South Africa emerges as a key player in cryptocurrency with Bitget's robust offerings
As cryptocurrency adoption accelerates across Africa, South Africa is quickly becoming one of the continent's most active hubs for digital asset trading. With more than 40,000 users and an average monthly trading volume of 70 million USDT on the platform, Bitget is now emerging as a key player in the country's digital finance space.
Bitget, one of the world's leading cryptocurrency exchanges and Web3 companies, officially operates in South Africa through its locally regulated entity, Parsa Financial Services (Pty) Ltd (FSP No: 52563), authorised under the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services (FAIS) Act. This ensures users in South Africa have access to a secure and regulated platform for digital asset services.
A Comprehensive Financial Gateway: Crypto, Stocks, Derivatives & Cards
Bitget's launch in South Africa isn't just about crypto trading. The platform introduces a full suite of financial offerings designed to give users the power to invest, trade, and spend with ease:
Crypto & Futures Trading
South African users can access a robust crypto trading experience across spot and derivatives markets, with a wide range of ZAR trading pairs and advanced trading tools. Bitget is widely recognised for its copy trading feature, allowing newcomers to replicate the strategies of top traders with one click.
Xstocks – Tokenised Global Stocks Onchain
In a bold step towards traditional finance integration, Bitget has launched Xstocks, allowing users to trade tokenised stocks like Apple, Tesla, and Amazon directly on-chain. This provides a seamless bridge between Web2 equities and the decentralised world of crypto – all with 24/7 access and no traditional brokerage middlemen. Learn more about Xstocks.
ZAR Fiat Channel: Easy Deposits with Callpay
To make onboarding easier, Bitget has integrated ZAR deposit services through Callpay. This allows users to fund their accounts in local currency with fast, reliable payment options. More on ZAR deposits.
Crypto Cards for Everyday Spending
With the Bitget Card, South African users can spend crypto like cash, both online and in-store. The card offers seamless conversion from digital assets to fiat at the point of sale, making everyday spending easier than ever.
Leading in Transparency and Security
Bitget's position as a top 3 global exchange in derivatives volume is further backed by its strong focus on transparency and compliance. According to a 2025 report co-published with Bitcoin.com, Bitget consistently ranks among the most liquid and trusted platforms for altcoin derivatives. Read the full report.
Moreover, Bitget is one of the few exchanges globally that maintains 100% Proof-of-Reserves. This means that every user's assets are fully backed and verifiable on-chain, giving customers peace of mind and ensuring Bitget never lends out or rehypothecates user funds.
In addition, Bitget's Protection Fund is now valued at 742 million (as of Aug 4th 2025), designed to cover users against unexpected losses due to hacks or extreme market volatility. This fund is self-insured, independently managed, and regularly audited, demonstrating Bitget's long-term commitment to user safety and financial transparency.
The Road Ahead in South Africa
Bitget's commitment to South Africa goes beyond product offerings. With localised support, regulatory alignment, and tailored partnerships, Bitget is positioning itself to be the go-to crypto exchange for South African investors, traders, and innovators. With initiatives such as Blockchain4Youth and Blockchain4Her, Bitget is investing in South Africa's youth through specialised education on blockchain and school sports sponsorships.
As adoption grows and the lines between traditional finance and Web3 continue to blur, Bitget is here to help users across South Africa trade smarter, invest globally, and spend locally.

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IOL News
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Discover the key implications of the Conduct of Financial Institutions Bill (COFI) for South African financial institutions. This article outlines essential preparations and strategic opportunities for compliance and governance in the evolving regulatory landscape. Image: File photo. Once enacted, the much-anticipated Conduct of Financial Institutions Bill (COFI) will introduce a significant shift in the legislative and regulatory landscape of South Africa's financial services sector, according to Webber Wentzel Financial Regulatory Practice Group. The group says the Bill forms a key component of the country's Twin Peaks regulatory reform and will primarily focus on strengthening market conduct regulation across the entire financial services sector. COFI will, amongst others, consolidate and replace various industry-specific conduct laws, such as the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, 2002; the Collective Investment Schemes Control Act, 2002; the Short-term Insurance Act, 1998; the Long-term Insurance Act, 1998; the Credit Rating Services Act, 2012; the Financial Institutions (Protection of Funds) Act, 2001; and the Friendly Societies Act, 1956, the group says. "It will also effect extensive amendments to the Pension Funds Act, 1956;; the Financial Sector Regulation Act, 2017; the Banks Act, 1990; the Labour Relations Act, 1995; the Insurance Act, 2017; the Income Tax Act, 1962; the Financial Markets Act, 2012; the Medical Schemes Act, 1998; the Transnet Pension Funds Act, 1990; the Co-operative Act, 2005; and the Government Employees Pension Funds Law, Proclamation, 1996. It further scopes within its ambit certain activities under the National Payments Systems Act, 1998, and the National Credit Act, 2005," it says. The group says COFI readiness is essential. "Following two rounds of public commentary, COFI is expected to be introduced in Cabinet towards the end of 2025 and tabled in Parliament either later this year or in the first quarter of 2026. Its promulgation is anticipated in 2026, with a transitional period of approximately three years to follow," it says. The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) Commissioner has emphasised that readiness for COFI is an industry-wide responsibility, not solely the FSCA's. Financial institutions must proactively align their business models, governance frameworks, and compliance strategies with COFI's principles and expectations. Early preparation will ensure agility and competitiveness once the new regime takes effect, the group says., Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ According to the group, COFI will introduce a range of practical obligations that institutions should begin planning for now, which include the following: Financial institutions should monitor and participate in the formal consultation processes that may follow once COFI is introduced to Parliament. Financial institutions are advised to begin mapping their current activities to prepare for the activity-based licensing model and to develop compliance frameworks aligned with this approach. Principles from the Retail Distribution Review will also need to be considered to ensure readiness for implementation. Governance structures may need to be revised , or developed from scratch, and institutions must ensure that key persons meet , and continue to meet , the fit and proper requirements. Fair customer treatment practices must be strengthened in line with the Treating Customers Fairly (TCF) principles. Financial resources across the financial institution should also be reviewed to ensure that they remain adequate. Financial institutions must evaluate their operational capabilities to ensure they are ready to meet COFI's demands. Reporting frameworks may need to be updated, while transformation policies and related structures should be developed or enhanced. Automated/technology-driven systems and processes should also be reviewed to confirm that they remain fit for purpose under the new regulatory expectations. The above should be considered in light of the broader range of financial products and services and activities that will be affected by COFI. COFI will apply broadly to all financial institutions as defined in the Financial Sector Regulation Act, 2017 (FSR Act). 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IOL News
31 minutes ago
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US Message Is Step Out Of Line Or Pay The Price
U.S. President Donald Trump (R) greets visiting South African President Cyril Ramaphosa (C) at the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States, on May 21, 2025. U.S. President Donald Trump confronted visiting South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday with conspiracy theories on "white genocide" in South Africa, which Ramaphosa firmly denied. Image: Xinhua South African exports to the United States have been slapped with a 30% tariff. A blow, yes, but not a surprise. These tariffs don't exist in a vacuum. They are the latest move in a pattern of increasing diplomatic pressure from the United States, and they arrive on the back of months of thinly veiled threats to review South Africa's eligibility under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The politicisation of AGOA and the new tariffs, raises serious questions about the conditionality of so-called development partnerships and global trade. Is economic cooperation only valid when African states remain silent and compliant on global political issues? Government estimates more than 100,000 jobs could be lost across key sectors like agriculture, textiles and autos, at a time when unemployment is already hovering above 32%. Entire communities stand to lose income, security and dignity, but what's equally staggering is how little South Africa actually exports to the U.S. We make up just 0.25% of all U.S. imports, less than a rounding error in Washington's trade book. Our exports don't compete with American industries, they complement them. Our fruit, for instance, is counter-seasonal, plugging supply gaps in the U.S. market rather than replacing local produce. In fact, our trade supports U.S. industry. So what, exactly, is being punished? The answer, of course, has little to do with economics and everything to do with power. This is not about trade. It's about sending a message. And that message has been loud, blunt, and unmistakable – step out of line, and pay the price. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. 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Next Stay Close ✕ From Rhetoric to Retaliation The U.S. administration's growing discomfort with South Africa's independent foreign policy, especially its stance on global conflicts and growing ties with BRICS partners—has clearly influenced this economic escalation. Washington's displeasure has shifted from diplomatic rhetoric to economic punishment. Threatening to revoke AGOA benefits, in tandem with the new tariffs, sends a powerful signal that dissent from Global South nations will be met with financial consequences. To compound the blow, Danish shipping giant Maersk has announced it will halt direct cargo shipments between South Africa and the U.S., effective October 1. While the company has cited global operational restructuring as the reason, the timing could not be more telling. The withdrawal forces South African exporters to reroute goods via European ports, increasing costs, delays, and administrative burdens. It effectively builds yet another barrier between South African goods and the U.S. market, making AGOA benefits, should they even survive this political fallout—more expensive and harder to access. Breaking the Myth of 'Rules-Based' Trade What we are witnessing is not mere coincidence. The tariff imposition, AGOA expiring next month, and Maersk's rerouting form a cumulative pattern of economic pressure. It is no longer just about trade; it's about submission. The U.S. is signalling that if South Africa won't play the geopolitical game by Washington's rules, then its economy will be made to suffer. This is a dangerous precedent, not just for South Africa, but for all emerging economies that dare to exercise political independence. When trade becomes a tool of coercion rather than cooperation, the very premise of multilateralism begins to collapse. 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We face years of hard work, standardising policies, improving ports, digitising customs, and building the kind of supply chains that aren't just extractive, but transformative. If there's one thing this moment has made clear, it's that dependence is a liability, and the only true resilience lies in integration, production, and self-determination. I often think about how the Global South is described. Lacking capital. Lacking infrastructure. Lacking voice. But what if we stopped focusing on what we lack and started recognising what we are? A collection of nations with the resources, labour, culture, and leverage to rewire the global economy. A bloc that doesn't just have raw materials, but the power to set new rules, if we work together to do so. This isn't just about the U.S. punishing South Africa. It's about us realising that we no longer need to wait for validation from somewhere else. What Trump may not realise is that in trying to isolate us, he may have finally given us permission to choose ourselves. And I'm hoping this time, we will. By Chloe Maluleke Associate at The BRICS+ Consulting Group Russian & Middle Eastern Specialist * MORE ARTICLES ON OUR WEBSITE ** Follow @brics_daily on X/Twitter & @brics_daily on Instagram for daily BRICS+ updates


The Citizen
31 minutes ago
- The Citizen
Women in Tech awards return to empower women-led innovation
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