Decrypting blockchain and cryptocurrencies
Cryptocurrencies are dominating the media. This one has collapsed, that one is on the rise, and a new one is around the corner. Their flavour isn't quite as piquant today as it was yesterday thanks to fraud, an upsurge in Initial Coin Offerings (ICO) and the...
FNB unveils mobile banking for the underbanked
First National Bank (FNB) has announced the launch of eWallet eXtra, a mobile bank account that allows unbanked and underbanked South African consumers to use a feature phone or a smartphone to open a bank account without ever walking into a branch. eWallet eXtra will...
CaseWare Africa launches Modified Cash template
CaseWare Africa, a division of AdaptIT, has launched a template for the Modified Cash standard. The standard was developed by the Office of the Auditor General in National Treasury to mandate the principles by which national and provincial departments should present...
IMB’s Money App makes mobile money easy
IMB Financial Services has launched the Money App, which will assist communities in accessing and managing their finances from the convenience of a smartphone or tablet. The IMB Money App is available from the app stores, and once the IMB Money App is loaded onto a...
Naked uses AI to change insurance
Insurance start-up Naked has launched with an AI-based car insurance offering. Rebuilt for social good, the new product puts customers in control of their insurance and saves them money. Naked's car insurance offering has been built on three core principles: ensure a...
Virgin Money speeds car insurance
Registered financial services provider Virgin Money South Africa has launched its Online Buying platform, giving consumers more options when sourcing and securing car insurance. Now, customers have the option of using a call centre or can also go online to get insured...
Why insurers should embrace mobile
Even though the market has become more competitive in Africa, many insurers still rely on traditional methods to reach customers. While other industries have been pro-active in their adoption of mobile technology due to its convenience and reach, insurance has...
Root launches Insurtech platform
Technology company Root has announced the Root Insurance, a new platform API that enables software developers to rapidly prototype and launch digital insurance products into the South African market. Root's API enables software developers, using only code, to easily...
Insuring the future
Imagine a future where 'simple, flexible and transparent' are words you would use to describe the service you receive from your insurer. What if the quick, friendly exchange that made your day was with a robot that processed your claim with lightning speed using a...
FirstRand eyes digital insurance solutions
FirstRand has been awarded a short-term insurance licence by the Financial Services Board (FSB), three years after acquiring its long-term insurance licence. The licence will enable FNB to become a complete insurer, with the ability to underwrite short and long-term...
Capitalising on African insurance opportunities
Consolidation is taking place in the East African insurance market due to rising capital requirements and mergers with international firms that want to gain a foothold in the region. Ashok Shah, Group CEO of APA Apollo examines the opportunities this brings. In...
How the banking sector is keeping up with data
Big data and advanced analytics are at the center of how financial services institutions are equipping themselves to deliver better value to their customers, while decreasing operating costs and mitigating credit, market, and operational risks. By Dr Mark Nasila, head...