Standard Bank partners with Microsoft
Standard Bank Group and Microsoft have announced a new strategic partnership that will help to transform the bank's technology estate and internal corporate functions, enabling the largest bank in Africa to accelerate its digital transformation journey significantly...
Sabvest acquires 30% stake in Revix
JSE-listed investment group Sabvest announces its 30% investment in Revix, a digital assets platform offering diversified cryptocurrency bundles similar to index funds prevalent in mainstream investing. The funding will be used to refine the platform's technology...
AI to unlock insurance value
The adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the insurance and broader financial services sector will see the industry become more proactive in its ability to make decisions in real-time regarding the risks covered in their contracts. According to Johan Reyneke,...
A holistic approach to achieving customer, economic value in financial services
What's keeping banking and financial services executives up at night in 2019? Take your pick of any number of issues: regulation, technology or new market entrants. One of the most contentious issues for many business leaders is how to create a unique customer...
Chatbots elevate customer experience in financial services
The growing sophistication of chatbots and the artificial intelligence (AI) that powers them could soon make time-consuming, frustrating interactions with financial services companies thing of the past. "Chatbots will dramatically change how you interact with a range...
Secure enterprise mobility in the insurance sector
Finding the delicate balance between productivity and security is possible with platform applications on authenticated smart devices, write Malcolm Vather: solutions design manager at T-Systems South Africa Whether we're talking about life cover, short-term insurance,...
Cash logistics becomes fully automated
With South Africa predominantly a cash-driven country, cash logistics is without a doubt a main artery of our economy. Equally important, is having world-class solutions to track the cash, throughout the cash cycle. Cash management company, Izicash announces its...
AI inspires new IT trends for banks, insurance providers
Financial and insurance industries across EMEA are known for their organically grown legacy IT infrastructures. By Patrick Maphopha, technology evangelist and chief technology officer at NetApp Africa Although South Africa has seen the rise of challenger banks such as...
Cognitive computing to enhance insurance
Customer expectations have always presented insurers with unique challenges. Henlo Ueckermann, IT operations manager at SilverBridge, believes the new technologies will enable insurers to better respond to these expectations. One of these developments in technology,...
How AI helps banks compete with digital-first players
Since the 2008 financial crisis, banks have spent a lot of time and energy on regulatory compliance and cost cutting. Until just recently, as a result of growing regulatory demands, investment in new technology took a back seat, as did innovation. By Patrick Shield,...
Investec, BankservAfrica reveal blockchain-based ID prototype
Investec, in collaboration with BankservAfrica and uPort, have demonstrated a digital identity system anchored in the Ethereum blockchain. The initiative was born in the digital identity working group of the SA Financial Blockchain Consortium (SAFBC). The identity...
Spaza shop fintech closes a gap in R40bn cash market
It is estimated that the spaza shop market in South Africa is valued at around R40 billion per year and that 90% or more of the transactions are in cash. This market is growing at around 10% each year. Despite this statistic of unaccounted cash, South Africa's...