South African Bank Crisis: Another Bank Calls It Quit

Sasfin quits BCB business: Sasfin plans to close its Business and Commercial Banking (BCB) business in 2025, joining a growing list of financial companies exiting their South African banking operations.

In its delayed financial results for the year ended 30 June 2024 (FY24), Sasfin said that its BCB business suffered increased losses.

Sasfin, One Out Of Many Banks To Call It Quit

Sasfin’s decision follows a series of international and local banks that also called it quits. 

UK-based bank HSBC recently announced it has reached an agreement to transfer its branch business in South Africa to FirstRand Bank. 

The sale will include transferring the branch’s clients and banking assets and liabilities and will provide transferred clients with continued access to banking services in South Africa.

HSBC’s branch employees will also transfer to FirstRand as part of the agreement.

Furthermore, the sixth-largest bank in the world, BNP Paribas, is no longer operating as a bank in South Africa.

In 2012, the French company was permitted to conduct business as a bank in South Africa through a branch. 

Nevertheless, the group has started scaling back from its non-core operations across Africa, with its focus fixed on Europe and Asia.

The Bidvest Group also plans to dispose of Bidvest Bank and FinGlobal. 

The group said it will position these businesses for the next growth phase while also recycling capital.

Bidvest’s management aims to identify a suitable buyer by the end of the 2024 calendar year.

Also Read: South African TymeBank to Launch in Indonesia

Sasfin Quits BCB Business

Although Sasfin Group recorded a R60 million loss in FY24, it said that its core business, Wealth and Rental Finance, continued to perform well.

According to BusinessTech, the group also plans to delist from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). 

“Sasfin Quits BCB Business. Following the proposed delisting, the group will continue its strategic reset by divesting from non-core activities, including BCB,” said the group.

This business has built strong capabilities over the years, holding significant inherent value with the potential to thrive in a different environment. 

“This strategy will enable us to focus on our core Wealth and Rental Finance businesses. Significant progress has been made by exiting non-core activities and navigating challenges, positioning us well to execute the remaining strategy in the months ahead.”

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Abdullahi Kafayat
Abdullahi Kafayat

Abdullahi Kafayat is an enthusiastic writer interested in the tech world. She's a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University and has a BSc in Chemistry. You can reach her at Kafayatabdullahi17@gmail.com.

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