Lesaka Technologies’s acquisition of Bank Zero unpacked.

Loading player...
Guest: Kokkie Kooyman, banking analyst and director at Denker Capital

In a bold move set to reshape South Africa’s digital banking landscape, Lesaka Technologies has announced its R1.1-billion acquisition of Bank Zero the app-based mutual bank co-founded and chaired by former FNB CEO Michael Jordaan. In this interview, we speak to Kokkie Kooyman, banking analyst and director at Denker Capital, to unpack the strategic implications of this landmark deal.



We explore how the acquisition positions Lesaka to build a vertically integrated fintech platform, what it signals about the future of digital-first banking in South Africa, and how Bank Zero’s zero-fee model and patented secure debit card technology could give Lesaka a competitive edge. We also unpack what this deal means for Lesaka’s debt structure, innovation potential, and long-term profitability and what it reveals about the competitive intensity in the local banking sector.
30 Jun 2025 4PM English South Africa Business News · Investing

Other recent episodes

How South Africans Are Stretching Every Rand

South Africans are increasingly living two very different financial realities. New research from NielsenIQ reveals a growing consumer divide, with almost equal numbers reporting that they're either financially worse off or better off than a year ago. As inflation, food prices and household costs continue to bite, consumers are changing…
28 Oct 1PM 13 min

ECIC at 25: Reimagining South Africa's Export Future

As the Export Credit Insurance Corporation of South Africa (ECIC) marks 25 years of supporting exporters, newly appointed CEO Linda Seroka joins Kaya Biz to outline the institution's future vision. From supporting emerging exporters and SMMEs to exploring new trade opportunities in Asia and the Middle East, the discussion examines…
28 Oct 1PM 13 min

The Real Income Crunch: What September's Net Salary Data Reveals

South Africa's average take-home salary edged higher in September, but the latest PayInc Net Salary Index reveals a harsher reality beneath the headline figures. Independent economist Elize Kruger unpacks why rising fuel costs, inflation and weakening purchasing power continue to place pressure on households, what it means for consumer spending,…
28 Oct 12PM 12 min

Opportunities and Risks in the Global Commodity Rally

Oil, copper and agricultural commodities are rallying as geopolitical tensions, climate pressures and energy-transition demand reshape global markets. Kaya Biz speaks to Simon Lacoume of Coface about the opportunities for South Africa's mining sector and the risks posed by rising inflation and food prices
27 Oct 1PM 15 min

African Bank's Next Chapter: From Turnaround to Growth

African Bank has spent years transforming itself from a specialist unsecured lender into a diversified retail and commercial banking group. Kaya Biz speaks to Chairman Thabo Dloti about the bank's evolution, the lessons learned from its acquisition-led growth strategy, leadership stability, and whether African Bank is finally entering the value-creation…
27 Oct 12PM 23 min