The Industrial and Commercial Bank of China Limited (ICBC) will be the single largest shareholder of Standard Bank after paying R36.67 billion (US$5.46 billion) for a 20% stake. Both banks state that they will now be able to move forward in many areas through strategic cooperation. 29 Oct 2007
“Women are a driving force in the African economy, but their access to finance is still far too small,” declares Declan Duff, VP of the International Finance Corporation's Industries section, “and this is why the IFC is partnering with Nigeria's Access Bank to bridge the gap with lines of credit specifically for female entrepreneurs.” 29 Oct 2007
A number of financial institutions have lodged applications for retail banking licences, a move likely to increase the number of commercial banks in the country beyond the current 14 should the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) approve the requests. 29 Oct 2007
The country's nine major cities have recorded significant improvements in their financial stability and an increased ability to tackle service delivery challenges. 25 Oct 2007
Technology vendors in Europe, North America and the Asia-Pacific region are expected to gain from the mass affluent hot spots as spend on IT by the wealth management segment is predicted to top US$28 billion. 25 Oct 2007
Zimbabwe's Central Statistical Office (CSO) has announced that the inflation rate rose to a new record of 7 982.1% year-on-year in September, from 6 592.8% in August. The office ascribes the rise to being driven by non-food items. 19 Oct 2007
In order to encourage inflation back to within the 3 - 6% target range, the Reserve Bank has hiked the repo rate by 50 basis points to 10.5%. 11 Oct 2007
A South Africa first rolls out this month (October) when life assurer Liberty Life launches a new type of promotional activity that 'sells' behavioural change rather than a product. 9 Oct 2007
The planned indigenisation of banking institutions in Zimbabwe has created grave economic concerns, centred on what appears to be a crusade by Minister of Indigenisation and Empowerment, Paul Mangwana's crusade for the demise of international brands in the financial sector. 4 Oct 2007
Here's a concept in banking that brings bank and store together - so you can buy clothing and open a bank account at the same time. 26 Sep 2007
Regardless of which online bill paying method is selected, consumers have to pay attention to monthly statements and changing circumstances. It is easy to lose track of things after completing the one-time setup. For instance, one danger in using electronic bill paying's automatic pay feature is not noticing an interest rate increase in a credit card or adjustable mortgage account. 19 Sep 2007
Perhaps the most significant savings that paperless billing could achieve would benefit the environment directly. Electronic bills would cut down on the consumption of trees. If all US households viewed and paid their bills online, the reduction in paper would save 16.5 million trees a year, according to a recent report published by Javelin Strategy and Research. 19 Sep 2007
The new Co-operative Banking Bill 2007, which was passed in the National Assembly on Tuesday, 11 September, will allow low income earners access to banking services. 13 Sep 2007
July's CPIX figure has risen by half a percentage point to 6.5% for July 2007, according to figures released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), on Wednesday, 29 August. 31 Aug 2007
A University of Cape Town study reveals X-factors for financial sector entrepreneurs. 31 Aug 2007
Real Africa Brands Holdings, a national provider of corporate investment and franchise opportunities, has appointed Pretoria-based MicroZone Public Relations to provide proactive, industry-focused marketing, media and PR services. 31 Aug 2007
South Africa's Production Price Index (PPI) has dipped a further 0.1 of a percentage point to 10.3% year-on-year, revealed Statistics South Africa (Stats SA), Thursday, 30 August. 30 Aug 2007
MagnaQuest Technologies Pty Ltd, a global customer management and billing solution provider with its headquarters in Hyderabad, India, has announced that its flagship product MQSubscribe has been chosen by Gateway Broadcast Services. 28 Aug 2007
CDGcommerce, Internet merchant credit card processor, has announced the release of its free online payment gateway program, powered by the Quantum Payment Gateway. The new program relieves merchants accepting credit cards online of all gateway and gateway per transaction fees. 27 Aug 2007
South Africans are not the only ones feeling the pressure of increased inflation - with UK interest rates approaching a 14 year high, and debt resolution frustratingly difficult to secure, debt distress in on the rise. 23 Aug 2007
