Keeping abreast of technology changes affecting the banking landscape is tough. From AI and machine learning to mobile, fintechs, digital, data, cloud and many more, new developments are happening all the time.One option in making things a little bit easier to understand is to attend TCI’s upcoming BankTech Southern Africa 2020 Conference.

The BankTech 2020 conference is the only event in SA which will address the pitfalls of legacy systems and empower attendees with the right set of insights to negotiate dealing with and improving legacy systems without impacting on operations.

This event is taking place on 26 & 27 February 2020 at the Indaba Hotel, Fourways, Johannesburg will feature close to 30 top speakers, eight sessions and a panel discussion. Attending this event will provide the ideal platform to attendees to get the latest news regarding technology developments – both locally and international.

Here are a few topics to be addresses at this event:

• Digital implementation within finance
• Why technology adoption is mandatory
• Disruption of fintechs in the financial industry
• Using behavioural economics to increase the uptake of digital banking platforms
• Fostering business growth through open banking
• How artificial intelligence will benefit financial services
• Exploiting traditional information technology frameworks in governing new technologies
• Addressing regulatory challenges through technology
• Automating fraud detection and prevention
• Embracing cloud in emerging financial services
• Deployment of traditional payment solutions in the cloud
• Big data, analytics and technology
• Data governance implications of moving to the cloud

With more than 100 banking conferences held, Trade Conferences International has for the past 10 years become the leading banking conference organiser in South Africa. With signature events such as Mobile Banking, Payments Southern Africa, Transaction Banking, AML & Financial Crime and Big Data and Analytics in Banking, TCI became a trusted conference organiser for the financial industry.

Normal registration fee: R9 500 + VAT = R10 925 p.p 

10% group registrations (3 or more): R8 550 + VAT = R9 832.50

15% group registration (5 or more): R8 075 + VAT = R9 286.25

To register as a delegate e-mail Project Manager Bandile Ngobese on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .
Sponsorship and exhibition opportunities e-mail: Ryno van Ellewee on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 011 803-1553/0009.

CASHCLOUD releases all NEW latest tech Android Mobile Application.

CASHCLOUD prides itself on being an affordable mobile banking solution, since 2014. A great option for all South Africans, tourists and foreign individuals alike! An easy online application process with self-registration and two account options, CASHCLOUD caters to everyone. 

Offering a basic range of transactional services, CASHCLOUD’s vision is to be easily accessible and inclusive. CASHCLOUD’s current services include loans and prepaid purchases, with tailor-made funeral covers, money transfers and savings options in the pipeline.

CASHCLOUD offers a fresh approach to banking accessibility. No paperwork, no queues in branches, no calls on hold, no fuss! Keeping in line with wider connectedness, CASHCLOUD offers multiple channels to communicate on, including WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter.

The new CASHCLOUD App features:

• Self-registration,
• WhatsApp call centre,
• Statement download to device,
• Airtime and Data in app purchases,
• Online purchases,
• Card delivery to your door  

This all contributes to make CASHCLOUD a truly mobile solution! It not only allows instant, fast access to all services, but also saves its clients the unnecessary transport costs to and from branches as well airtime costs when dealing with queries over the phone.

CASHCLOUD’s all-new simple, functional and intuitive design offering makes for a great  mobile experience and instant way of banking anytime, anywhere.The CASHCLOUD Mobile App will deliver customers a fast and easy way to set up an account and start banking, without ever having to step into a branch.

The CASHCLOUD Mobile App will be available for download from the Google play store from 10 July, 2018. 

We are living in times whereby buying as opposed to leasing or renting is seen as a form of investment, the level of achievement, self-worth and so forth. When you are ready to acquire a certain asset, you automatically think along the lines of purchasing it via financing or cash. For some people, it might make better financial sense to lease or rent out assets more especially, if you take the weakening Rand and inflation rates into consideration. Do you fall under this category? Do you believe in the comfort of buying and ultimately owning your assets? If you have not given this much thought. Let’s explore which option/s would best suit your pocket, needs and lifestyle say you had to get a car today.

What personal vehicle financing options do we have at present in the country? What are their benefits and disadvantages? Let’s discuss...

1. Installment Sale

When you are able to purchase a vehicle and pay for it over an agreed period. At the end of the credit agreement and final installment, ownership is automatically passed to you and you can also choose to trade in the vehicle.

BENEFIT - If you own a car you do not have economic penalties or mileage restrictions like when you lease or rent a vehicle.

DOWNSIDE - Service or motor plans and insurance costs are your sole responsibility even before you become the official owner.  

2. Lease

When you are able to have uninterrupted use of a vehicle without owning it. However, you have the choice of owning the vehicle by settling/refinancing the guaranteed future value or returning it to the financial institution at the end of the agreement period.   

BENEFIT - You can drive a brand new car every 2 to 4 years and enjoy new model advancements like more safety, petrol efficiency and vehicle performance as a whole.    

DOWNSIDE - You will be obligated to pay balloon payments at the end of the agreement period. You have an annual mileage limit and if you exceed it the charge per kilometre will vary according to the vehicle purchased.  

3. Rental

When you able to have uninterrupted use of a vehicle without the option of ever owning it. You basically pay for the use of the vehicle.  

BENEFIT - You have more repayment options such as annual or quarterly repayment plans. You can also negotiate a residual value to reduce monthly payments.  

DOWNSIDE - You need to return the vehicle in good condition and within the agreed mileage restrictions and parameters. You will be liable to pay for restoration costs except for fair wear and tear.

If you have a bad credit rating or are blacklisted you can “rent to own” a car for a predefined period of time while driving around in it and paying a monthly rental fee. If you want to terminate your agreement, you need to simply return the vehicle to get your deposit back. If we are still undecided about getting a car why not look into investing your hard earned cash instead?

Johannesburg - 18 November 2014 - For immediate release

FinScope South Africa 2014 shows increase in financial inclusion

FinMark Trust released the results of its FinScope Consumer South Africa 2014 survey results on 4 November 2014.  The FinScope Survey, developed by FinMark Trust, is a research tool to assess financial access in a country and to identify the constraints that prevent financial service providers from reaching the financially under- and unserved people. The FinScope Survey is a nationally representative survey of how individuals source their incomes and how they manage their financial lives. It also provides insight into attitudes and perceptions regarding financial products and services. FinScope South Africa involved a range of stakeholders engaging in a comprehensive consultation process, thereby enriching the survey. To date, FinScope Consumer Surveys have been conducted in 19 countries.  The study was based on a nationally representative sample of 3 900 adults who are 16 years or older.  

Highlights from the survey Overview of changes in the past ten years

The survey results show an increase in access to infrastructure in 2014 with more adults having access to electricity (82% in 2004 to 94% in 2014), tap water on property (increased from 67% in 2004 to 81% in 2014) and flush toilets (increased from 55% in 2004 to 64% in 2014).  An improvement in the standard of living is indicated by the decrease in LSM 1-5 by 4.4 million since 2004 while LSM 6-10 increased by 12.2 million people since 2004. Working and unemployment status of individuals has not changed much over the past ten years with 9 million people (22%) unemployed in 2004, and 9.5 million (23%) still unemployed in 2014. The usage of cellphones has increased to 33 million up from 12 million in 2004. Although there is an increase in the salaried adult population in 2014 (7.2 million in 2004 to 12.4 million in 2014), there is also an increase in dependence on government grants (19% in 2004 to 30% in 2014). 78% of the adult population earned an average personal monthly income of less than R2 000 per month in 2014. However the number of adults with no personal income decreased from 4.1 million in 2013 to 2.7 million in 2014.

Increase in financial inclusion

This year’s survey results indicate an increase in the number of financially included adults from 17.7 million in 2004 to 31.4 million in 2014. Banking increased from 46% in 2004 to 75% in 2014. The overall increase in financial inclusion from 61% to 86% over the past ten years is mainly driven by an increase in banking with more people accessing banking products driven by organic banking growth and SASSA roll out.  Although an increase in banking is noted in 2014, the survey shows that the rate of growth in banking has dropped as indicated by bank account product usage remaining static at 75% for both 2013 and 2014.

Transactions

One of the determinants of deepening financial inclusion is the ability of South Africans to use transactional accounts to purchase/make payments for goods and services and electronic fund transfers. The study shows that 27.2 million adults have transactional products, and only 12.9 million adults use EFT or bank card payments at least once a week or monthly. Almost 100% of the banked population have transactional products.  

Savings

The study reveals that 7.3 million (20%) adult South Africans have savings products with formal financial institutions in 2014. Whilst the majority of those who are saving possess long-term savings products, it is a concern to note that only 44% of the salaried individuals have long-term savings or retirement products. The contribution towards pension funds has decreased since 2013 from 4.8 million (13%) to 3.9 million (11%) in 2014. This could be the effects from the perception or “talk” that the government will nationalise pension funds and other uncertainty surrounding Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF).

Credit and borrowing  

According to the survey, 13.7 million people have formal credit products in 2014 compared to 13.9 million people with formal credit products in 2013. While secured loans are on the increase, the increase in unsecured loans, at 40%, are mainly used for developmental purposes such as child education, building/extending homes and investing in business. Use of personal loans from a bank is on the increase with 1.6 million people in 2014 compared to 1.2 million in 2013.  The study shows that 2.7 million people have a credit card in 2014, a drop from 3.1 million in 2013.  36% of adults have formal credit facilities from non-bank financial institutions which could be in the form of store cards, hire purchase (HP) credit, cellphone contracts and outstanding balance for a service offered.  The survey indicates that borrowing from family and friends is on the increase at 3.7 million in 2014 up from 1.8 million in 2013. Of the 56% of the adult population who do not borrow, 32% cited not having a job as a reason for not borrowing, while 31% did not want debt and 20% claim that they cannot afford to borrow. The study reveals that 4.9 million people are showing signs of over-indebtedness, an increase from 4.7 million in 2013. 1.9 million people have applied to have their debt rescheduled and 1.4 million have had a garnishee or emolument order, while 2.2 million people have considered cancelling insurance and investment policies in order to pay back borrowed money.                                                                                                                                                                   

Insurance – are South Africans over-insured with funeral cover?  

While some growth has taken place in the insurance sector with 60% of adults having insurance, a significant increase has occurred with burial society membership at 32% in 2014 up from 20% in 2004, and formal funeral cover doubling at 33% in 2014 up from 15% in 2004. The increase in burial society membership is also evident from 25% in 2013 to 32% in 2014. 40% of adult South Africans do not have any kind of financial product covering risk with lack of affordability cited as the main barrier to uptake. The results show a decrease in formal insurance uptake from 7.8 million in 2013 down to 7.1 million in 2014.  

Increase incidence of remitting through supermarkets  

The incidence of remittance within South Africa increased from 20% in 2013 to 23% in 2014. According to the survey, 85% of remittances are conducted monthly with an increase by 22% in remitting through a supermarket (an increase from 1.8 million in 2013 to 2.2 million in 2014),  while remitting through cellphones has increased by 15% (up from 1.3 million in 2013 to 1.5 million in 2014). Remitting by banks only increased by 4.2% in 2014 (an increase from 2.4 million in 2013 to 2.5 million in 2014).  

Mobile money – Do South Africans find technology complicated?  

There has been a substantial increase in the usage of cellphones since 2004, with 33 million adults using cellphones in 2014 up from 12 million in 2004. However, despite the increase in usage of  cellphones at 90% in 2014, only 24% of the adult population use cellphone banking. Cellphone banking only increased from 8.3 million in 2012 to 8.6 million in 2014. Over one third of adults in South Africa find technology complicated to use for financial activities according to the study.  

Are consumers beginning to understand their rights and responsibilities?

Consumer protection and financial education are fundamental to the financial inclusion agenda of South Africa.  An environment of poor financial literacy, coupled with a lack of adequate consumer protection, is likely to encourage consumer abuse and inappropriate use of financial services. Users of financial services can easily be victims of unfair treatment by service providers, which is sometimes caused by opaque disclosure or nondisclosure of costs or conditions. However, FinScope 2014 reveals that about 4 million banked adults have switched banks in the past 12 months prior to the survey. Reasons for switching banks could be related to 55% of the adult population claiming to understand the benefits of banking products.  

Conclusion  

Overall there are 10 million unbanked people in South Africa.  The survey showed that while savings is difficult due to low levels of income, most people prefer to save at home possibly due to high banking fees and a lack of confidence in the financial services sector. Although unsecured loans are on the increase, 40% of these are being used for developmental reasons. Funeral cover seems to be the most popular insurance taken by most South Africans. The number of excluded people has dropped to 5.3 million in 2014 from 5.7 million in 2013. 48% of those that are excluded reside mainly rural traditional areas. The challenge for financial institutions is to bring appropriate affordable services to those who are not banked.

FinScope

FinScope was launched in 2002 by FinMark Trust (www.finmark.org.za).  Its purpose is to establish credible benchmarks on the use of, and access to, financial services in South Africa.  It is designed to highlight opportunities for innovation in products and delivery. The FinScope survey is a comprehensive and national representative study on financial inclusion, looking at how people source their income and manage their financial lives. It has been implemented in 19 countries (11 in SADC, 5 non-SADC Africa and 3 in Asia). The FinScope survey is currently being implemented in 3 more countries in Asia and 4 in the SADC region (1 first cycle and 3 repeat surveys).    

Editorial contact:   FinMark Trust   Nitha Ramnath (Ms) Communication Manager

Tel:  011 315-9197 / 0829214769 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

About FinMark Trust

FinMark Trust, an independent trust based in Johannesburg, South Africa, was established in 2002, and is funded primarily by UKaid from the Department for International Development (DFID) through its Southern Africa office.  FinMark Trust’s purpose is ‘Making financial markets work for the poor, by promoting financial inclusion and regional financial integration’. FinMark Trust does this by conducting research to identify the systemic constraints that prevent financial markets from reaching out to these consumers and by advocating for change on the basis of research findings. Please visit www.finmark.org.za for more information.

Website: www.finmark.org.za

University of Pretoria-  Measuring the impact of trade finance on country trade flows : a South African perspectiveKohler, Marcel; Saville, Adrian- 2011

Trade finance (or short-term credit) plays a crucial role in facilitating international trade yet is particularly vulnerable to financial crises as banks increase the pricing on all trade finance transactions to cover increased funding costs and higher credit risks. Whereas South Africa’s financial institutions largely managed to strengthen their capital positions during the global financial crisis, the country’s trade flows and access to capital (in particular trade finance and its costs) were hard hit by the crisis. Little is known about the extent of shortages or ‘gaps’ in trade finance and the impact of this on South Africa’s recent trade performance. Whilst our research recognises that access to trade finance is not the main cause of South Africa’s trade contraction, our research suggests that all else equal, a one percentage point increase in the interbank lending rate of our trade partner could reduce exports by approximately ten per cent.

With global trade flows shifting, and intra-regional trading becoming ever more prevalent, the world is watching Africa as an emerging global force.

Trade finance in Africa is growing as a force to be reckoned with, and the world’s eyes are fixed on Africa to see what it will present to the global market. Sharing a South African perspective, speakers addressing the Trade Finance Conference taking place on 5-6 November 2014 will discuss who the key-players are in African intra-regional trade; leading African and emerging trade hubs, as well as the still untapped opportunities for intra-regional trade.

“The speaker panel will engage with conference attendees, sharing key trade finance awareness’s and outlooks for the future,” says project manager, Jason Joseph. “Attending the conference will be a great opportunity to network and build industry contacts,” says Joseph, “while getting a global view on trade finance.”

Jason Joseph, project manager can be contacted on 011 803 1553 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details on speaker opportunities. For marketing, sponsorship and exhibitions, email Sian Wirth This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Business Results Group and GIBS presents The 10th Progress Conference on Balanced Scorecard Essentials, with Dr David Norton, Live and in Person. Dave Norton will present a one day programme in JHB on the 11th September 2014. In 2012, over 500 executives participated in his colleague, Professor Kaplan’s event in South Africa.

Dr Norton has most recently been honoured by Thinkers 50 in their Hall of Fame sharing this acclaim with Tom Peters, Warren Bennis, Howard Gardner, Charles Handy, Philip Kotler, Henry Mintzberg, Kenichi Omae, Ikujiro Nonaka and his colleague Professor Kaplan, for their mammoth contribution to business management and leadership. Harvard Business Review recognised the Balanced Scorecard as one of the most influential management ideas in the past 75 years.

The 2014 programme includes the latest findings and experience in Strategy measurement, leadership, human capital and cross functional priorities and solutions.  

This is what his clients have to say,

“Our BSC helped us to deliver superior performance, consistently and predictably in all facets of our organisation.” Kris Gopalakrishnan, CEO, INFOSYS

“BSC is the strongest tool I have seen in 22 years of my career, to align people in the organisation to the corporate objectives.” Sunil Wahwa, CEO, New Delhi Power

“I am convinced that implementing the Balanced Scorecard has helped us to deliver record-breaking progress over the past 5 years.” Bill Padfield, CEO, Data Dimensions  

To acquire access to Dr Dave Norton’s latest thinking, findings and solutions to execute strategy in a new economy, call Angela on 011 463 9898.
For further information visit www.theprogressconference.com

Trade Conference International (TCI) brings you the first ever Global Transaction Banking Conference, taking place on 9 & 10 July 2014 in Johannesburg, South Africa, following the success of the 1st Transaction Banking Conference of 2013 which was retail-orientated. This year’s Global Transaction Banking Conference seeks to bring forth the latest corporate trends and innovations driving successful and effective transaction banking.  

In order to grow globally African, and in particular Southern African banks, focusing on transaction banking will open up new avenues of revenue generation. Africa has become increasingly integrated into the global financial system. To succeed locally continuous innovation is required for seamless cross-border transactions and cash management, bearing in mind the various regulations, risks, the practicalities of moving cash and varying exchange control rules.

Attending the Global Transaction Banking Conference 2014 will answer questions on how the latest innovations, technologies and strategies are going to rapidly transform the local transaction banking environment.

Key industry leaders like Nicky Weimar, Senior Economist at Nedbank; Rodger Dunn, Head: Transaction Banking at Sasfin Bank; Anthony van Eden, Chief Operating Officer at Strate; Nerina Visser, Head of Beta and ETF’s at Nedbank Capital; Brad Gillis, Chief Executive Officer: Regulated Markets at Bankserv Africa; David Robinson, Head: Collection Products – Transactional Products and Services at Standard Bank; Tertius Vermeulen, Chief Executive Officer at Trustlink (Swift SA Business Partner); Jean Groenewaldt, Senior Manager: Financial Surveillance at SA Reserve Bank, Stephen Meintjes, Head: Traditional Trade Products at Standard Bank; Josephat Mutepfa, Senior Executive: National Payments Systems at Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and Charles Guise-Brown, Chief Executive Officer at Qualica Technologies and many more,professionals who will be addressing the conference.

In their presentations, these experts will address topics which include the current landscape of corporate transaction banking, African transaction banking, export and import monitoring, global markets and the context of South Africa, cash management for corporate treasurers in Africa, benefiting from global trends for corporates and transaction bankers in Africa, SADC payments intergration, cross-border transactions, case for intra-Africa banking alliances, cybersecurity threats to global transaction banking, and cross border regulations that affect the movement of trade transactions and much more.

Register to attend the Global Transaction Banking Conference 2014 to gain insight on how to optimise current products and services in the transaction banking environment, and gain knowledge to respond to corporate requirements the FIRST time round.

Sebastian Gazi, Project Manager at Trade Conferences International said, “A lack of regional monetary zones until recently has made payments processing progressively difficult thus it has become important to improve and diversify transaction banking products and services to meet international standards. Investments in Africa are increasing exponentially and hence the need to make your organization the preferred point of entry for corporates who are involved in trade transactions globally, but particularly in Africa.”

If you deal with cash management, transaction banking, transaction services, treasury, finance, payments, organisational strategy, foreign exchange, exchange controls, operations, cross-border transactions, product development, system integration, corporate finance, trade finance or risk management, compliance and regulation, then attending this conference will be beneficial for both you and your organisation.

To register contact Trade Conferences International on 011 803 1553 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

In order to grow globally African, and in particular Southern African banks, focusing on transaction banking will open up new avenues of revenue generation. Africa has become increasingly integrated into the global financial system. To succeed locally continuous innovation is required for seamless cross-border transactions and cash management, bearing in mind the various regulations, risks, the practicalities of moving cash and varying exchange control rules.

Attending the Global Transaction Banking Conference on 9 and 10 July 2014 will answer questions on how the latest innovations, technologies and strategies are going to rapidly transform the local transaction banking environment.

Key industry leaders like Nicky Weimar, Senior Economist at Nedbank; Rodger Dunn, Head: Transaction Banking at Sasfin Bank; Anthony van Eden, Chief Operating Officer at Strate; Nerina Visser, Head of Beta and ETF’s at Nedbank Capital; Brad Gillis, Chief Executive Officer: Regulated Markets at Bankserv Africa; David Robinson, Head: Collection Products – Transactional Products and Services at Standard Bank; Tertius Vermeulen, Chief Executive Officer at Trustlink (Swift SA Business Partner); Jean Groenewaldt, Senior Manager: Financial Surveillance at SA Reserve Bank, Stephen Meintjes, Head: Traditional Trade Products at Standard Bank; Josephat Mutepfa, Senior Executive: National Payments Systems at Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe and Charles Guise-Brown, Chief Executive Officer at Qualica Technologies and many more, are just some of the top class professionals who will be addressing the conference.

Register to attend the Global Transaction Banking Conference 2014 to gain insight on how to optimise current products and services in the transaction banking environment, and gain knowledge to respond to corporate requirements the FIRST time round.

Sebastian Gazi, Project Manager at Trade Conferences International said, “A lack of regional monetary zones until recently has made payments processing progressively difficult thus it has become important to improve and diversify transaction banking products and services to meet international standards. Investments in Africa are increasing exponentially and hence the need to make your organization the preferred point of entry for corporates who are involved in trade transactions globally, but particularly in Africa.”

To register for the Global Transaction Banking Conference 2014, complete the registration form fround on the TCI website and return it to Trade Conferences International on 086 582 2981. Alternativley call 011 803 1553 to speak to the project manager.

{pp}Well established company in the bond origination industry, Priority Bonds, is expanding its operations. Priority Bonds has opened a new store in Clearwater Mall, Roodepoort, Johannesburg. It is the first time that such a venture has been launched in South Africa.

The retail outlet is stylishly fitted out and will accommodate the public by allowing clients to know what they afford before they go out and look for their new home they wish to purchase. The entire process is streamlined to ensure minimum hassle for the client and maximum benefit by providing the client access to all major banks in one foul swoop.

{pp}The mydebt.co.za website offers information that relates specifically to the South African consumer’s debt standing. Specialised information is available about debt management, debt counselling, debt consolidation, credit card debt and home loans.

I am proud to announce the launch of South Africa’s latest personal finance website.