Technology for tomorrow
Are you a tech evangelist? From developing a coherent and workable strategy, knowing how data and analytics will drive finance forward and learning to anticipate the disruptive technologies which may challenge your business models, tech savvy CFO are on the frontfoot.
01 September 2017 The World Bank has selected 20 startups to participate in its XL Africa accelerator programme, which offers help in securing early stage funding, a tailored curriculum and mentoring from a range of experts. A number of investment groups support the programme, which will see participants engaging online before attending a two-week residency in Cape Town. 31 August 2017 Financial services behemoth EY has announced the launch of Tesseract, an integrated mobility platform underpinned by blockchain technology. The platform facilitates fractional vehicle ownership, shared use and seamless multimodal transport and it will help lay the groundwork for how autonomous vehicle fleets can be owned in the future and provide access to a variety of on-demand mobility options. 30 August 2017 "The Finance Indaba is a great opportunity to demonstrate that our product and services offering fits the needs of the all the South African businesses, no matter what their size is," says Paco Cervantes, Oracle Services Business Unit Manager of EOH, a gold partner at the Finance Indaba Africa 2017 on 12 and 13 October 2017 at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. 29 August 2017 The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) in Hong Kong have entered into an agreement to establish a framework of cooperation on FinTech innovation. The agreement will further strengthen the efforts of both authorities to develop an innovations-friendly ecosystem in their respective markets. The signing took place between Mr Ian Johnston, CEO of the DFSA, and Ashley Alder, SFC CEO, in Hong Kong. Under the agreement, both authorities will share information on developments and innovations in FinTech in their respective markets. The agreement also intends to encourage both regulators to refer innovative firms to one another’s markets and to provide them with regulatory guidance. Mr Johnston said: “Providing a regime that fosters innovation in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), is a strategic priority for us. This agreement with Hong Kong’s SFC deepens cooperation between our two markets and will build a common understanding of the principles of good innovation.” “This agreement underscores the SFC’s efforts to strengthen regulatory collaboration and promote innovation in financial services," said Mr Alder. “We look forward to working closely with the DFSA to support FinTech development in both our markets.” The agreement extends the existing relationship between the SFC and the DFSA with a joint commitment to maintain the highest standards of cooperation. Both regulators are signatories to the IOSCO Multi-lateral Memorandum of Understanding (MMoU). They also entered into a bi-lateral MoU in 2008. The agreement marks the latest step in the DFSA’s roadmap to build a framework that supports innovation in the DIFC. It follows the introduction of regulations formalising a tailored regime for loan and investment crowdfunding platforms on August 1, the first in the GCC. On May 24, the DFSA launched its Innovation Testing Licence (ITL), a special class of financial services licence that allows FinTech firms to develop and test innovative FinTech concepts from the DIFC. The DFSA's innovation strategy is aligned with the National Innovation Strategy set out by UAE Vice President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to make the UAE a global hub for innovation. It follows the launch of the FinTech Hive at DIFC, which will bring together the next generation of leaders and entrepreneurs to compete and address the growing needs of the region's financial services industry, using innovative technology solutions. It intends to catalyse growth and efficiency in a variety of areas including trade finance, alternative finance and Shari'ah-based services. For its part, the SFC established the FinTech Contact Point (FTCP) in March 2016 to enhance communication with businesses involved in the development and application of FinTech and regulatory technology in Hong Kong. The FTCP also facilitates an understanding of the SFC’s current regulatory regime while enabling it to stay informed of the development of the local industry. 28 August 2017 “There’s never been a more wonderful time to be a banker,” says Funeka Montjane, CEO of Personal and Business Banking at Standard Bank. Montjane, a 2015 WEF Young Global Leader, believes that the future of banking lies in creating time for customers with the help of automation, artificial intelligence and FinTech. Speaking about the future of banking at the Singularity University South Africa Summit, hosted on the continent for the first time in collaboration with Standard Bank, Montjane said that we’re living in what Stephen Hawking called ‘the century of complexity’ – in a more compressed and globalised world characterised by rapid disruption, and where information is free. 28 August 2017 UK FinTech Prodigy Finance has raised $240 million via a funding round. A borderless FinTech platform that provides finance to international students from emerging markets to study at top business schools in the UK, US and Europe, Prodigy is responsible for the world's world's first globally enforceable credit model. 24 August 2017 South African Reserve Bank deputy governor Francois Groepe has revealed that there are three proposals regarding FinTech regulation currently on the table during a keynote address at the Strate GIBS FinTech Innovation Conference. 23 August 2017 The International Monetary Fund's (IMF) recent warning that South Africa's economic vulnerabilities could become more pronounced wasn't good news. Indeed, when the assessment was made in July 2017, it cast a shadow of what's already a turbulent time for the country. 22 August 2017 “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. 21 August 2017 The University of Cape Town, one of the leading educational institutions on the continent, has become the first university in Africa to offer a specialised FinTech degree. It follows the University of Oxford and a host of Ivy League institutions in offering such a programme. 18 August 2017 The Nigerian FinTech market has grown by 90% in the past 3-4 years and startups in the populous West African nation are radically transforming the banking and financial sectors, according to Kantar TNS Nigeria CEO Aggrey Maposa. 17 August 2017 "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. 17 August 2017 JSE-listed financial services provider Purple Group has sold a 30% stake valued at R100 million in its Easy Equities business to Sanlam Investment Holdings in a cash deal. Sanlam will receive a seat on the board as part of the investment. 15 August 2017 "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. 14 August 2017 During the last year, the public became painfully aware of what cybersecurity experts have long been warning us about: That cybercrime is on the rise and that everyone is a potential target. The recent WannaCry and Petya attacks have revealed that hackers have adopted an increasingly financial focus, as they demand ransom (usually in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin) in exchange for unlocking the affected users’ data. Companies throughout the globe have been affected in the latest attack this June, with South African companies being no exception. 14 August 2017 Abu Dhabi is looking to strengthen its FinTech position with a flurry of initiatives, including a tie-up with Switzerland and an innovation challenge for startups. 13 August 2017 Westcon-Comstor Southern Africa has announced that it has appointed Rakesh Parbhoo as the new CEO of WestconGroup SA. Parbhoo joins the company after an almost two-decades-long tenure at Dimension Data, most recently holding the role of chief information officer for Dimension Data Middle East & Africa. 11 August 2017 Bidvest’s recent acquisition of First Data Resources South Africa (FDRSA) will catapult it into South Africa’s world of business banking – a market currently dominated by FNB, Nedbank and Standard Bank. 11 August 2017 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. 11 August 2017 Barclays Africa Group will collaborate with nine FinTech companies to explore promising new technology-based solutions that could prompt significant improvements for consumers and in bank services. 10 August 2017 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. 09 August 2017 Oxford University, one of the world’s most prestigious educational institutions, has launched an online programme to meet the growing demand for a formal FinTech course. 09 August 2017 "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. 04 August 2017 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. 04 August 2017 Nigerian FinTech Flutterwave announced it has secured $10 million in Series B financing. Four investors contributed to the round: Greycroft Partners, Green Visor Capital, Y Combinator, and Glynn Capital Management. Flutterwave, founded by Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, provides technology, infrastructure, and services to enable global merchants, payment service providers, and pan-African banks to accept and process payments via any channel, including web, mobile, ATMs and POS. The company helps businesses in Africa go global by smoothening the exchange of funds in more than 150 currencies. The company revealed that it intends to use the funds to hire talent, build out its global operations, and accelerate its expansion across Africa. 02 August 2017 A large merger between EOH Industrial Technologies and certain business of Powertech System Integrators has been approved by the Competition Tribunal, without conditions. 31 July 2017 FinTech start-ups are set to break funding records in 2017, as record as insurance, wealth management, lending and blockchain-related companies attract unprecedented investment. 31 July 2017 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. 30 July 2017 Convergence Partners Investments announced this week that it has exited its investment in Dimension Data, a specialist IT services and solutions company. 28 July 2017 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. 28 July 2017 Total and Worldline have signed binding technological, commercial and financing agreements with African FinTech InTouch. 26 July 2017 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. 25 July 2017 Global payments technology company Visa has partnered with Kenyan online payment gateway JamboPay to enable its merchants to facilitate mVisa Payments. 24 July 2017 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. 21 July 2017 South African FinTech company Curve Technology Group has expanded to the UK with the opening of a new office in London. 19 July 2017 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. 19 July 2017 Technology is moving at breakneck pace, with a significant impact on business and the world around us. It is imperative that CFOs have understanding of these rapid change in order to mitigate the risks and maximise the rewards. Here are five tips that can make this process easier, according to CGMA. 19 July 2017 "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. 18 July 2017 FinLeap, the startup platform behind Germany's solarisBank, has secured €39 million in equity capital to support its ongoing FinTech incubation programme. Next to the founding shareholder Berlin-based HitFox-Group, new institutional investors include the German insurer Signal Iduna, Japan's SBI Group and Dutch bank NIBC. Hannover Re, the third largest worldwide reinsurer, also raised its stake having participated in the platform's last €21 million raise. 17 July 2017 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. 14 July 2017 The new FinTech 2017: China, Asia and Beyond Report, released by CFA argues that, while FinTech companies were usually strong at technology and applications, they are mostly inexperienced in financial sector operations and therefore unlikely to completely replace the more conventional sectors of the financial services industry. 11 July 2017 The rise of the FinTech industry may herald a significant upheaval to the financial services industry, and significant opportunities (and risks) await those who wish to participate. 07 July 2017 South African FinTech ThisIsMe has set a new African record for the Financial Intelligence Centre Amendment (Fica) process. The process used to take as long as two weeks, but can now be completed in as little as three minutes. 06 July 2017 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. 05 July 2017 In the space of just a few years, Till Streichert, CFO of Vodacom Group and this year's CFO of the Year, turned Vodacom’s finance team into a flourishing intelligence unit. He is a textbook example of a finance executive who used the first 100 days of his tenure to make a swift and decisive impact on his organisation. 04 July 2017 ACI Worldwide, a leading global provider of real-time electronic payment and banking solutions, and Alipay announced that they are launching Alipay in South Africa, via leading regional payment service provider (PSP) Peach Payments. 30 June 2017 Koncart, a platform that empowers developers and techpreneurs to build their financially driven tech idea with ease, has recently been launched into the African FinTech sector. The platform enables startups to quickly create and manage virtual wallets and transactions with an in depth analysis to your data by leveraging on Koncart’s analytics dashboard. 29 June 2017 “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. 28 June 2017 Consumer uptake of innovative FinTech products is set to be embraced by the mainstream as adoption levels surge among digitally-savvy consumers, according to a study by EY. The research, based on 22 000 online interviews with digitally active consumers across 20 markets, shows that the emerging markets are driving much of this adoption with China, India, South Africa, Brazil and Mexico averaging a 46% participation rate. 26 June 2017 South African tech and media giant Naspers on Friday recorded positive results for the year to March 2017, increasing revenue by 19% year on year to $14.6 billion. Core headline earnings at Naspers rose 41% to $1,8 billion for the year. Positive results from Chinese behemoth Tencent took the edge of its stuttering pay-TV and other e-commerce ventures, with businesses outside SA contributed 80% of revenues, compared to 77% a year ago. 23 June 2017 TechPreneur Africa, which aims to support FinTech firms and entrepreneurs that want to increase financial inclusion and opportunities for growth across Africa, has signed a memorandum of agreement with international financial hub Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM). 20 June 2017 Six European cities attract 70% of all investments in European private FinTech companies. 16 June 2017 Durban-based investment firm Multiply Group has acquired 35% of newly formed Crossfin Technology Holdings, part of the Capital Eye Investments’ portfolio, which owns stakes in several companies in the FinTech space. 14 June 2017 South African FinTech Entersekt has received a multi-million-dollar cash boost to fund its global expansion. 13 June 2017 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. 09 June 2017 London remains the powerhouse of global FinTech, despite concerns over Brexit and the upcoming UK elections. Some 31 London-based FinTech firms are featured in the annual Fintech50 report, which lists the best startups in the space as decided by industry leaders including Microsoft and Samsung. The number has increased from 29 in 2016 and the list includes seven more London-based startups than it did in 2015. 06 June 2017 Naspers, a global internet and entertainment group and one of the largest technology investors in the world, today announced that it led an $80 million Series E investment in India-based Swiggy, an online food ordering and delivery platform in India. Ashutosh Sharma, head of investments in India for Naspers, will join the Swiggy board. The investment will help to bolster Swiggy’s growth plans and demonstrates Naspers commitment to help Swiggy become the undisputed leader in food ordering and delivery across India. 02 June 2017 Did someone cancel the FinTech revolution or has it just been delayed? That's the question posed by a new report on the UK scene, which argues that new entrants have failed to lure customers from incumbents and that VC money has started to dry up. Over the last few years, the FinTech hype machine has been in overdrive, with a digital revolution promising to change market structure, radically improve products and services, and save the high street veterans from sliding into invisible utilities. 30 May 2017 South African FinTech company, Entersekt has won the Judges' Choice: Best Technology Provider at the fourth Banker Africa East Africa Awards held recently at a gala dinner in Nairobi. In April, the firm won the award for Best Mobile Security Technology in the 2017 Banker Africa Southern Africa Banking Awards for the second year in a row. 26 May 2017 South African media and e-commerce giant Naspers has continued its expansion into the FinTech and cryptocurrency space by putting $5 million behind Philippines-based startup Coins.ph. The investment was facilitated by Naspers’ Ventures division. 23 May 2017 Wayne Koonin, CFO of Omnia, led a strategy to implement a new, company-wide ERP system and IT platform as a basis for taking the business to a new level. For this, Wayne won the Finance & Technology Award at the recent CFO Awards, held on 11 May at Summer Place in Johannesburg. 23 May 2017 FinTech unicorn Transferwise says the company has reached operational profitability six years after launch. The London-based currency exchange startup says it is currently amassing £8 million a month in revenue and is on target to reach £100 million for the year. 19 May 2017 JSE-listed speciality finance company Capital Appreciation has acquired FinTech firm Synthesis for R132,1 million. 17 May 2017 Banking is like Formula One, says Valentin Stalf, co-founder and CEO of mobile bank N26. This observation came a day after Valentin returned from the famous Monza race track north of Milan in Italy, where N26 was invited as the Fast Companies Series partner by British Formula One racing team, Manor Racing. “Of course, it was very cool to see our logo there, but when you are on the grid and in the pit lane, you also realise Formula 1 is a big myth,” he says. “Just like banking, people think it is really complex. When you get closer to the action, you realise it is a group of normal people working on cars. We have debunked the myth that banking is very complex.” We chatted to Valentin about the practical steps an entrepreneur needs to take to turn a brilliant idea into a thriving business. 16 May 2017 Local mobile payments startup Karri has partnered with Nedbank for the launch of its app, which facilitates payments for school activities and events. 13 May 2017 The Competition Commission has recommended to the Competition Tribunal that the acquisition of MWEB by Internet Solutions – a subsidiary of Dimension Data – be allowed to proceed. The deal was first announced on 2 December 2016. 12 May 2017 KPMG has acquired global FinTech innovation platform Matchi, which connects traditional financial institutions with technology solution providers. The platform includes more than 700 curated FinTech solutions and a database of more than 2 500 FinTech companies. 10 May 2017 KPMG has acquired Matchi, a leading global FinTech innovation and matchmaking platform that connects financial institutions, including banks and insurance companies, with leading-edge financial services technology solutions and companies worldwide. The Matchi platform includes more than 700 curated FinTech solutions and a database of more than 2,500 FinTech companies . 05 May 2017 Barclays has opened an innovation centre in London's hipster capital Shoreditch housing internal banking and technology teams alongside more than 40 FinTech startups. The bank says its new site is Europe's largest co-working space dedicated to FinTech and will play host to more than 200 hours of learning, workshops, hackathons and networking on a monthly basis. 03 May 2017 Apple has announced financial results for its fiscal 2017 second quarter ended April 1, 2017. The tech behemoth posted quarterly revenues of $52,9 billion, falling below market expectations, and quarterly earnings per diluted share of $2,10. These results compare to revenues of $50,6 billion and earnings per diluted share of $1,90 in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 65 percent of the quarter’s revenue. iPhone shipments disappointed, with Apple stocks falling by as much as two percent in active after-hours trading. 02 May 2017 Former UK government minister Mark Simmonds (pictured) has teamed up with FinTech veteran Hirander Misra on a venture that aims to help African smallholder farmers boost their earnings by connecting them with local commodity exchanges. The Financial and Commodities Ecosystem (FinComEco) says it wants to improve food security, economic diversity and financial inclusion by connecting farmers with exchanges, financial infrastructure and national economies. 28 April 2017 The World Bank has launched an accelerator for African digital entrepreneurs. The five-month long XL Africa – which includes a two-week residency in Cape Town and the Venture Showcase pitching event – is backed Finland, Norway, and Sweden, XL Africa. Participants will be mentored global and local experts through a tailor-made curriculum, increase their regional visibility, and receive access to potential corporate partners and investors. 26 April 2017 In order to meet the demands embedded in the future, banking will need to adapt. It will need to change the way things are done and bring the delivery closer to the rhetoric. In short, banks will need to rethink their traditional business models completely. Futurist Keith Coats, director at TomorrowToday Global, says it is time for banks to face their demons. Keith sheds light on the top three challenges banks are facing that will determine their future. 25 April 2017 Startupbootcamp has launched its new Cape Town-based FinTech accelerator. This global industry-focused accelerator group has 18 programmes across 13 countries and has seen value in now setting up a footprint in Africa. 24 April 2017 Today’s world requires innovation to remain competitive, and with the changing nature of consumers, businesses cannot afford to be on the wrong side of technology. CFOs need to be on top of tech. 21 April 2017 Nasdaq, one of the world's leading providers of technology and services to the capital markets, has announced the launch of a venture investment programme, Nasdaq Ventures, dedicated to discovering, investing in and partnering with unique FinTech companies worldwide. The programme's main objective is to identify and collaborate on new technologies and groundbreaking services and solutions which align with Nasdaq's clients' needs and the company's long-term objectives in the global capital markets. 20 April 2017 The internationally successful FinTech Academy kicks off in South Africa at The FinTech Academy Africa on 24 and 25 April 2017 at the Duke Corporate Education Leadership campus, Bryanston, Gauteng. 18 April 2017 FinTech has become a truly global phenomenon, with hubs popping up in cities around the world, although established players such as London and Singapore continue to be the top centres, according to a report by Deloitte. The study is the second output of the Global FinTech Hubs Federation, an initiative by Swift's innovation arm Innotribe and the UK's Innovate Finance to create a cross-border and open platform that brings established and emerging hubs together. 14 April 2017 Pan-African FinTech firm MFS Africa has announced that Michael Joseph (pictured) has joined its board as an independent non-executive director. Michael served as CEO of Safaricom in Kenya from 2000 to 2010, and is widely credited with spearheading M-Pesa, the world’s most successful mobile money service. 11 April 2017 Stellenbosch-based FinTech Entersekt has scooped the Best Mobile Security Technology going in the Banker Africa Southern Africa Banking Awards for the second time. 10 April 2017 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. 07 April 2017 Root, an OfferZen initiative, and Standard Bank have teamed up to launch a lightweight bank account, which comes with a programmable credit card, online banking interface, mobile app, and APIs. 04 April 2017 FinTech startup Voice IT took the honours at the Africa Fintech Foundry (AFF) 48-hour Recode Nigeria hackathon, sponsored by Access Bank, winning N1,5 million cash, as well as a year's access to the IBM Bluemix artificial intelligence platform and the Microsoft BizSpark developer toolkit. 31 March 2017 North African startups are eligible for the SANAD Fincluders Startup Challenge in Amman, Jordan, on 3-4 May 2017 and its $15 000 cash prize. The challenge, which also includes Middle Eastern startups, aims to find innovative SMEs focusing on financial inclusion and follows the Arab Day dedicated to increasing access to financial services. 28 March 2017 The FinTech Academy Africa, a collaboration between FinTech Circle and the Cape Innovation and Technology Initiative (CiTi), is set to launch in SA on 24 and 25 April, in Johannesburg. 24 March 2017 Founder of personal management website 22seven Christo Davel has resigned, citing an Old Mutual decision to change strategy. 22seven was acquired by Old Mutual in 2013. 23 March 2017 Accountants across the globe, like their colleagues in many other professions, may feel a tad insecure at the moment, as disruptive technologies and automation continue to make disciplines obsolete and shape the way we work. These technologies are no longer confined to manufacturing, but are beginning to redefine the knowledge economy as well. Machine learning, mobile and automated workflow solutions are having a huge transformative effect on the accounting landscape. 21 March 2017 The Middle East and North Africa (Mena) is set to experience a boom in fintech innovation over the next three years, propelled by a large unbanked population, VC inflows and the rapid emergence of a host of new startups, according to a state of the nation report prepared by local payment services outfit Payfort and entrepreneurial platform Wamda. According to the report, the number of startups in Mena’s FinTech ecosystem doubled from 46 to 105 over the three years 2013 to 2015 and the region could see a total of 250 FinTech startups launch by the year 2020. 19 March 2017 JSE-listed technology services company EOH has posted very good results, with headline earnings per share rising by 22 percent, and revenue that improved by 21 percent to R7.2 billion in the six months to 31 January 2016. Moreover, operating profit margins improved despite tough economic conditions, with profit before tax up by 26 percent to R845 million. 16 March 2017 Mobicred is a simple and convenient credit facility that allows you to safely shop online with participating retailers. It charges interest rates comparable to those of credit card providers and only levies monthly fees while the account is used. When a buyer – who first undergoes a simple online registration process with Mobicred – pays using the facility, the seller will immediately receive the full amount, without the risk of payment reversals. 15 March 2017 Financial inclusion, APIs, India, sentient fridges and blockchain technologies were all on the agenda as some of the continent’s leading FinTech visionaries applied their minds to the hot topic of the future of payments in the first FinTech Africa event of the year, held at Rand Merchant Bank’s Merchant Place campus in Sandton, Johannesburg, on Tuesday. 14 March 2017 Global mobile research platform mSurvey, a global mobile-first research platform and Kenyan communications agency Safaricom have launched Consumer Wallet, a platform that quantifies offline consumer spending habits and trends. 10 March 2017 FinTech startup Mama Money has announced the expansion of its money transfer service into Nigeria, Ghana and Tanzania. 09 March 2017 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. 07 March 2017 Three billion people around the world are underserved by the financial sector, with limited or no access to quality savings, credit, insurance, and payments. 03 March 2017 Liesl McKay-Bebb heads up RMB's The Foundery, which was launched to create a space for innovation & disruption in the Fintech space and is the host of CFO SA's Future of Payments event on 14 March. We spoke to her about her work and how she sees the local FinTech space. 02 March 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. 28 February 2017 Mauritius-based payment solutions provider Inter Payments Tech will be one of the FinTechs pitching at the FinTech Africa Future of Payments event in Sandton, Johannesburg, on 14 March. Topics of discussion relevant to the exciting and expanding space on the evening will include the the death of credit cards and systems enabling digital currencies. We spoke to founder and CEO Mark O’ Sullivan to find out more about the company’s activities and involvement in the event. 24 February 2017 Accelerator Sw7, in partnership with the law firm Webber Wentzel, is set to launch its FinTech Innovation Africa roadshow in Cape Town and Johannesburg next week. FinTech specialists will be making presentations at various events at the Webber Wentzel offices in Cape Town and the SW7 workplace in Rivonia, Johannesburg. 21 February 2017 Nigeria’s retail banking and payments sectors will be most disrupted by FinTech solutions, according to the PwC Nigeria FinTech Survey 2017. 17 February 2017 South African-based mobile payment providers FinTechs Zoona and Wealth Migrate have placed in KPMG and H2 Ventures’s FinTech 100 for 2016 list of the most influential startups in the space. 14 February 2017 CEO of Frankfurt-listed FinTech MyBucks Dave van Niekerk believes that both businesses and consumers do not fully recognise the the transformative power of technology. 10 February 2017 Online investment platform Easy Equities, the overall winner of the African FinTech Awards in 2016, has launched the BizNews SA Champions portfolio. With innovative CEO Charles Savage (pictured) at the helm, the award-winning platform allows investors to buy fractional shares in leading companies simply and cheaply. 08 February 2017 It may not seem like it at first glance, but properly thought-out Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) can be the difference between success and failure for your team and organisation over the long run. 07 February 2017 The South African Reserve Bank has not precluded the possibility of issuing a national digital currency, which would likely harness Blockchain or Distributed Ledger Technology, according to a Moneyweb report. 03 February 2017 Financial messaging service provider SWIFT Innotribe's Startup Challenge for Africa is open for applications. For the third year running, the Challenge will be part of SWIFT’s African Regional Conference (ARC) held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, from 16-18 May 2017. ARC brings together policy-makers, industry leaders and the broader financial community from across the African continent. Typically attracting up to 500 delegates from around 40 countries, ARC is a unique forum for networking, education, discussion and debate and a great platform for FinTech startups to connect with the financial sector. 31 January 2017 Pan-African banking conglomerate Ecobank, which boasts operations in 36 countries on the continent, has launched a FinTech challenge for African startups. The Ecobank FinTech Challenge provides selected startups with tailored mentorship from leading industry experts, funding of up to $500 000, a partnership with the multinational, and access to Africa’s biggest banking ecosystem, maximising exposure across the continent. The winner will also showcase their idea at Ecobank’s Innovation Fair. 27 January 2017 One of Europe’s leading FinTech startups, Oradian, is set to open a branch in South Africa to foster entrepreneurial development in the region. It also has plans to expand throughout Africa. 24 January 2017 The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and professional services firm Accenture are set to launch a fintech accelerator that will support startups from Africa, Asia and the Middle East. 20 January 2017 African FinTechs received the lion’s share of the $129 million invested in 146 of the continent’s tech startups in 2016, accounting for a combined $31,4 million, according to Disrupt Africa’s African Tech Startups Funding Report. It was followed by the agricultural sector. 19 January 2017 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. 17 January 2017 Small business owners that don’t sell their goods or services online can now offer an online payment option to make payments much easier for their clients. 13 January 2017 While other major European capitals play to Brexit fears in a bid to steal the UK's leading FinTech hub status, Belgium is taking a different approach by seeking to build a mutually supportive bridge between startups across both jurisdictions. A delegation led by Belgian finance minister Johan van Overtveldt recently crossed the channel to initiate talks with UK FinTech agency Innovate Finance on the establishment of a collaboration between the two communities and to announce the launch of a new Brussels-based hub to support financial technology startups. 12 January 2017 "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. 10 January 2017 The Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the US Government’s Development Finance Institution has announced the financing of up to $5 million to support Unreasonable Capital Fund I. Unreasonable Capital is a venture capital firm that invests in scalable and profitable companies working to address social and environmental issues that improve the lives of people living in underserved communities across Latin America, India, Asia and Africa. 06 January 2017 Nigeria’s FinTech space is growing from strength to strength and the West African nation is well on its way to becoming a hub on the continent, if developments over the past few years are anything to go by. 06 January 2017 There is only one CFO position in a company and as such, it is a coveted spot, with many financial executives vying to make the shortlist. How do you know if you are CFO material and if there is anything that will stand against you when it comes to the final reckoning? Here are five sure-fire signs that you can do the business. 03 January 2017 Business advisory firm Cactus Advisors has closed its second and third investments of CY 2016 into African fintech startups Flutterwave and E-Factor. 02 January 2017 Cashless Africa will address the future of finance at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, Nigeria, from 22 - 23 March. 29 December 2016 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.World Bank lines up startups for XL Africa accelerator
EY launches blockchain-based vehicle ownership platform
Finance Indaba 2017: EOH products suit any business
Dubai and Hong Kong sign FinTech agreement
Standard Bank's Funeka Montjane: FinTech is changing the face of banking
Student lender Prodigy Finance raises over R3bn
Reserve Bank talks up FinTech regulation
South Africa's financials remain positive despite economic failings
Finance Indaba 2017: Turbocharge enterprise performance with Digiterra
UCT launches groundbreaking FinTech degree
Nigerian FinTech market up 90% since 2015 - report
Finance Indaba 2017: Build your finance future with AdvanceNet
Sanlam takes R100m stake in Easy Equities
Finance Indaba 2017: Decision Inc is your single-purpose information management partner
The impact of cybercrime on SA companies: are we better or WORSE off?
Abu Dhabi launches global FinTech challenge
Rakesh Parbhoo new CEO of WestconGroup SA
Bidvest enters the business banking arena
Mukuru joins Finance Indaba 2017
Barclays partners with FinTechs to meet African challenges
Life-hacker Martijn Aslander to speak at Finance Indaba 2017
Oxford University launches online FinTech programme
Finance Indaba 2017: Alternative Circle is broadening the financial inclusion spotlight
ThisIsMe signs up for Finance Indaba 2017
Flutterwave raises $10m for African expansion
EOH and Powertech System Integrators merger approved
FinTech investment goes through the roof in 2017
Alternative Circle signs up for Finance Indaba 2017
Convergence Partners exits Dimension Data investment
Qlik Master Reseller signs up for Finance Indaba 2017
Total and Worldline sign agreement with African FinTech InTouch
Decision Inc. joins Finance Indaba 2017
Visa partners with Kenyan FinTech JamboPay
ACS-Embrace signs up for Finance Indaba 2017
Curve expands to London
ZAR X signs up for Finance Indaba 2017
Tips for CFOs looking to keep abreast of tech advancements
Finance Indaba 2017: Use DocFox to simplify compliance procedures
FinLeap FinTech incubator raises EURO39m
Karabina signs up for Finance Indaba 2017
FinTech unlikely to replace traditional sector - CFA report
Vital for FinTechs to be aware of obligations in event of data breach - Webber Wentzel
ThisIsMe sets Fica registration record
EOH signs up for Finance Indaba 2017
CFO of the Year Till Streichert shares successful ERP implementation tips
SA FinTech Peach Payments brings Alipay to Africa
Africa's first FinTech development platform launches
Finance Indaba 2017: Intellection is the leader in procure to pay improvement
Consumer uptake of FinTech services surges - EY
Naspers' earnings skyrocket
TechPreneur Africa and Abu Dhabi sign FinTech agreement
Six European cities attract 70% of all continental FinTech investments - report
Multiply Group delves into FinTech
Entersekt receives cash windfall
DocFox joins Finance Indaba 2017
London remains global FinTech powerhouse
Naspers pours $80m into Indian platform
Beware the FinTech hype - Accenture report
Entersekt clinches second banking award
Naspers invests $5m in Filipino FinTech Coins
Meet Wayne Koonin (Omnia), winner of the Finance & Technology Award
FinTech unicorn Transferwise hits the black
SA FinTech Synthesis acquired for R132m
"Bankers of the future will be developers, designers and risk modelling people," says N26 CEO, Valentin Stalf
School payments startup Karri partners with Nedbank
Internet Solutions' acquisition of Mweb to go ahead
KPMG acquires FinTech platform
KPMG acquires global FinTech platform, Matchi
Barclays opens Europe's largest FinTech site
Cash-flush Apple posts disappointing earnings
Former British minister delivers FinTech boost to African farmers
World Bank launches African digital entrepreneurship programme
Banking must adapt to be future-fit, says futurist Keith Coats
First African FinTech accelerator launched in Cape Town
CFOs should be on top of tech, says Graham Shapiro
Nasdaq launches global FinTech investment programme
FinTech Academy Africa kicks off 24 & 25 April
London, Singapore remain top FinTech hubs
M-Pesa pioneer Michael Joseph joins MFS Africa
SA's Entersekt lands banking security award
Keyrus joins Finance Indaba 2017
OfferZen, Standard Bank to introduce programmable bank account
Voice IT wins African FinTech hackathon
MENA FinTech challenge open to North Africa
FinTech Academy set for April launch
22seven's Christo Davel signs off
Why artificial intelligence won't spell the end for accountants
Mena region set for FinTech boom
EOH revenue up 21% to R7.2 billion
SA's first online credit facility: WATCH Mobicred CEO Geraldine Anderson at #afta16 #findaba16
Towards a cashless society: FinTech Africa event
Africa's first cash economy research platform
Mama Money continues African expansion
Simplifying online payments: WATCH Cubebucks CEO Jan MacKay at #afta16 #findaba16
World-first FinTech fund targets financial inclusion
Innovation is in RMB's DNA - The Foundery's Liesl McKay-Bebb
Bringing science to FinTech: WATCH I Know First's Dmitry Neginsky at #afta16 #findaba16
Mauritius is an ideal FinTech location - Inter Pay Tech's Mark O' Sullivan
FinTech roadshow on the way
FinTechs to disrupt Nigeria's retail banking - PwC
SA startups crack FinTech 100 list
FinTech goes beyond digital banking - MyBucks CEO Dave van Niekerk
Easy Equities launches SA Champions portfolio
5 employee KPI pitfalls
Reserve Bank considers digital currency
Innotribe FinTech challenge open for applications
Ecobank launches African FinTech challenge
Croatian FinTech Oradian expands to South Africa
Dubai to support African FinTech
African FinTechs garnered most investment in 2016
Adapt to win: WATCH life-hacker Martijn Aslander at #findaba16
Peach Payments introduces secure payment option
London and Brussels build FinTech bridge
Blockchain will surprise you: WATCH BankyMoon CEO Lorien Gamaroff at #afta16 #findaba16
OPIC pledges $5 million towards emerging market investments
Nigeria set to become FinTech hub
5 signs that you are CFO material
Cactus completes fintech investments
Nigeria to host CashlessAfrica Expo
The future of banking is now: WATCH FNB CIO Peter Alkema at #afta16 #findaba16
