The Monocle Banking Podcast
The Monocle Banking Podcast, in partnership with esteemed financial journalist, Michael Avery, will explore the world of banking - beyond the vaults and virtual wallets. This weekly series will play host to some of the top minds in the banking industry from around the world.
Episodes

4 days ago
4 days ago
Having navigated the global financial crises, political challenges in South Africa, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, Anthonie de Beer, CEO of Ethos Capital, joined Michael Avery to share his industry insights, drawing on over two decades of experience in private equity. The conversation emphasised the importance of strategic decision-making, managing high-stake investments, and leveraging collective team wisdom during volatile times. Anthonie also explored the current opportunities for private equity in South Africa, noting the scarcity of foreign capital and favourable asset valuations, even though accessing capital remains a key challenge.

Thursday Mar 20, 2025
Thursday Mar 20, 2025
This week, Michael Avery was joined by business restructuring experts Siviwe Dongwana, Managing Director, and Bongani Nkasana, Executive Director at Adamantem, as well as Fikile Mhlontlo, CFO at Delta Property Fund, to offer crucial advice for CFOs. Their message is clear: prioritise a comprehensive business health check to proactively address potential financial risks.
Drawing on insights from the South African Airways case study, they underscore the significance of timely intervention in financial distress for successful turnarounds. The episode also delved into the expanding role of CFOs as strategic partners and the impact of strong board leadership on facilitating early action.

Friday Mar 14, 2025
Ep 61: Has Fintech Lost Its Shine? - Auguste Claude-Nguetsop
Friday Mar 14, 2025
Friday Mar 14, 2025
To dive into the current state of global fintech market, Michael Avery was joined by Auguste Claude-Nguetsop, Partner at KPMG, to explore insights from the KPMG Pulse of Fintech report. They discussed the drivers behind the investment slowdown, misconceptions foreign investors have about African markets, and the regulatory challenges Fintechs face, particularly in South Africa. The conversation also touched on the cautious adoption of AI in fintech, the impact of US disruptions on global markets, and offered advice for tech founders on building strong ecosystems and preparing for future funding shifts.

Friday Mar 07, 2025
Friday Mar 07, 2025
As many municipalities across the country struggle to deliver basic services, Michael Avery sat down with Musa Jack, Programme Manager for Anglo American’s Municipal Capability and Partnership Programme (MCPP). They discussed the programme’s efforts to strengthen municipal capacity, support long-term planning, and address systemic challenges facing local government. Musa also highlighted the importance of collaboration between the private sector and government to help municipalities become self-sustaining, deliver reliable services, and drive economic growth.

Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Ep 59: Tapping into South Africa's Digital Payment Transformation - Katlego Maphai
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Thursday Feb 27, 2025
Although cash remains king in South Africa, digital payments are rapidly gaining traction. In this episode, Michael Avery sat down with Katlego Maphai, the Co-founder and CEO of Yoco, a leading payments powerhouse in South Africa, to explore the evolving payments landscape in the country. They discussed how fintech payment solutions are playing a crucial role in breaking down barriers to financial inclusion, offering greater visibility into the economy, and fostering a competitive and growing financial services market.

Friday Feb 21, 2025
Friday Feb 21, 2025
Following the postponement of South Africa's budget speech, Michael Avery spoke with Daan Steenkamp, CEO of Codera Analytics, about the country's economic future. They discussed key issues, including persistent deficits, rising public sector wages, and the IMF's warnings about escalating national debt. Daan also emphasised that achieving fiscal sustainability requires comprehensive reforms to unlock the private sector's potential and improve public administration.

Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Thursday Feb 13, 2025
Following President Trump's return to the White House, and his renewed emphasis on an 'America First' agenda, Michael Avery was joined by industry experts from XA Global Trade Advisors - Donald MacKay, CEO, and Anneke Jansen van Vuuren, Manager of Data Solutions - to explore 'Trumponomics 2.0' and its potential impact on international trade relations. They unpacked how emerging markets, particularly South Africa, could be affected by shifts in U.S. trade policy, from potential changes to the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to broader policy shifts that could disrupt key industries like steel and aluminium exports.

Thursday Feb 06, 2025
Thursday Feb 06, 2025
AI has transformed from a simple automation tool into a powerful catalyst for innovation in the banking sector. This week, Michael Avery was joined by Eshmael Mpabanga, Banking Client Account Lead at Accenture, to explore the profound impact AI is having on the industry. Eshmael shared his insights into how AI creates opportunities for revenue generation, enhances personalised customer experiences, as well as the balance between AI innovation and regulatory compliance.

Beyond the vaults and virtual wallets