Finance & Economy: SA, UK & Global
23 September 2026
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Nedbank’s outgoing COO, Mfundo Nkuhlu, warned that “the cash economy won’t die until digital ID arrives” (source Nedbank: the cash economy won't die until digital ID arrives – TechCentral). For businesses that still rely on physical money, this creates a double‑whammy: the cost of collecting and storing cash remains high, while regulatory pressure mounts to move toward secure digital identification. The short‑term consequence is a liquidity squeeze for founders whose clients or investors use cash‑only payment models—especially in rural provinces where banking penetration lags.
Moneyweb’s investigation into “Gambling risk hits stokvel savers and retirement funds” (source Gambling risk hits stokvel savers and retirement funds — Moneyweb) reveals that a surge in gambling activity is eroding the capital of community savings groups and, to a lesser extent, institutional pension portfolios. While the article does not quantify exact losses, the very fact that it has attracted national media attention underscores the urgency for cash‑flow protection—especially when combined with potential regulatory crackdowns on unregulated betting platforms.
Bank Zero’s recent milestone—breaking even in August after capturing half a million former Mukuru customers (source Bank Zero breaks even as Mukuru migration swells its base – TechCentral)—illustrates how fintech can reduce transaction costs and speed up settlements for SA‑based founders exporting to the UK or EU. By migrating from a legacy remittance chain to an integrated fintech platform, companies can shave off significant fees (often 2–3 % of transfer value) and shorten clearing times from days to hours.
The Moneyweb piece “Rate hike on the cards but it’s not a done deal” (source Rate hike on the cards — Moneyweb) indicates that while the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) remains poised to raise rates, a definitive decision is still pending. The same macro‑economic volatility echoes across the UK and EU—where central banks grapple with inflationary pressures, supply chain bottlenecks and post‑Brexit policy realignments. For SA founders invoicing in GBP or EUR, the looming interest‑rate hikes could translate into higher discount rates for future cash flows and tighter credit terms from foreign banks.
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| # | Recommendation | Rationale | Immediate Next Steps |
|---|----------------|-----------|----------------------|
| 1 | Audit cash‑handling processes | Identify the proportion of your receivables collected in cash versus electronic transfers. High cash ratios expose you to the risks highlighted by Nedbank and the ongoing regulatory scrutiny. | Run a one‑month transaction audit; flag any > 30 % cash collection; propose digital payment alternatives. |
| 2 | Re‑price contracts with UK/EU partners | Factor in potential interest‑rate increases and currency volatility into pricing models. Adjusting discount rates or invoicing terms can safeguard margins against tighter foreign credit conditions. | Update your P&L model to incorporate a 25 bp SARB hike scenario; review partner payment terms; renegotiate if necessary. |
| 3 | Evaluate fintech migration | Leveraging Bank Zero’s cost‑efficiency could free up at least 2–3 % of your current remittance spend, improving net cash flow for international trade. | Set up a pilot transfer via Bank Zero for one month; compare fees and settlement times against the current provider. |
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Sources