Finance Indaba: the biggest finance conference in Africa

“Technology, shared resources and digital collaboration provide businesses with a global view of business,” says Christopher Jones, CEO of Digiterra, a silver partner at the Finance Indaba Africa 2017 on 12 and 13 October 2017 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

The Institute of Internal Auditors SA (IIA SA) has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a silver partner and will make its second showing at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

"We will be talking about how to build your future with the Blueprint for Continuous Accounting. This revolutionary new concept is changing the way accounting and finance are performing and creating a paradigm shift across Modern Finance Organisations," says Bridgette Ward, Sales Manager of AdvanceNet, a gold partner at the Finance Indaba Africa 2017 on 12 and 13 October 2017 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

"Decision Inc was created with the vision of offering these organisations a single purpose information management business to allow them to make better decisions across multiple divisions and sectors," says Nick Bell, CEO of Decision Inc, a silver partner at the Finance Indaba Africa 2017 on 12 and 13 October 2017 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

Mukuru has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a silver partner and will make its debut at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

"As one of the leading ESD organisations in SA we can support finance professionals with entrepreneurial dreams and capabilities in their journey to develop sustainable businesses. The support we provide encompasses training, physical infrastructure in our incubators, and mentorship," says Nyasha Dzumbunu, CFO of Shanduka Black Umbrellas, a gold partner at the Finance Indaba Africa 2017 on 12 and 13 October 2017 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

Martijn Aslander is a thought leader, public speaker and executive sparring partner with a unique ability to challenge business leaders and help them to think outside of the box.

Netwin Systems has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a silver partner and will make its debut at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

"We believe that the user is the true source of value in any business, and if you service them well you can grow them and they in turn will grow your business," says Kevin Mutiso, CEO and co-founder of Alternative Circle, a silver partner at the Finance Indaba Africa 2017 on 12 and 13 October 2017 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. Finance professionals and accountants register for the Finance Indaba for free with code FB2017! In the coming weeks and months, we will be chatting to all the Indaba partners, asking them why they are joining the event and what their most important message for finance professionals is. Do you want to hear how Alternative Circle can help with your KYC processes? Do you want to be informed about the latest and greatest in finance? Then don't miss the Finance Indaba Africa 2017. The Finance Indaba is the biggest annual event on the continent for financial managers and specialists who are seeking partnerships to drive progress. Thousands of delegates will gain valuable insights into realising financial performance and growth, becoming more efficient and accessing funding, among a host of other opportunities from leading players in financial services.

ThisIsMe has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a silver partner and will make its second showing at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

Pulling off big projects is exhilarating, exponentially growing your profits is awesome, but are you achieving the GREAT thing? Are you building a better future? We spoke with Stan Slap, the world’s foremost thought leader on culture and leadership, who will be opening the Finance Indaba Africa on 12 October 2017, made possible by Clarkhouse Human Capital.

QuickBooks has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a gold partner and will make its second showing at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

SizweNtsalubaGobodo has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a platinum partner and will make its second showing at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

SekelaXabiso has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a platinum partner and will make its second showing at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

Alternative Circle has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a silver partner and will make its second showing at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

Qlik Master Reseller has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a gold partner and will make its second showing at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

Futuresense has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a silver partner and will make its second showing at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

Decision Inc. has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a silver partner and will make its debut at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

Network Recruitment has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a silver partner and will make its debut at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

ACS-Embrace has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a silver partner and will make its debut at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

Nkonki has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a gold partner and will make its second showing at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

Shanduka Black Umbrellas has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a gold partner and will make its debut at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

“The key to the success of the company is our people. If you have one client who is dissatisfied, you are not likely to get new business. Our people are key and we have been very lucky to get good people," says Wilfred Ngubane, CEO and founder of Ngubane & Co, a gold partner at the Finance Indaba Africa 2017 on 12 and 13 October 2017 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

ZAR X has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a gold partner and will make its debut at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

"DocFox provides a single solution - endorsed by global law firm, Norton Rose Fulbright - which gives a FSP of any size the assurance that they will remain compliant with ever-changing legislation, while simultaneously creating a seamless customer experience and reducing operational costs," says Ryan Canin, CEO of DocFox, a gold partner at the Finance Indaba Africa 2017 on 12 and 13 October 2017 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

The Office of the Tax Ombud has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a silver partner and will make its second showing at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

Karabina has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a gold partner and will make its debut at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

ClarkHouse has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a gold partner and will make its second showing at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a gold partner and will make its debut at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

"With us, all clients’ foreign trade payments will be done fast, efficiently and seamlessly through our partner bank and unique online payment and trading platform," says Herman Bezuidenhout, CEO of BeztForex, a silver partner at the Finance Indaba Africa 2017 on 12 and 13 October 2017 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

“Our platform exists to benefit finance professionals, so is designed to be usable and understandable by them. One of the most common comments we receive from CFOs and finance heads is their surprise in how easily they set up the platform and how quickly they began seeing results.” says Therese Tucker, founder and CEO of BlackLine, a silver partner at the Finance Indaba Africa 2017 on 12 and 13 October 2017 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

EOH has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a gold partner and will make its debut at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

By focusing only on professionals and clients in these finance and accounting disciplines, we have been able to develop extended networks of talent and have built a thorough understanding of the environments and challenges facing those recruiting finance and accounting teams in a wide range of businesses, from start-ups to corporates," says Georgina Barrick, MD of Cassel&Co, a silver partner at the Finance Indaba Africa 2017 on 12 and 13 October 2017 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

“First and foremost, we have one focus: delivering value with a long-term objective of providing the best service in our industry," says Christo Jacobs, director at Intellection, a gold partner at the Finance Indaba Africa 2017 on 12 and 13 October 2017 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

"With Treasury Cloud Technology, the benefits of an in-house bank are within reach of most medium-sized companies and not just available for the select few listed firms," says Rudolph Janse van Rensburg, CEO of Treasury Technologies, a gold partner at the Finance Indaba Africa 2017 on 12 and 13 October 2017 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

With more than 5 000 visitors tapping into a wealth of resources, know-how and inspiration and gaining unparalleled insights, Finance Indaba 2016 was an ambitious venture, but it was also one established on the idea that helping just a single individual would have a knock-on effect and prove fortuitous for the continent's financial services sector.

The South African Institute of Professional Accountants (Saipa) has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a gold partner and will make its second showing at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

Treasury Technologies has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a gold partner and will make its second showing at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

With more than 5 000 visitors tapping into a wealth of resources, knowhow and inspiration and gaining unparalleled insights, not only was Finance Indaba 2016 a golden opportunity to meet others in the industry, network with peers and speak to professional organisations and training institutions, but it also offered neatly segmented paths and programmes for visitors to get the best out of the event.

DocFox has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a gold partner and will make its debut at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

As one of the foremost financial institutions on the continent, Standard Bank has been making great things happen in Africa for over 154 years. The bank currently operates in 20 countries on the African continent, including South Africa, as well as in other selected emerging markets, and employs more than 54 000 people across its 1 221 branches. CFO South Africa is pleased to have retained such a prestigious diamond partner for Finance Indaba 2017.

i-Pay has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a silver partner and will make its second showing at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

Website CFO.co.za welcomed 18,444 visitors in the month of May 2017, a new record for the online hub for finance executives. Posts about the 2017 Finance Indaba Africa and the 2017 CFO Awards were among the best read, along with this news article about the recently announced collaboration between accounting bodies SAICA and CIMA.

KPMG is a leading global professional service company and one of the "Big Four". Established in 1987 with headquarters in Amsterdam, KPMG employs 189 000 people, offering financial audit, tax, and advisory services. The firm, which is frequently cited as one of the best places to work and build a career, was also a diamond sponsor of CFO South Africa's Finance Indaba extravaganza in 2016.

Intellection has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a gold partner and will make its second showing at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

PowerMani has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a silver partner and will make its debut at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

Cassel & Co has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a gold partner and will make its second showing at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

CFO South Africa has the privilege of boasting Deloitte as a trusted partner. The headline sponsor of the CFO Awards 2017 earlier this month, Deloitte is the largest of the Big Four global professional services networks. Deloitte has more than 244 000 professionals at member firms delivering services in audit, tax, consulting, financial advisory, risk management, and related services in more than 150 countries and territories. Revenues for fiscal year 2015 were $35.2 billion.In 2016, Fortune magazine ranked Deloitte as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For[and Bloomberg Business has consistently named Deloitte as the best place to launch a career.

Digiterra has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a silver partner and will make its debut at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

Nexia SAB&T has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a silver partner and will make its debut at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

The Finance Indaba is a magnet for South Africa's chartered accountant community, and as such, the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants' (Saica) members are well represented. Saica is one of the world's foremost professional accounting bodies. It helps more than 36 000 members in every aspect of their careers.

InvoSet has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a silver partner and will make its debut at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

Ngubane & Co has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a gold partner and will make its debut at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

The Auditor-General of South Africa has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a silver partner and will make its second showing at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

Founded in Toronto in 2008, multinational mass media and information firm Thomson Reuters aims to provide professionals with the intelligence, technology and human expertise they need to find trusted answers. Thomson Reuters operates in more than 100 countries, and has more than 60 000 employees around the world. The firm is a trusted partner of the Finance Indaba and CFO SA and showcased its services at last year's event.

Finance Indaba Africa is the only annual event on the continent where thousands of registered accountants and other finance professionals gather under roof for two days to advance their knowledge, networks and careers. Which CFO would say no to a finance team that is rejuvenated, full of new ideas and better connected than ever before – for FREE?

Graeme Codrington is an acclaimed international speaker, consultant, and best-selling author who has built a career out of preparing companies for change. He is an expert on the future of work and the disruptive forces that are shaping it. As an author and researcher, his insights and analysis are sought after by business schools and CEOs around the world, with five degrees, four best selling books and a full-time research team at his company, TomorrowToday, to back it up.

CEO of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Terence Nombembe is one of the captains of industry shaping the accounting profession and has been a champion of the Finance Indaba since day one. Calling the Indaba a "unifying event that will help us build the nation" in his presentation, the former Auditor General of South Africa outlined his strategy for transformation of SAICA, which is based on effective collaboration and responsible leadership.

African telecommunications firm Liquid Telecom has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a gold partner and will make its debut at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

JSE CFO Aarti Takoordeen is an award-winning finance professional who is in great demand at industry forums for her views on the evolution of the CFO role. A chartered accountant, she began her her career as a finance manager at NamTech and later served as a TSG Finance Manager for Hewlett Packard. After working for Johnson Controls as its Finance Director, she became the CFO of JSE Limited in February 2013. She was named the Young CFO of the Year at the 2014 CFO Awards.

Digital and data solution provider Keyrus has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a silver partner and will make its debut at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

Venture capitalist, entrepreneur and public speaker extraordinaire Vusi Thembekwayo has earned plaudits (including from the likes of Nelson Mandela) and enthralled audiences all over the world with his lessons from the public speaking pulpit, which began when he was a teenager.

Global entries for the 2017 and second edition of The CFO Case Study Competition closed on 31 March, with over 1,500 entries received – surpassing the 2016 edition by some 20 percent.

Cloud solution provider Blackline has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a silver partner and will make its second showing at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

South African Auditor General Thembekile Kimi Makwetu was one of the high-profile names at the Finance Indaba 2016. He opened the Finance for Africa programme and shared his vision on the importance of finance and how the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA) is enabling oversight, accountability and governance in the public sector.

Cloud solution provider Capisol Software has joined Finance Indaba 2017 as a silver partner and will make its debut at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

Professor Mervyn King is recognised internationally as an expert on corporate governance and sustainability and is in great demand as an arbitrator and mediator. He is a founding member of the Arbitration Foundation of Southern Africa and for some eight years was the South African judge at the ICC International Court of Arbitration in Paris. He has acted as an Inspector of Companies and a Commissioner of Inquiries into the affairs of companies. He has chaired many meetings for the compromise of creditors of companies and the rearrangement of shareholders’ interests and lectured on corporate issues in 38 countries.

Excel solution provider Excel4apps has partnered with Finance Indaba 2017 and will make its second showing at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

FX trading platform 360T has partnered with Finance Indaba 2017 and will make its debut at the event at the Sandton Convention Centre in October.

Cubebucks is a virtual currency developed on blockchain technology that fixes the value of the qb digital currency to value in your local market against the price fix of gold on the London Metal Exchange against the dollar. The FinTech firm seeks to balance accounts in a combination of bank currencies, Bitcoin and gold reserves, that will secure the exchange ability of Cubebucks for Bitcoin or Vanilla currency value.

Government needs to show stronger support for voluntary measures which improve corporate governance rather than impose a legislative mandate, according to the ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), a partner of the Finance Indaba 2017.

I Know First brings science and math to the financial world by providing daily investment forecasts based on an advanced self-learning algorithm. Developed by CTO and PhD-holder Lipa Roitman, the algorithm utilises artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques through which I Know First is able to analyse, model and predict the stock market.

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants' (ACCA) innovative online learning platform was last night awarded Study Resource of the Year by PQ Magazine at a ceremony held in London. The ACCA is a partner of Finance Indaba Africa 2017.

Venture capitalist, entrepreneur and public speaker extraordinaire Vusi Thembekwayo has earned plaudits (including from the likes of Nelson Mandela) and enthralled audiences all over the world with his lessons from the public speaking pulpit, which began when he was a teenager. He did not disappoint when opening Finance Indaba 2016 and earned himself a legion of new fans in the process.

Against a background of what Sir Peter Gershon describes as “arguably one of the most turbulent times we have faced for years”, board members need to constantly review their approach to, and understanding of, risk, according to a new study from a group of industry and professional services organisations.

Quality positions are difficult to come by in the current market and there is a lot of competition for those that are available. While on a job hunt, it is important to prepare yourself for success in order to gain an advantage over other candidates. Every recruitment process is different but there are some critical elements that remain unchanged and which you need to be prepared for in order to be successful.

A survey by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and Global Accounting Network has found that more than half (55%) of qualified accountant respondents are motivated by flexibility and a greater work-life balance when considering taking up a new job role, a rise of 18% from 2015.

It may be fashionable to talk about disruptive startups when describing the FinTech scene, but its story also covers traditional banking institutions that have made great strides in delivering a digital banking experience to their customers and overcoming cultural and bureaucratic challenges in the process.

CFO South Africa has secured the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg as the venue for the Finance Indaba Africa 2017, to be held on 12 and 13 October, and is closing in on extending its association with the centre into 2018, according to CFO South Africa MD Graham Fehrsen.

In an uncertain world constantly disrupted by innovation and reams of data, quality decision-making has been more difficult. In his presentation at the Finance Indaba Africa 2016 in October, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Vice-President of the African region Badibanga Promesse explored the Global Management Accounting Principles, prepared in conjunction with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), which help the public and private sectors to make better decisions, respond appropriately to the risks they face, and protect the value they generate.

Although we are only just done with the first month of the year, almost 600 people have already signed up to attend Finance Indaba Africa 2017, which is to be held on the 12 and 13 October at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

"We believe there is a lot of potential in Africa and this is why we are investing heavily. Up to 60 percent of our solutions are USSD- and SMS-based, but as Internet access becomes cheaper and easier, we are increasing our investment in web and mobile banking apps. Through our partnership model, we sit down with banks and understand their requirements to produce customised solutions," said Sebi Salim, a consultant at Eclectics International, a Microsoft Africa Partner of the Year in 2016.

Renowned futurist and life-hacker Martijn Aslander is not one to mince his words or confront his audiences with sometimes brutal truths. He has earned a reputation for being one of the world's foremost thinkers on the age of disruption. For Martijn, it is no longer about what you own or what you know, but about your attitude and your ability to adapt.

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), a Finance Indaba 2017 partner, has announced that it will be conducting a regular Global Forum focussing on education.

"There is a lot of hyperbole about blockchain right now: blockchain will change everything and become the beating heart of finance. Finance is a big thing for blockchain. Banks have a lot of interest in the potential for cross-border remittances, for instance. There are many other applications. Blockchain can replace letters of credit and be used for smart contracts. I think it is going to create new business models and surprise us," says BankyMoon CEO Lorien Gamaroff.

The Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA), a partner of Finance Indaba Africa 2017, has published a checklist to tackle the political uncertainties of 2017, including Brexit negotiations.

Business expert Terry Moore examined the historical basis for what he called "an age of radical uncertainty" and provided advice for attendees on surviving a rapidly changing environment and disruption during a presentation at the Finance Indaba Africa 2016. While bemoaning the fact that risk had been passed onto employees, he also presented opportunities for financial executives and businesses in the seeming chaos.

The world’s leading and largest professional body of management accountants, the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) is a partner at the Finance Indaba 2017. CIMA's qualifications comprise a unique blend of management accounting, financial accounting and business-focused subjects to produce graduates capable of leading from the front. The local chapter is headed by Zahra Cassim (pictured). We asked the organisation about its alternative qualifications and undergraduate support initiatives.

FNB has long been lauded as the most progressive of South Africa's big four banks and it has received global recognition of its innovative and digitisation initiatives. The bank added another award to its bulging trophy cabinet at the African FinTech Awards at the Finance Indaba Africa 2016 in October, beating Absa and Standard Bank to the honours in the Incumbent Bank category. But while FNB may have enjoyed much success over the past few years, according to CIO Peter Alkema, it is certainly not resting on its laurels.

Increasing productivity and dealing with stress and procrastination to work smarter and faster is the first port of call when it comes to transforming lagging enterprises. At the Finance Indaba Africa 2016 in October, Think Productive director of Western Europe and leading productivity trainer, Marcel van den Berg presented a host of tips and tricks that will turn anyone from mild-mannered office worker a into a productivity ninja.

The recently concluded 2016 edition of the CFO Case Study Competition saw 320 teams from 53 universities, 25 countries and five continents take on the challenge, competing to win a cash price of R100,000. The winners were Team Athena from the Copperbelt University in Zambia. CFO South Africa and the Finance Indaba Africa 2017 will host the 2017 global finals of the CFO Case Study Competition.

While many startups have the long-term aim of going global, real estate investment firm Wealth Migrate already boasts a presence on five continents with investors in 84 cities on its globally compliant platform. At the African FinTech Awards at the Finance Indaba Africa 2016 in October, Wealth Migrate CEO Scott Picken explained how his company aimed to solve one of the world's most pressing challenges: bridging the global wealth gap. While 49% of the world's wealth is held in real estate, only 12,9% actually have access to property and less than 1% retire wealthy, according to Scott.

With more than 120 000 South Africans planning to embark on a course of postgraduate study over the next 12 months, education remains a key driver of a successful career. At the Finance Indaba Africa 2016 in October, Monash SA acting CFO Alvin Liew examined how to maximise the ROI on postgraduate study and use it to launch an international career, when to embark on a programme of study and how to invest in oneself, drawing on his own experiences.

“We have a completely different approach to financial services. We take what we do seriously, but not ourselves, so we have a lot of fun with our customers. Despite the fact that investment is a very serious discussion, it doesn’t need to be a boring and staid experience," says Charles Savage, CEO of Purple Group, a gold partner at the Finance Indaba Africa 2017 on 12 and 13 October 2017 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) has partnered with Finance Indaba 2017. It will be the association's second showing at the event. Founded in 1904, the ACCA casts itself as the world's most forward-thinking accounting organisation, working across the globe to uplift the profession and boasting more than 188 000 qualified members and 480 000 students of its masters-level qualifications worldwide.

Africa has a huge untapped potential for solar power generation and initiatives that electrify businesses and impoverished communities could help the continent meet its economic development goals. At the African FinTech Awards at the Finance Indaba Africa 2016 in October, The Sun Exchange CCO Morwesi Ramonyai talked about the revolutionary bitcoin-based investment scheme that is filling the gap between large-scale solar farms and solar-powered lamps and other items.

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) has become the latest partner to join Finance Indaba 2017, following on from its exhibition at this year’s event. The world’s leading and largest professional body of management accountants, CIMA's qualifications comprise a unique blend of management accounting, financial accounting and business-focused subjects to produce graduates capable of leading from the front.

How do business leaders adapt and help their organisations to stay relevant in an era of digital disruption characterized by uncertainty? At the Finance Indaba Africa 2016 in October, internationally recognized futurist Graeme Codrington provided insights into the shifting landscape and a toolkit for leaders to navigate disruption.

Johannesburg-based AdvanceNet has signed up as a partner to the Finance Indaba 2017. Launched in 1987, AdvanceNet offers sophisticated business solutions in more than 30 African countries across a number of industries, including mining, financial services, telecommunications, logistics and the public sector.

As the oldest bank in the country, Standard Bank has a lot of challenges to overcome in terms of legacy systems. During her pitch at the African FinTech Awards at the Finance Indaba Africa 2016 in October, the bank’s manager of innovation capability Danielle Laity explained what her organisation was doing to better serve its customers in an era marked by fear in the banking sector amid the threat of being unbundled and attacked.

Financial services provider FedGroup is disrupting traditional approaches to wealth creation with the launch of its direct ownership network, which involves the ownership of a physical asset to generate income, instead of investment.

Two vibrant women, Jo Pohl and Mary Vilakazi, whose dynamism and energy radiates throughout the room, sat down with Roy Clark from Clarkhouse Human Capital and discussed their views on women and success. To say it was inspiring is an understatement – these two women shared such powerful messages that even the most astute and experienced business person would walk away with a burning passion to succeed.

Purple Group has become the first gold partner to join Finance Indaba 2017, after a successful showing at this year’s event. Headed by CEO Charles Savage, the group offers accessible investing and trading solutions for the man on the street, from fully managed investment solutions to DIY trading and investment platforms.

The biggest failure in business is that failure itself is not accepted and it is something to be shunned upon said Easy Equities CEO Charles Savage. Teach your staff to accept failure, said Charles during an inspirational session at the Finance Indaba Africa on 13 October 2016.

Standard Bank treasurer Paul Burgoyne brought together a strong panel at the Finance Indaba Africa on 13 October 2016, to discuss accessing liquidity in Africa. The speakers included CFO and VP of Olam International, Bikash Prasad, as well as three Standard Bank team members: head of institutional sales Africa, Mark Kalil, VP for power and infrastructure finance, George Kotsovos, and global head: client solutions & distribution, global markets Steve Barnes.

Dr Martyn Davies explains why South Africa is struggling to regain growth levels, and what is needed to make us economically relevant again.

Servest Group CFO Peter Walsh earned as many laughs as he landed “blows” in a challenging talk on transformation presented at the Finance Indaba Africa in Johannesburg on 13 October 2016. Walsh’s talk was called “Embracing transformation: Head, heart and hands”, and he kicked off by “owning that white male problem” – being a white man talking about transformation in South Africa. Still, he persevered, winning over his audience with his frank and self-deprecating address, and posing some extremely tough questions to his audience.

“We have no idea where and who our competitors are anymore,” .said business expert Terry Moore in a workshop at the Finance Indaba Africa facilitated by the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). In his talk, titled Surviving In An Age of Radical Uncertainty he explored the challenges and opportunities facing chartered accountants and businesses in general.

With the introduction of the new accounting software, Blackline, organisations can manage the entire accounting and finance lifecycle and gain a global view into tasks and processes, all in one centralised, secure and reliable system. These were the words of Josh May, the Senior Solutions Consultant and Product Manager at Blackline, who gave a presentation on how the software works during Finance Indaba Africa held at Sandton Convention Centre on 13 and 14 October 2016. By Tiisetso Tlelima

Two case studies show how Cognos Disclosure management saves CFOs a significant amount of time when generating reports.

It is estimated that 330 million adult Africans lack access to basic financial services. In the face of an outstanding opportunity, an ecosystem of FinTech startups providing payments and money transfer solutions have grown to transform a cash-heavy payments industry on the continent.

What could Shakespeare’s life possibly teach us about finance today? Standard Bank’s Sean Doherty has some ideas…

Old Mutual experts explained how insurers can help companies to exchange the uncertainty of a long-term liability for the certainty of an insurance premium.

Team Athena from the Copperbelt University in Zambia were crowned the winners of the first edition of the CharterQuest CFO Case Study Competition at the rock-star conclusion of the Finance Indaba Africa at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on 14 October 2016.

FNB has been named the ‘Most Innovative Bank’ of 2016. At the African FinTech Awards (#afta16), a heavyweight panel of judges chose the popular bank over fellow finalists Absa and Standard Bank in the ‘Incumbent Bank’ category. FNB also received the most online votes, taking home the ‘Public Award’ in the same category.

Most CFOs think that good budgeting means cutting costs instead of looking at ways to stop wasteful spending, said Accenture’s Madeleine Joubert during Finance Indaba Africa, which was held at the Sandton Convention Centre on 13 and 14 October 2016. But zero-based budgeting means focusing on both top and bottom line, she explained. "It’s not about cutting costs, but redirecting the money.”

CFOs in the public sector have to be as skilled in the art of strategic relationship-building and diplomacy as they are with working with numbers, finance executives agreed in a breakaway session at the Finance Indaba Africa at Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg on 14 October 2016.

We’ll never again have economic growth like we have known before, says Martijn Aslander. And that’s okay...