Optio Incentives, a Nordic fintech specialising in employee equity and incentive programmes, has acquired the share plan software platform from Investec Wealth & Investment International, a division of Investec Group.
The transaction supports Optio’s global expansion and also provides access to long-standing client relationships, a highly scalable infrastructure and an experienced team behind the platform.
Investec Wealth & Investment International’s share plan services business was partially acquired in 2021 by JSE Investor Services, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The 2021 transaction included the licensing and support services for Investec’s share plan administration platform which JSE Investor Services subsequently white-labelled under its business.
JSE Investor Services remains South Africa’s largest share plan administrator delivering world class solutions to its clients.
The deal positions JSE Investor Services as the sole user of Optio’s administration software in Africa. JSE Investor Services will also gain access to Optio’s financial reporting tools, including International Financial Reporting Standard 2 (IFRS 2), the international financial reporting standard governing share-based payment transactions.
The reporting tools will enable clients to provide end-to-end administration of their Executive, employee retention, incentive and empowerment schemes. This strategic move further demonstrates JSE Investor Services’ commitment to delivering trusted and market-leading solutions to market participants.
“The collaboration with Optio marks a milestone in our journey as a business as we continue to provide industry-leading services to our clients. By tapping into Optio’s reporting tools we are reaffirming our commitment to innovation and excellence for our clients,” says Carol Crozier, CEO of JSE Investor Services.
The newly-acquired share plan platform currently supports more than 60 companies listed on the London Stock Exchange, giving Optio direct access to some of the UK’s largest corporates.
In South Africa, the platform remains white-labelled by JSE Investor Services.
“With this acquisition, we’re expanding our product offering in the UK and South Africa, significantly strengthening our global footprint,” says Christoffer Herheim, CEO and co-founder of Optio Incentives. “We’re also bringing on board the skilled team behind the Investec platform, ensuring continuity, client knowledge, and deep domain expertise from day one.”