JSE Welcomes Global Fintech Leader Optasia

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GUEST: Maurice Madiba – Head of Primary Markets, Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE)

The Johannesburg Stock Exchange has officially welcomed Optasia, a global leader in AI-powered financial technology, marking one of the largest fintech listings in JSE history. With an implied market capitalisation of R23.5 billion and strategic backing from FirstRand and global investors, Optasia’s debut signals renewed investor confidence in South Africa’s capital markets and the continent’s fintech potential.

Operating across emerging economies, Dubai-based Optasia delivers real-time microfinance and airtime credit services to millions through partnerships with Vodacom, MTN, and major financial institutions. Its AI-driven platform processes over 30 million transactions daily, expanding access to financial services for over 120 million users who have traditionally been excluded from the formal banking system.
4 Nov 2025 4PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

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