Cloud vital for insurance growth
With the number of insurers using cloud computing services tripling over the last few years, those still undecided as to its relevance need to start making a serious investment into strategically understanding the impact on their businesses. Patrick Ashton, managing...
Remittances key to uplifting SADC’s slow growth
After a slowdown in recent years, Africa is experiencing an uptick in growth. West and East Africa are leading the way: Ethiopia is predicted to grow at 8,5% in 2018 while Cote d'Ivoire and Senegal aren't far behind at 7,4% and 7% respectively. By Andrew Stewart, MD:...
Traditional financial institutions must transform or die
With fintechs, big-techs and start-ups already eating into traditional financial institutions' market share, banking and insurance company chief executives need to identify their organisations' strengths and build on them - or they will quickly flounder and die. By...
The big questions around mobile transactional platforms
"Why", rather than "how'", will become a key focus for next generation transactional platforms in 2019. This is according to Kobus du Plooy, CEO of transactional platform provider Celbux, who says that, as digital banking solutions proliferate and mobile banking goes...
Retailers, government missing out on new payment trends
Merchants, retailers and the government are missing out on their share of the R14bn local online retail market, partly because they're not cashing in on alternative digital payment technologies, says Adesh Kisten, head of sales at instant EFT payment provider i-Pay....
Digital disruption transforms insurance
South African insurers must embrace digital disruption and the associated technologies to remain competitive and provide customers with a more immersive experience. This is according to Shingie Maramba, business development manager at SilverBridge, who adds: "Even...
New equipment doubles Wilgers Oncology Centre capacity
Wilgers Oncology Centre at the Life Wilgers Hospital in Lynnwood Ridge, Pretoria, is now be able to treat double the number of patients, thanks to the installation of a second specialised Elekta radiation therapy machine. The centre, already well-established and...
New digital banks must balance the three Cs
With the launch of several new banks in South Africa and the disruption caused by digitalisation, the incumbents are re-aligning themselves to better support a digital environment. By Nathen Pillay, sales director for applications at Oracle South Africa Newcomers must...
Technology socialises financial services
The financial services industry has long been seen as extremely traditional in its technology use, but that is not the case, says Richard Firth, CEO of MIP Holdings, who points out the many innovations the sector has brought about over the past decade. "From cellphone...
Alternative payment solutions key for economic inclusion
Despite there being more than 19 million online shoppers in South Africa, the recent Black Friday and Cyber Monday stampedes at retail outlets have once again shown the importance of providing people with alternative digital payment options. By Thomas Pays, CEO of...
Microsoft data centres to impact local insurance market
In May last year, Microsoft announced plans to launch two data centres in South Africa. Located in Johannesburg and Cape Town, these see the company targeting cloud services growth on the continent. These data centres will deliver the Microsoft Cloud, including...
Automated bookkeeping service free for Absa customers
Absa has launched a platform that automates manual bookkeeping as a free, value-added service for all its customers. The solution is a result of a partnership between Absa and technology company, Sage. The solution automates most of the accounting functions that are...