners to invest in IAM programs and create an identity fabric for their organisations. By using an identity platform and developing good IAM hygiene, organisations can counter serious security risks
The Global Investment Scene: Four Years Post-COVID
On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization officially designated Covid-19 as a global pandemic. Over the past four years, we've encountered a pandemic leading to the global economic shutdown, conflicts, an unprecedented rise in inflation, historic interest rate hikes, and discussions surrounding a technological transformation and a stock market bubble. Why the US continued
Interest rate cutes likely to happen in the third quarter of the year
In a Reuters survey, 23 economists unanimously predict that the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) will maintain the repo rate at 8.25% during its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting on Wednesday, March 27th. The survey also revealed that a small majority anticipated the repo rate to remain unchanged in May compared to a 25-basis point
What are the challenges in SA's Financial Literacy?
Financial literacy entails a foundational understanding of key financial concepts, including debt management, budgeting, saving, and investing, according to insights from a reputable online lender. However, for individuals grappling with significant debt burdens, the feasibility of prioritizing investment or savings remains uncertain. Recent data reveals a pressing concern for many South Africans, particularly those fortunate
Financial services lacking proper authorization to watch out for
The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) has recently issued a series of alerts regarding unauthorized financial services activities carried out by various entities and individuals. Some of these entities are engaging in impersonation tactics, unlawfully utilizing legitimate businesses' FSP numbers and branding. The term "financial services business" encompasses activities such as advising the public on
Exploring Global Opportunities with Investec
The focus on global demographic changes is growing, prompting both investment professionals and investors to consider the implications for their portfolios. For some time, the demographic trend of increased life expectancy and declining birth rates has been linked primarily with Asian nations like Japan, South Korea, and China, as well as certain regions in Southern
Introducing the Inception of the National Financial Ombud Scheme
The inception of the National Financial Ombud scheme (NFO) commenced on March 1st, following its official recognition by the Ombud Council. The establishment of NFO stems from a comprehensive initiative to merge four ombud schemes within the financial sector: the Credit Ombud, the Ombudsman for Banking Services (OBS), the Ombudsman for Long-term Insurance (OLTI), and
Reana Steyn to lead new national financial ombud scheme
Reana Steyn has assumed the role of setting up office for the recently formed National Financial Ombud (NFO) scheme as its first Head Ombud. The NFO was officially launched on March 1, subsequent to approval from the Ombud Council. This novel initiative integrates four ombud schemes in the financial sector: the Credit Ombud, the Ombudsman
Why are South African stocks cheap? and what does this mean?
South African fund managers and investors are increasingly disillusioned as the gap widens between South Africa's equity market and global counterparts. South African stocks, notably within the financial sector, are declining sharply, prompting some fund managers to view them as significantly undervalued. However, the evaluation of South African equities warrants scrutiny. The valuation, assessed through
KBIT welcomes new MD to spearhead growth and expansion in South Africa
Khusela Business Intelligence Technologies (KBIT), an award-winning Systems Integrator and Value-Added Reseller (VAR) across Africa, is pleased to announce the appointment of Avhaathu Rathogwa as its new Managing Director (South Africa). Avhaathu, whose career spans over 20 years, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role, and she will play a critical role
FSCA awards licence to Luno, SA’s largest crypto asset service provider
Luno, South Africa's largest and most established crypto asset service provider, has obtained a license from the Financial Services Conduct Authority (FSCA) to operate as a financial services provider. This milestone makes Luno the inaugural dedicated crypto asset service provider in South Africa to receive such accreditation, following the FSCA's classification of crypto assets as
Smart data and drones drive SA Agriculture
The agriculture industry is undergoing a host of challenges that require innovative solutions for long-term sustainability and growth. Ruan Botha, DJI Product Manager looks at how smart technology, powered by artificial intelligence and unmanned vehicles have the ability to boost productivity, reduce costs and help preserve precious resources. The latest projections by South Africa’s Crop Estimates Committee have presented
Global disasters leave multinational insurance customers exposed
Mark Sanders, Divisional Executive of Corporate Internal Broking at GIB Insurance, warns that amidst a plethora of global crises, ranging from natural disasters to overseas conflicts, multinational corporations may be overlooking the importance of robust international insurance coverage. Sanders emphasizes that many businesses realize the consequences of lacking global coverage only after it's too late,
Navigating the World of Influencer Marketing
In the world of marketing, reaching the right audience has always been a top priority. According to the Strategy and Integrated Campaigns Lead, Kaibe Mollo, it is important for brands and businesses to focus on relevant connections rather than simply aiming for maximum reach. As brands increasingly turn to influencers to promote their products or
The Power of Understanding Your Audience Through Social Listening
In today's digital age, staying connected with your audience is more important than ever. Mbali Sibeko who is an expert in digital marketing, emphasizes the significance of social listening as a crucial tool for businesses to understand their customers and competitors better. Social listening involves monitoring conversations about your company, products, or competitors across various