Latest articles from South Africa

Rand teaser

Will elections leave South Africa on the right track?

May 1, 2019

South Africa's growth forecast of just over 1% in 2019 is a step in the right direction. But issues of debt, inflation and political corruption are still hindering the country's progress. 

Absa teaser

Will digital banks disrupt South Africa's big five?

May 1, 2019

A quintet of big banks dominate South Africa's banking scene, but this could change as the arrival of several low-cost digital banks triggers competition. 

Top five South African banks

September 25, 2018

South Africa’s top lenders strengthened their balance sheets in 2017, but are now entangled in a corruption inquiry. Joy Macknight reports.

A glimmer of light for South Africa

Is the worst over for South Africa's spluttering economy?

May 2, 2016

At first glance, South Africa is in a position of near-crisis. Its economic growth is sluggish, its government is making a series of unpopular decisions, and a severe drought is denting its agricultural output. However, the private sect seems to approve of the country's new finance minister, and the rand is showing signs of stability. So is there cause for optimism? James King investigates.

Staying ahead of the slump

South Africa's banks stay ahead of the slump

May 2, 2016

Though South Africa's economy is cooling, its banks are continuing to perform strongly. For some, growth is coming from operations elsewhere in Africa, while for others its is stemming from the domestic market. James King looks at the strategies being employed to keep the country's lenders buoyant in a slow-growth environment.

Lesetja Kganyago

South Africa's CBG takes price stability route out of difficulties

May 2, 2016

The governor of the South African Reserve Bank, Lesetja Kganyago, tells James King about efforts to combat rising inflation and the impact of a devastating drought on the country’s economic outlook.

Nhlanhla Nene

South Africa will benefit from Africa’s rise

October 1, 2014

South Africa’s growth has been sluggish of late but the country’s financial sector remains one of the world’s most sophisticated, while the government’s reforms are allowing businesses to tap into fast-growing markets in the rest of sub-Saharan Africa more easily.

Top 1000 World Banks – Africa’s biggest banks endure a tough year

June 30, 2014

South Africa's lenders, for so long the shining light in Africa's representation in The Banker's Top 1000 rankings, retain the top spots in the regional list but mostly with falls in their Tier 1 capital. The good news, however, comes from the direction of Morocco's financial institutions.

Gill Marcus

South African CBG toes a fine line

May 23, 2014

South Africa’s central bank governor Gill Marcus faces the tricky task of curbing inflationary pressures while trying not to damage the country’s weak economy. Whether or not she succeeds will depend to a large extent on factors outside her control.

Jacko Maree

The rise of African banking

January 2, 2014

Africa’s banking industry has gone through huge changes during Jacko Maree’s career. The former chief executive of Standard Bank believes the future for banks on the continent looks promising, but says they will have to adapt to regulatory changes and tap new types of clients. Interview by Paul Wallace.

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