UK vs South African FinTech Markets

David Glennie -

The UK and South Africa fintech markets have many similarities, but also some significant differences.  Both have seen significant growth - the UK fintech market is much larger than the South African fintech market in terms of investment, number of companies, and market size.  However, according to a recent report by EY both markets are experiencing significant growth - the UK is the leading fintech hub in Europe, while South Africa is emerging as a key fintech hub in Africa.

This is why Voodoo Park established our South African business in 2022. The South African fintech sector is seeing significant growth, driven by factors such as increasing smartphone and internet penetration, a growing middle class, and a high level of financial exclusion in the country. According to a report by the South African Reserve Bank, the fintech sector has grown at a compound annual rate of around 35% over the past decade.

Both the UK and South African markets have a strong focus on financial inclusion, with many fintech start ups targeting underbanked and underserved populations. Both markets have regulatory frameworks in place to support fintech innovation and growth and both markets have a high concentration of fintech companies in major cities such as London and Johannesburg.

There are a number of differences though, which Voodoo Park has identified through their work on the ground. These are driving our client's activity and their work with us:

Market size: The UK fintech market is much larger than the South African fintech market in terms of number of companies, and market size, however it is catching up with the UK. The South African sector attracted $3.3 billion into African tech start-ups throughout 2022, a YoY jump 55.1%.

Consumer Adoption: Fintech adoption is more widespread in the UK than in South Africa, with higher levels of digital banking and mobile payments adoption.

Focus Areas: The UK fintech market has a broad focus, including areas such as payments, lending, insurance, and wealth management. In contrast, the South African fintech market has a more narrow focus on payments and remittances.

Regulatory Environment: The regulatory environment in the UK is more mature and supportive of fintech innovation, while the regulatory environment in South Africa is still evolving and can be more challenging for fintech start ups to navigate.

Overall, while the UK and South Africa fintech markets share some similarities, they have different strengths, challenges, and opportunities for growth.

The South African fintech sector is seeing significant growth, driven by factors such as increasing smartphone and internet penetration, a growing middle class, and a high level of financial exclusion in the country. According to a report by the South African Reserve Bank, the fintech sector has grown at a compound annual rate of around 35% over the past decade.  Some key areas we are seeing drive this growth include:

  1. Digital banking and payments: Digital banking and payments are rapidly gaining traction in South Africa, with the adoption of mobile payments and digital wallets increasing significantly in recent years.
  2. Lending and credit: Fintech lending platforms are providing easier access to credit for consumers and small businesses, with a focus on the underserved market.
  3. Insurance: Fintech start ups are disrupting the traditional insurance industry by providing innovative and affordable insurance products that are more accessible to consumers.
  4. Financial management: Fintech platforms are providing tools and services to help consumers manage their finances, including budgeting, saving, and investing.

According to a recent report by the NextWave Fintech Insights, South Africa is expected to have one of the fastest-growing fintech markets in the world. Overall, the South African fintech sector is seeing significant growth, with increasing adoption of digital financial services and innovative fintech solutions that are helping to address financial inclusion and support economic growth in the country.

If you would like to learn more about how Voodoo Park can help you in the UK or South Africa, please get in touch.  We are keen to speak to people and firms that have a passion for technology.