ARTICLE: Lonwabo Mtyeku – GP News Media, Community Newsroom PHOTO CREDIT: Supplied
Johannesburg, 04 November 2025 — In a defining moment for Africa’s financial technology landscape, Standard Bank, the continent’s largest bank by assets, has cemented its reputation as a catalyst for innovation and growth with its leading role in Optasia’s landmark Initial Public Offering (IPO) — the largest fintech listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) in 2025, and the biggest since 2018.
From its early days as a small airtime credit provider to becoming a global AI-powered fintech platform operating in 38 countries and serving over 120 million active users each month, Optasia’s journey is a story of African ingenuity, scalability, and strategic partnership — with Standard Bank at its side from inception to IPO.
From Start-up to Scale-up: Standard Bank’s Integral Role
Standard Bank’s relationship with Optasia stretches back to its formative years. Acting as both a funding partner and equity investor, the bank helped catalyse private capital during Optasia’s critical growth stages — from early-stage financing to institutional scaling.
In the run-up to the IPO, Standard Bank’s Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) division played multiple leading roles:
Joint Global Coordinator, Stabilisation Manager, and Transaction Sponsor.
These responsibilities underscore Standard Bank’s unrivalled position as a trusted strategic partner for Africa’s most ambitious companies navigating both private and public capital markets.
“As Africa’s leading investment bank, we are deeply privileged to have been partners to Optasia, its founder, and shareholders — not only as an advisor and funding partner, but also as an equity investor,” says Yusuf Noorbhai, Head of Structured Capital at Standard Bank CIB.
“Optasia’s IPO represents a massive vote of confidence in the JSE as a listing venue for African companies, including high-growth, technology-enabled businesses. It’s a shining example of what’s possible when capital, innovation, and purpose align.”
Optasia: Driving Financial Inclusion through AI
Founded by Bassim Haidar, Optasia began as a modest airtime credit provider but has since evolved into one of the largest AI-driven fintech platforms in Africa and emerging markets. Its proprietary technology empowers banks and mobile operators to extend micro-loans, credit, and airtime services to millions who were previously unbanked or underserved.
“From humble beginnings, Optasia has scaled into an emerging market fintech powerhouse, enabling financial access for millions,” says Haidar.
“We’re excited for the next phase of our journey as a listed company on the JSE — a platform that will accelerate our growth and deepen our impact.”
Optasia’s listing not only offers investors exposure to a high-growth fintech model underpinned by AI and data intelligence but also reinforces Africa’s position as a hub for technology-led financial inclusion.
Partners in Progress: The Role of Strategic Investment
Standard Bank’s participation as a key equity investor in Optasia, alongside private equity partners such as Chronos Capital, demonstrates the power of collaborative capital in scaling African innovation.
“Chronos is focused on generating long-term value by investing in market-leading businesses that scale through technology and AI,” says Roger Grobler, Partner at Chronos Capital.
“It has been an honour to partner with Standard Bank, an exceptional founder, and a visionary management team at Optasia. Together, we’re helping to grow emerging market unicorns that transform the financial landscape.”
Fintech on the Rise: Africa’s $65 Billion Future
According to BDO’s latest Fintech in Africa Report, the continent’s fintech market — led by South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Kenya — is projected to reach US$65 billion by 2030.
Optasia’s listing underscores the confidence investors have in Africa’s fintech potential and the JSE’s growing role as a platform for tech-driven companies seeking global capital.
A New Chapter for African Capital Markets
Optasia’s IPO marks not just a milestone for the company but a defining chapter for African financial markets — one where homegrown innovation meets world-class financial structuring.
By guiding Optasia from concept to capital markets, Standard Bank has reaffirmed its leadership in shaping Africa’s fintech frontier — proving that the continent’s most valuable companies of the future will be those that combine technology, inclusion, and partnership to create real-world impact.Media Contact:
Standard Bank Corporate & Investment Banking (CIB)
Email: communications@standardbank.co.za
Website: www.standardbank.com