Standard Bank

South Africa’s 2026 National Budget has delivered targeted relief for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), including a significant increase in the Value Added Tax (VAT) registration threshold, alongside enhanced capital gains tax exemptions for qualifying business owners. In his Budget Speech, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana announced that the VAT registration threshold will increase to …

South Africa’s mining sector has long been a cornerstone of the national economy, contributing meaningfully to gross domestic product, exports, employment, and industrial development. According to the Minerals Council South Africa, mining contributes approximately 6–7% to South Africa’s gross domestic product, accounts for more than 50% of merchandise export earnings and supports over 450,000 direct jobs, …

Standard Bank Personal and Private Banking (PPB) is accelerating the evolution of its branch network in response to changing customer behaviour and declining cash usage in certain areas with more branches set to become cashless in 2026. In 2025, the bank repurposed some of its traditional branches as part of a deliberate shift towards a …

With South Africa’s busiest trading period in full swing, businesses face a critical opportunity and challenge – managing cash safely and efficiently. Despite the rise of digital payments, cash remains the backbone of commerce, especially in townships and informal markets, where over 59% of transactions are still cash-based according to the data from the bank’s …

Johannesburg: South Africa’s most accomplished women leaders gathered at the Sandton Convention Centre this week to be recognised for their impact at the 22nd Standard Bank Top Women™ Awards, a national platform celebrating the innovation, resilience, and leadership of women across business, public service, and social impact. The prestigious event brought together more than 800 …

Johannesburg – South Africa’s automotive sector is at a crossroads, and Chinese auto manufacturers are increasingly being seen as the ones who may redefine its future. After years of steady market penetration through imports and distribution, signs are emerging that some of these brands are considering a deeper, more permanent presence on South African soil. …

Standard Bank and Liberty’s transactional data from discretionary investors shows one thing clearly: while markets may move on information, investors often move on emotion. Despite access to sophisticated platforms and expert guidance, behavioural biases still drove many of this year’s investment decisions. “Despite access to quality advice and robust investment platforms, we saw many clients …

Instant Money has become one of the fastest-growing ways of transacting in South Africa, with Standard Bank customers completing 169% more Instant Money transactions per month than they did five years ago. In fact, over 200,000 of Standard Bank’s new digital customers have sent an Instant Money voucher this year. Private banking clients send two …

South Africa’s most promising entrepreneurs will converge in Johannesburg next month to pitch for millions in business funding at the 2025 South African Future Trust (SAFT) Summit, a national platform celebrating the innovation and resilience of the country’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs). As the headline sponsor, Standard Bank is standing alongside the SAFT in …