To conclude the year, our final episode for 2024 explored the dynamic landscape of Africa's insurance industry. Michael Avery was joined by Andrew Warren, Director of Deloitte’s Financial Services Advisory Business Unit, where they delved into key insights from Deloitte’s Africa Insurance Outlook 2024/25.

From the resilience of South African insurers to the impact of digital innovation and climate change, they unpacked the complexities of Africa's insurance. Andrew also shared his expert views on the imperative for accessible insurance, the pressing issue of underinsurance, and a hopeful outlook for the future.

For decades, South Africa hasn't been able to fully leverage our sophisticated financial sector to facilitate capital flows into the country. Fortunately, new initiatives such as Operation Phumelela have been established by industry leaders to find ways to better stimulate economic growth and job creation through policy reforms and public-private partnerships. Michael Avery was joined by two of these industry leaders, Leila Fourie, Group CEO at the JSE, and Stuart Theobald, Chairman of Krutham, to share their ambitions and plans for Operation Phumelela and the challenges the initiative faces.

Join us as we celebrate our 50th episode of The Monocle Banking Podcast with a special guest, Emrie Brown, CEO of RMB. In this conversation with host Michael Avery, Emrie shared her unique perspective on navigating career progression as a "jungle gym" as well as outlining her strategic vision for RMB. She also explained her optimism about the future of M&A in South Africa, considering our improved political stability, a favourable interest rate outlook, and growing international interest.

As the world grapples with the urgent need to address climate change, David Buckham, CEO of Monocle, sat down with Michael Avery to discuss COP29 and the contradictions and hypocrisies within the climate change discourse. David highlighted South Africa's unique challenges, including heavy reliance on coal and limited access to climate finance. He emphasised the need for strategic policy decisions, private sector innovation and an equitable approach from developed countries to drive sustainable solutions.

With the world's eyes on COP29, Michael Avery sat down with Andrew Gilder, Director of Climate Legal, to unpack the intricacies of the ongoing climate summit. They explored the realistic expectations for this year's conference, the complexities of Article 6, and the potential global impact of a US withdrawal from the Paris Agreement under Trump's presidency.

To understand how Capitec is reshaping the financial landscape for South African entrepreneurs, Michael Avery sat down with Karl Kumbier, Executive of Business Banking at Capitec. Karl highlighted how Capitec is transforming business banking through its focus on simplicity, affordability, and its unique, fintech-like approach to providing integrated financial services to untapped emerging markets.

AI adoption in Africa is crucial, and with it comes the importance of establishing a unique African AI identity. Dr. Mark Nasila, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at FNB Risk and acclaimed author of African Artificial Intelligence, joined Michael Avery to share his expertise on this topic.

They explored the current state of AI, especially in South Africa, the key industries it’s reshaping, as well as the potential benefits and risks associated with AI implementation particularly within the realm of traditional banking.

To shed light on the entrepreneurial opportunities that emerge from the shadows of industry giants, Michael Avery was joined by TJ Strydom, author of Capitec: Stalking Giants. Together, they explore how Capitec, a small start-up from Stellenbosch, has transformed into one of South Africa's most remarkable success stories.

TJ shared his perspectives on Capitec’s innovative strategies, commitment to customer centricity, and the cultural shifts that have fuelled its growth, along with insights into what the future may hold for the bank.