13 December 2023: FNB, in partnership with Visa and the N3 Toll Concession, introduces secure and convenient contactless card payments. Toll plazas will be equipped with new-age card acceptance devices to reduce time spent at booths and to combat fraud.
09 January 2023: Product Head of Wills and Deceased Banking at FNB Fiduciary, Carin Meyer, highlights how families can protect their estates and inheritances against fraud this new year.
24 November 2022: Following the South African Reserve Bank's (SARB's) decision to increase its repo rate by 0.75%, FNB will raise its prime lending rate by 0.75%. As international trends indicate an uncertain outlook, it is even more critical for our country to stay the course in its monetary policy decisions.
14 December 2022: It's important for Stokvel members who plan to withdraw or share their group savings to be aware that fraudsters are looking for ways to defraud them of their hard-earned money.
14 November 2022: Stokvels urged to take advantage of rising interest rates. FNB reveals that Stokvel members who use its no monthly account fee digital account have contributed over R1.8 billion since the solution was launched in 2020.
30 October 2022: CEO of FNB Cash Investments, Himal Parbhoo touches on World Savings Day and South Africa's low savings culture. He also highlights the different ways we can activate the discipline of saving.
13 October 2022: Stokvels are a genuine vehicle that many South Africans of all ages and income groups choose to help them save towards achieving a collective financial goal. Sifiso Nkosi, Stokvels and Group Savings Head at FNB Cash Investments, explains how stokvels fulfil some of the needs that individuals have, in order to support their wealth creation journey for their next generation.
7 October 2022: FNB is reimagininghelp as it strives to make every day easier and tomorrow better for all its customers,taking a bold step forward on its journey into the future.
06 October 2022: Given the uncertainty and volatility that has characterised investment markets in recent years, many people are looking for ways of supplementing the retirement savings.
22 September 2022: The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) has increased its repo rate by 0.75%. FNB CEO, Jacques Celliers and FNB Chief Economist, Mamello Matikinca-Ngwenya, explore this further.
21 September 2022: Head of Investments at FNB Wealth and Investments, Renzi Thirumalai shares his thoughts on the recent five-star rating from the highly respected global investment research provider, Morningstar.
14 September 2022: A Will should serve as a blueprint for your life and financial planning journey. FNB shares a few considerations when it comes to setting your estate plan and then ultimately how you draft your Will.
04 September 2022: The two-pot system will see one third of the money you invest in your retirement fund being placed in an accessible savings pot, while the remaining two thirds will be held in a retirement pot, which you will not be able to access until you retire.
23 August 2022: FNB and RMB Private Bank customers with Android-powered smartphones, tablets, or watches can now also use Google Wallet for safer and more secure contactless payments. Retail customers can now link their physical and virtual FNB debit, fusion, or credit cards to Google Wallet, while Commercial clients can link their physical and virtual debit cards.
22 August 2022: Saving and investing early on in life gives you a greater chance of growing and protecting your wealth. Samukelo Zwane, Head of Product, FNB Wealth and Investments talks about how financial and investment education is key to unlocking sustainable returns into adulthood.
10 August 2022: CEO of SA Rugby, Jurie Roux, touches on the significance of the Springbok Women's new partnership with FNB being announced on Women's Day and Faye Mfikwe, FNB Chief Marketing Officer also shares her thoughts.
8 August 2022: FNB CEO, Jacques Celliers and FNB Chief Marketing Officer, Faye Mfikwe, touch on what it means for the bank to be named the top financial services brand in Kantar BrandZ's Most Valuable South African Brands 2022, with brand value increased by 30% to $3.5 billion this year.
1 August 2022: Rob Gwerengwe, CEO of FNB Middle Market, said the sponsorship formed part of the bank's legacy of supporting the country's sporting talent and providing them with a platform to showcase their skills.
27 July 2022: Head of Client Experience at FNB Fiduciary, Matlhodi Leteane, highlights the necessity and usefulness of Trusts for any individual's Estate Plan. She also touches on how Trusts work, what they cost and the risks involved.
24 July 2022: With the recent Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) further increasing the repo rate, FNB Wealth and Investments Solutions CEO, Bheki Mkhize, touches on the increase in interest rates and breaks down the impact on equity stocks, focussing on how it will differ per sector.
21 July 2022: FNB CEO, Jacques Celliers commented that the South African Reserve Bank's rate hike aligned with global trends to curb inflation and cautioned that further rate hikes by the central bank are a possibility in the coming months.
12 May 2022: Comrades Marathon Association (CMA) Chairperson, Mqondisi Ngcobo proudly announced the new FNB sponsorship and the FNB Brand Experience Head, Bonga Sebesho also shared his thoughts.
12 May 2022: FNB CEO, Jacques Celliers touches on the release of the Ombudsman's 2021 Annual Report and its critical role in assisting customers and banks resolve complaints.
09 May 2022: CEO of FNB Retail, Raj Makanjee touches on the success of the innovative Bank Your Change® feature, alongside CEO of Cash Investments for FNB Retail, Himal Parbhoo, who also shares his thoughts.
03 April 2022: FNB Top 40 exchange-traded-fund (ETF) has been voted as South Africa's best exchange traded product (ETP), when considering tracking efficiency over three years, in the annual South African Listed Tracker Awards (SALTA).Bheki Mkhize, Head of FNB Wealth and Investment Solutions, explains why this award is a major feat for us and highlights our commitment to enabling better and simpler access to the stock market.
25 March 2022: 24 March 2022, Johannesburg: Following the South African Reserve Bank's (SARB's) decision to raise its repo rate by 0.25%, FNB will adjust its prime rate by 0.25% with effect from Friday, 25 March 2022.
16 March 2022: Significantly more investment accounts were opened by clients between June and December 2021. As part of FNB's focus of becoming an integrated financial services provider that is relevant to customers' needs, FNB Wealth and Investment's proposition is attracting clients who are new to investing.
17 February 2022: Great news for both FNB customers and RMB Private Bank clients, as they can now access a private 72-hour pre-sale opportunity to purchase tickets for the Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 in Cape Town. FNB Chief Marketing Officer, Faye Mfikwe elaborates further.
15 February 2022: We are fast-approaching the end of the tax season making it the best time to look at your Tax-Free Savings Account and identify how you can take advantage of savings incentives.
13 February 2022: Just because it is the month of love doesn't mean you should stop being vigilant with your finances. Fraudsters look for opportunities to like these to scam and defraud you, don't let last-minute decisions result in you letting your guard down when browsing online. Read these tips from FNB to navigate the month of love.
11 February 2022: First National Bank (FNB) is an official Global Partner of Rugby World Cup Sevens 2022 (RWC7s), which will take place from 9 -11 September 2022 at the Cape Town Stadium in South Africa. 'The RWC7s 2022 South Africa is another opportunity for us to continue living our legacy of 'help', 'hope' and 'togetherness', said FNB CEO, Jacques Celliers.
07 February 2022: FNB now offers a fast and uncomplicated way for clients to start, or accelerate, their retirement savings journey, using the FNB Banking App. With no lengthy forms to fill out, no financial advisor commission payments and no investment processing fees, this is just another way we aim to assist customers throughout their money management journey.
27 January 2022: FNB CEO Jacques Celliers said the Reserve Bank's decision to adjust rates were indicative of a recovery in underlying economic activity. He added that normal operating conditions would be conducive to broad-based economic recovery and benefit the sectors impacted by the pandemic.
26 January 2021: Before emigrating, it is vital to consider the financial and opportunity cost implications of moving your local retirement funds offshore. Samukelo Zwane, Head of Product at FNB Wealth and Investment, advised South Africans to be cautious without letting fear influence their decisions.
20 January 2022: It's time to set new goals for the year ahead. Just like your lunchbox, you can make better and healthier financial decisions. Let the experts tell you more.
21 December 2021: As 2021 draws to an end, it is important to re-evaluate your long-term financial planning, by updating your estate planning (which includes your Wills and Trust affairs). Matlhodi Leteane, Head of Operations, FNB Fiduciary, offers useful tips on what you need to consider when reviewing it this holiday season.
13 December 2021: In celebration of the first cycle of a refreshed Innovators Programme, FNB CEO, Jacques Celliers, shares how the Innovators Programme is designed to help customers with pain points in their money management journey, whilst positively impacting customers in all corners of society, across Africa.
07 December 2021: With the festive season upon us, Head of Fraud at FNB Wealth and Investments, Ramesh Ramdeen, highlights some of the most prominent investment scams that seem to be on the rise.
06 December 2021: FNB Connect Vox Fibre for Business is officially here and is available for all FNB Business account holders. FNB CEO, Jacques Celliers and FNB Connect CEO, Bradwin Roper, share their thoughts on the exciting new offering.
28 November 2021: With the holiday season upon us, Head of Investment at FNB Wealth and Investments, Renzi Thirumalai, shares some insightful tips on what to consider before taking cash out of your pocket.
26 November 2021 FNB CEO, Jacques Celliers and CEO of FNB Merchant Services, Thokozani Dlamini, share their thoughts on the recent Black Friday transaction volumes. Chris Labuschagne, CEO of FNB Card, also elaborates further.
23 November 2021: Donald Khumalo, FNB HR Executive, explains why at FNB we believe that our people are the heartbeat of our organisation and they remain core to building life-changing financial services and fintech solutions for our customers. This achievement not only highlights our commitment to our employees but also signals our investment in building and growing top talent in South Africa.
18 November 2021: Referring to the recent rate hike, FNB CEO Jacques Celliers said that it was indicative of economic recovery amidst improving domestic demand, rising global inflation and normalising global interest rates. He also expressed hope that the national electricity grid could be stabilised to enable sustainable economic growth.
17 November 2021: Amid growing demand and with interest rates at an all-time low, FNB is proud to announce a deal with Balwin Properties that will make R450 million available for the development of Thabo-Echo Village. The deal cemented the bank's commitment to helping facilitate first-time homeowners entering the formal housing market.
10 November 2021: With FNB now recognised as the bank that best meets the specialised needs of SMEs in South Africa and Africa by Global Finance, FNB CEO, Jacques Celliers and FNB Commercial CEO, Gordon Little, share their thoughts on what the humbling accolade means to the bank and the African continent in which they operate.
08 November 2021: Head of Product at FNB Wealth and Investments, Samukelo Zwane, advises on structuring a retirement plan that evolves and grows, as we advance though our work lives.
04 November 2021: More than 25 000 businesses are now benefitting from industry-leading features through the First Business Zero Account, and over 192 000 entrepreneurs use Fundaba to increase their business knowledge and skills.
26 October 2021: At the Global SME Finance Awards 2021, FNB was acknowledged in the Best Bank for Women Entrepreneurs category through an Honorable Mention for its Women in Business portfolio. FNB is committed to empowering female entrepreneurs and positively impacting the communities in which they operate.
20 October 2021: Wycliffe Mundopa has won the 2021 FNB Art Prize receiving a cash prize and a solo exhibition at the Johannesburg Art Gallery. As the sponsor, FNB remains committed to empowering artists to become change agents in their communities through their artwork.
18 October 2021: Retire comfortably with complete peace of mind and the financial wellbeing you deserve when you turn sixty by following these five crucial steps.
11 October 2021: FNB Public Sector CEO, Sipho Silinda touches on FNB's partnership with the Road Traffic Management Corporation, and the new online payment gateway enabling motorists to easily renew and pay for their license discs.
06 October 2021 As a leader in innovation, FNB continues to invest significantly in creating new platform-based capabilities and solutions to ensure that it stays ahead of changing market dynamics and evolving customer needs.
30 September 2021 FNB was once again recognised as one of the Most Valuable Brands in Africa according to the latest Brand Finance Africa 150™ 2021 valuation report. The bank was also the highest ranked banking brand in the continent.
16 September 2021 Positive results lead to a rebound in transactional activity, a growing customer base and a robust migration to FNB's digital platform. FNB CEO Jacques Celliers, shares his thoughts on the bank's solid earnings growth for the year ending 30 June 2021.
Peruse the financial results infographic for an in-depth overview.
02 September 2021 As a purpose-led brand, FNB continues to push and redefine boundaries on what 'help' means to customers and society. This accolade is testament to the evolution of FNB to become more than just a bank, but rather a trusted financial services and lifestyle partner to their customers.
26 August 2021 With an FNB Shares Zero Account, customers can begin or expand on their journey of share ownership by investing in global stock markets while paying no monthly account fees.
25 August 2021 Matlhodi Leteane, Head of Operations at FNB Fiduciary, encouraged women to take control of their financial destiny by assessing and quantifying their current and future assets and utilising a professional to put together an estate plan.
17 August 2021 With the highly popular range of ETNs previously launched by FNB in 2020, the bank now looks to the expansion of their new ETNs having a value-added Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) overlay, with the same low minimum investment of just R10.
10 August 2021 FNB's customers can now purchase smart devices over a 24-month repayment period via the FNB App - made possible by FNB Connect.
29 July 2021 With the success of FNB's graduate programme over the years, FNB's CEO Jacques Celliers explores how investing in high-quality local talent can inspire economies and businesses to unlock innovation, growth and social upliftment.
26 July 2021 FNB recognises the significant impact that the unrest has had on individuals, businesses, and regional economies of KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng. This comes at a difficult time when South Africa is still grappling with the health and economic impact of the Covid-19 global pandemic.
22 July 2021 With FNB maintaining its prime lending rate at 7%, the bank's CEO Jacques Celliers praises SARB's decision to keep rates unchanged, enabling consumers and businesses to find relief.
13 July 2021 The devastating pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have reinforced the importance of saving for unforeseen emergencies and unplanned events. In order to accomplish this, as South Africans, we need to identify our personal savings goals and invest our extra funds in the appropriate savings vehicles.
07 July 2021 Head of Growth at FNB Fiduciary, Johan Strydom, touches on the three distinctive phases of financial needs that family members face, after a loved one passes away. He also explores how your life insurance should be able to support these phases.
07 July 2021 CEO of Public Sector Banking, Sipho Silinda touches on the demise of cheques in South Africa and the steady increase in the use of digital payment channels.
29 June 2021 FNB Economist, Thanda Sithole, is confident that a solid cyclical economic growth rebound is underway and South Africa is on a slow road to recovery.
28 June 2021 In the true spirit of help, FNB leadership, together with RMB, assisted Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital with repairs after half its property caught fire in April.
24 June 2021 Bobby Madhav, Head of Trade and Structured Trade and Commodity Finance at FNB, gives his views on fuelling South Africa's long-term economic recovery.
23 June 2021 South African youth (aged 18-34) are estimated to account for roughly a third of the country's population. At FNB, we believe that an early start to understanding effective money management will prepare them for a prosperous financial future. We want the youth to embrace, celebrate and inspire positive change through a deeper understanding of how they can achieve financial freedom and eliminate debt. Sometimes it's the smallest change in behaviour that makes the biggest difference.
21 June 2021 With DebiCheck being rolled out by all major banks, Head of the Commercial Transactional Pillar at FNB Commercial, Laura Deva shares her thoughts.
17 June 2021 Head of franchising at FNB Commercial, Morne Cronje shares on the challenges of growing a franchise network post Covid-19.
14 June 2021 Senior Agricultural Economist at FNB, Paul Makube, shares his thoughts on South Africa's well-established disease and pest management regime, as well as the overall risks involved.
10 June 2021 CEO of FNB Commercial Property Finance, Preggie Pillay and his team, urge SMEs to consider solar energy as a viable investment to help combat the losses experienced during power interruptions.
08 June 2021 Vaughan David, CEO of Cash Investments: Business at FNB, offers SMEs pockets of wisdom around cash flow management and how the FNB Business Call Account can cater to their specific needs.
07 June 2021 #TheChangeables celebrates and inspires positive change across Africa. In the spirit of change, FNB is also launching a refreshed design across its range of bank cards that will be made available to customers at no additional cost.
03 June 2021 FNB is keeping monthly account fees unchanged for business customers across the board for the third year running.
03 June 2021 FNB is keeping monthly account fees unchanged for business customers across the board for the third year running. Some transactions are also free or reduced - read more about how FNB helps business save every month.
03 June 2021 The new FNB Aspire bank account for middle-income customers will replace the current FNB Gold account. With the new bank account, customers can pay their account fees by using eBucks via the FNB App.
27 May 2021 For a fourth consecutive year, FNB has been voted as the most valuable banking brand in the 2021 Brand Finances South African 50 report, leading with a brand value of R22.1 billion.
03 May 2021 2021: Money Market funds and savings account are instruments used by investors and savers, looking to grow wealth in a risk averse manner. There are however key differences in the various savings solutions that investors and savers need to be aware of.
20 April 2021: FNB set a new norm for handling customer data in the South African banking industry. Customers can now update and manage their personal and business details to ensure compliance via a secure financial platform.
13 April 2021: Supporting your children with their physical, emotional, social, financial and intellectual development from a young age is critical before they mature into adulthood.
25 March 2021: Johannesburg: Following the South African Reserve Bank's (SARB) decision to keep the repo rate unchanged, FNB will similarly maintain its prime lending rate at 7%.
23 March 2021: FNB has made significant strides in supporting and becoming more relevant to community-based businesses. To reaffirm its commitment, FNB has acquired 100% of Selpal - a fintech company that operates specifically in townships and rural sectors of the economy.
18 March 2021: Practicing healthy money habits and adjusting how you do your everyday banking can go a long way in stretching your money further for your short and long-term goals. Over the years, FNB has been on a journey to help its customers to better manage their money through cost-effective financial solutions, a broad range of safer banking channels and meaningful value through eBucks, the best rewards programme in the industry.
11 March 2021: The first of March 2021 ushered in a new tax year for South Africans, which means it's a good time to invest some time and thought into how you put in place a well-considered money management plan for the coming 12 months.
11 March 2021: In many ways the Covid-19 pandemic brought out the best in mankind. At the height of the pandemic, people and organisations demonstrated levels of care and empathy that exceeded anything we have witnessed in recent history.
04 March 2021: First National Bank's (FNB's) performance for the six months to 31 December 2020 reflects some improvement in the operating environment despite sustained pressure on consumers and businesses due to Covid-19 and the related lockdown measures.
18 February 2021: Money matters and finances continue to be a widely talked about subject. The pandemic has not only been onerous and taxing on everyone's lives, but it has also created undue financial pressure on households globally.
18 February 2021" Money matters and finances continue to be a widely talked about subject. The pandemic has not only been onerous and taxing on everyone's lives, but it has also created undue financial pressure on households globally.
10 February 2021: In 2020, the Bank offered digital platform -based Cashflow Relief to individuals and business customers, covering 700 000 agreements with loan balances in excess of R100 billion. FNB Life assisted with R300 million worth of Credit Life claims for customers who sadly were retrenched.
08 February 2021: 08 February 2021: A well-considered offshore investment or share trading strategy is an effective way of diversifying a portfolio geographically which, as the increased market volatility created by Covid-19 has demonstrated, should be a non-negotiable component of any investment strategy.
02 February 2021: eBucks is South Africa's leading rewards programme that has spent the past 20 years driving good banking behaviour and rewarding customers. To date, customers have redeemed R13.3 billion in eBucks through a network spanning 30 partners nationwide.
26 January 2021: FNB Life is rapidly transforming life insurance and providing digitally-led platform insurance solutions. FNB Life is the only insurance provider in South Africa that uses Home Affairs Data to proactively pay-out claims.
21 January 2021: With interest rates remaining unchanged, FNB CEO Jacques Celliers points out that although the Covid-19 pandemic continues to impact our society, there is room for relief if we all do our part.
19 January 2021: FNB was recently awarded top honours for both the mobile Banking App as well as the Internet Banking categories by SITEisfaction. See how the bank is further increasing its focus and investments on technology and data platforms to assist customers in 2021.
11 January 2021: This year, FNB is increasing its focus on building even more trust and further assisting their customers to thrive - despite increased economic uncertainty.
04 January 2021: FNB's market-leading approach to providing helpful and contextual financial solutions to support business customers has been recognised through the accolade of Global SME Bank of The Year at the Global SME Finance Awards Ceremony late in 2020.
28 December 2020 By 1 January 2021, individual consumers and businesses will no longer be able to cash cheques in South Africa. This follows a joint announcement by the SARB, FSCA, PASA and BASA which confirmed that the issuing and acceptance or collection of cheques will cease from 31 December 2020.
09 December 2020: Employees are challenged to constantly think differently, therefore innovation is embedded in their DNA - the longstanding Innovators programme showcases and celebrates platform innovations.
01 December 2020: Following the overwhelming response to the listing of Exchange Traded Notes (ETNs) on its platform, FNB is expanding the list of international companies available by adding Adobe, Ford, Activision Blizzard, Berkshire Hathaway, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, PayPal and Visa.
19 Novermber 2020, Johannesburg: Following the South African Reserve Bank's (SARB) decision to keep interest rates unchanged, FNB confirms it will keep its prime lending rate at 7%.
09 November 2020: FNB has launched its latest edition of innovative nav» Smart Tools on the FNB App to help customers manage their money better through dynamic budgeting; as well as facilitating access to market and creating a digital marketplace for FNB-banked SMEs in the home services category.
28 October 2020: FNB announced as the SME Bank of the Year at the Global SME Finance Forum Virtual awards ceremony held on 27 October.
26 October 2020: FNB and the Shoprite Group have expanded their partnership by allowing FNB Easy Pay As You Use and Smart Option account holders to replace lost or stolen bank cards in more than 700 Shoprite and Checkers stores across South Africa.
13 October 2020: SA Rugby and FNB confirmed on Tuesday that the South African banking giant has extended its sponsorship of the Springboks for a further five years.
7 October 2020 First National Bank (FNB) has announced that individual consumers and institutional investors in South Africa will now have an opportunity to get exposure to shares from as little as R10 in some of the world's best performing companies such as Amazon, Facebook, Apple, Microsoft, Netflix, Tesla, Coca Cola and Alphabet which owns Google
28 September 2020 - Building a balanced and well diversified portfolio is the aim of every long-term investor, but it can be easier said than done. Building your wardrobe is a far less daunting topic than building a portfolio, however both share similar characteristics.
05 October 2020 Many people still don't see the value of having a valid Will. However, the COVID 19 pandemic has encouraged people to pay more attention to their estate and assets. According to FNB, over the course of lockdown there has been an increase in the number of people who are taking interest in drafting or updating their Will.
17 September 2020 Following the South African Reserve Bank's decision earlier today to keep interest rates at their previous level, FNB confirms that it will maintain its prime lending rate at 7% and will review its position following the next SARB MPC meeting.
10 September 2020 First National Bank (FNB) presents it's annual results for the financial year ending 30 June 2020. The Bank acknowledges that the year has been very hard for many due to an economy that was already struggling before COVID-19, escalating health risks as well as financial difficulties for both customers and businesses.
02 September 2020 FNB has taken the top spot in the 2020 BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable brands South African report. The report highlights that FNB is valued atR46.4 billion($2.8billion) and has risenin brand contribution with increased equity in all measures, and particularly in meaning and salience.
30 July 2020 FNB has launched its new brand campaign calling on all South Africans to rally behind local business to help rebuild the economy.
29 July 2020 FNB is expanding its digital payments ecosystem by launching a Virtual Card for individuals and businesses customers.
28 July 2020 Covid-19 lockdown regulations coupled with store closures have resulted in several consumers returning to online shopping for essentials products and services.
23 July 2020 Following the South African Reserve Bank's (SARB) decision to cut its lending rate by 0.25%, FNB will be reducing its prime lending rate to 7% from 7.25% with effect from Friday 24 July.
22 July 2020 At the beginning of this year, nobody could have predicted just how economically challenging the year 2020 was going to be.
Johannesburg, 16 July 2020 The stock market can be volatile, but it's a market that many people will delve into at some point in thier lives whether diretly buying shares or through their employer retirement saving fund.
16 July 2020 FNB Life is extending credit life insurance benefits to cover a portion of cashflow relief instalments for customers who already have credit life insurance. Under normal circumstances, customers pay an additional amount to extend insurance cover, however the provider is extending this benefit to protect quialifying customer against the financial impact of COVID-19.
13 July 2020: In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic coupled with millions of South Africans going hungry daily due to adverse economic conditions, Grain Care and FirstRand SPIRE fund, through RMB and FNB have launched a substantial grain campaign aimed at providing maize meal to vulnerable communities.
Johannesburg, 07 July 2020: FNB today announced that it will be discontinuing the issuing of cheques by 01 January 2021.
Johannesburg, 06 July 2020: Goals whether short or long-term form the foundations of your everyday life and your financial plan.
03 July 2020: The recent global health pandemic has caused uncertaintyfor people, business and investment experts across the globe. With low levels of confidence due to poor economic outlook and market volatility,South Africans are urged to look at their investment vehicles to determine which will offer the best returns given the current circumstances.
03 July 2020: In 2019, the Master of the High Court confirmed that as many as 75% of estates reported, are for South Africans who died without a valid Will. However, Johan Strydom, Head of Growth at FNB Fiduciary says that this may be set to change as people become more aware of their own mortality under the COVID-19 lockdown.
03 July 2020: Equity market instability and low cash interest rates have left savers and investors, both locally and abroad, taking another look at government bonds as a potential area of investment.
24 June 2020: First National Bank(FNB) has been voted as the best digital bank in the 2020 SIEisfaction®. The bank dominated overall customer satisfaction metrics in the both the Best Mobile Banking and Best Internet Banking categories
17 June 2020: First National Bank becomes the first bank in South Africa to accept UnionPay Contactless Payment at its SpeedPoint Terminals
01 June 2020: FNB has expressed its gratitude to employees, customers and partners for donating funds as well as eBucks to the FNB bank account that was created to support the National Solidarity Fund.
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06 July 2017 - Supply chain has become one of the key strategic hubs of many companies' activities; business is now conducted in a world where players as far away as Turkey and China are able to compete with a South African company successfully in terms of price when moving goods from point to point. This indicates that Freight forwarding and logistics works on a new set of rules in the 21st century, breaking with tradition may just be the only way to remain a player in a sector that has no borders.
Zak Sivalingum, FNB Regional Head in Gauteng East shares six areas that should be addressed in order for SA's Freight Forwarding and Logistics industry to remain competitive. These 6 areas were recently discussed with stakeholders from the Logistics Industry where the focus was around some of the challenges as well as opportunities that currently exist in the Industry.
Adopting technology and a millennial mindset - Technology has made it easier and more cost effective to use specific tools to move freight. Making use of optimisation engines, routing and scheduling tools can ensure that cargo is distributed timely and with optimal capacity, helping to decrease the overall cost of moving goods between two points.
South Africa's infrastructure impeding competitiveness - There is a general lack of infrastructure which puts SA companies in the top end of pricing. Government initiatives such as the Durban Dig Out Port and Tambo Springs in Ekurhuleni are a step in the right direction; however, the predominant form of delivery mainly makes use of roads infrastructure as opposed to rail which is far more expensive.
Alignment between government and business - Better alignment between business and government could improve the speed and process of transfer of cargo. Where you may find that customs makes use of cutting edge systems to ensure rapid clearance, other related stakeholders are either not using the same system or have no access to the existing system. This increases the time required to move cargo, it also increases opportunity for fraud and in the end, hits the respective business and consumers the hardest.
Cost of physical logistics is too high - The size of Southern Africa means that the distances that cargo moves takes too long from point of departure to its final destination. One of the major cost drivers is that Southern Africa uses road as opposed to rail. Over time the cost of fuel, toll gates, wear-and-tear of vehicle all summates to an expensive total cost of overall operations. If we are to compete globally, we may need to use countries such as the USA as case studies where freight also travels over land for a significant distance yet their costs are lower.
Industry collaboration needs to be considered more - As cargo vessels increase in size all the time, naturally it will become cheaper to move cargo from point to point due to shared costs for a single trip. A truck, in sharp contrast only carries one, maybe two containers, making this a lot more expensive. Both importers and exporters need to consider more consolidations.
Skills Development - If you consider that by 2050 Africa will have almost half of the world's population, then you see that the future of growth in this industry lies in being able to execute both cost and speed of delivery effectively to the rest of Africa, and doing so using new thinking that incorporates the use of technology.
"This is the challenge for an industry steeped in a traditional way of doing business. It is important now and will remain so in the future to embrace the concept of "data mastering", which will ultimately determine the winners, moving away from a "cost-oriented" approach to a value-oriented one" concludes Sivalingum.
3 July 2017 - The volatility of the South African economy, coupled with the recent downgrades has put consumers under immense financial pressure. A need exists for consumers to re-evaluate their lifestyles and make savings part of their daily routine.
"Challenging consumers to spend less now and save for later has become an important objective under the savings month theme," explains Ester Ochse, Product Specialist at FNB Financial Advisory.
"Saving should not only be seen as a once off exercise but should rather become part of a lifestyle change. This simple principle should be ingrained in us from a very young age to ensure that we embrace a savings culture that can benefit us in the future,"" she adds.
"Setting a small amount aside each month can help you reduce stress and at the same time shape your long-term future or help you cover those unforeseen expenses that may crop up. Worrying about monthly expenses can lead to stress and a variety of other health problems like depression, anxiety to mention a few. Finding simple, new and innovative ways to save money can help you lead a longer, happier life," says Ochse.
Simple ways to eliminate unnecessary stress and help you SAVE more:
"Creating reasonable goals and setting milestones could help you achieve your savings goals faster. It requires time, effort, patience and dedication but at the end of the day it will be worth it," concludes Ochse.
05 July 2017 - South Africa's low growth economy presents small and medium enterprises with a number of challenges, not least of which is how to balance the need to grow and preserve cash reserves for future use in business. Managing investment risk while retaining access to the funds when they are needed, are also important considerations.
Ancley Jacobs, CEO FNB Cash Investments, points out that most SMEs have three main considerations to keep in mind when approaching the management and saving of their cash reserves.
"The primary consideration for any small or medium business is managing investment risk by ensuring that cash on hand is invested where it is safe and the capital is fully guaranteed," Jacobs explains.
Secondly, Jacobs acknowledges that liquidity is a priority for most SMEs. He suggests that it should not come at the expense of growth meaning cash should be "parked" in an interest bearing savings or cash investment account that offers growth to curb the effects of inflation, while still giving instant or quick access to savings.
"Apart from the need to have cash on hand in savings and cash investments with instant or quick access to money, SMEs also need to be able to access cash invested over the medium and longer term for regular planned future expenses like tax payments and staff costs such as bonuses, as well as large future expenses such as assets or growth projects", says Jacobs.
"Typically, when it comes to cash savings, the solutions offered by banks are built around a balance between ease of access and term of savings," Jacobs explains, "so a business that is prepared to agree to long lead times when it comes to accessing its cash will typically enjoy a higher growth rate."
This term-based approach can be well suited as a way of growing cash available to the business that have a clear view of their timeline for future cash needs, which is why, for the SME that is unsure about exactly when it will need to access cash. Jacobs recommends finding a solution that offers quick access at no cost.
He uses the recently launched FNB 48 Hour Cash Accelerator savings solutions as an example of a business savings solution designed specifically to balance the needs of having quick access to savings while enjoying healthy growth. "The solution was developed with the specific cashflow and growth needs of businesses in mind and, as such, it combines a very competitive interest rate with an appealing 48-hour notice period to access cash invested, coupled with the assurance that the capital and quoted returns are fully guaranteed."
"Given that a significant reason for putting your cash into a savings account is to help grow the money during the times that you don't need it, earning returns that keep up with inflation is important," he states that, "apart from the benefit of being able to access your cash quickly, it will also actually be worth more than when it was deposited."
"Owners of these businesses therefore need to make absolutely sure that they fully understand their short, medium and long-term cash requirements to ensure that they have an optimised solution that offer a balance between the risk, growth and access that their business, can be comfortable with," Jacobs concludes.
04 June 2017 - If you constantly find yourself impulsively spending on your credit card, yet dreading to check how much you owe on your statement at the end of the month, there is a high likelihood you are misusing your credit card.
Jonathan de Beer, head of collections at FNB Credit Card, says a credit card can be quite convenient and rewarding if you need safe and instant access to cash. However, you can easily find yourself in an unnecessary financial predicament if you are not careful with your spending.
He points out five tell-tale signs you could be misusing your credit card:
"If you notice any of these signs or find yourself excessively spending beyond your means, it is not the end of the road, as there are important measures you can immediately take to gradually turn your situation around," advises de Beer.
The first step is to list all your debt, spend carefully and only when it is absolutely necessary, formulate a realistic budget and stick to it. Lastly, try and pay a little extra towards your credit card debt every month.
"In extreme debt situations consumers are advised to seek expert advice as soon as possible in order to minimise the impact," concludes de Beer.
06 June 2017 - If you can't quite put your finger on bank charges when checking your statement every month, it is possible that you either don't have the best banking account that suits your transacting needs or may have adopted behaviour that is costing you a bit more.
Ryan Prozesky, CEO of FNB Value Banking Solutions, says in principle, choosing an ideal banking account for your needs, keeping abreast of fees and knowing what value you are getting from your bank should help you avoid unnecessary bank charges.
He shares ten tips on how to save on banking charges:
Choosing the right account - never choose a bank account merely on its monthly administration costs, rather base the decision on your transacting needs to avoid incurring additional charges. For example, on a pay as you use structured account you may be charged extra everytime you make a transaction, while on a bundle offering you are able to perform multiple or unlimited transactions without incurring additional charges.
A pay as you use structure would be best suited for a customer with a low number of monthly transactions, while bundle offerings are best suited for those with a higher number of monthly transactions. Make sure that you chose a bundle with the most appropriate number of transactions included in the bundle, based on your monthly transactional needs.
Avoid using another bank's ATM - avoid withdrawing money at an ATM belonging to another bank as the costs are higher than using your bank's one.
Bank on digital channels - whenever possible try and use digital and electronic channels for transactions as these are usually free or attract lower costs compared to using a bank branch. In addition, digital channels offer you the convenience of performing your banking anywhere anytime; thereby saving you time and money by avoiding travelling to a branch.
Swiping your card - instead of withdrawing cash to purchase necessities rather swipe your card as it is safer than carrying cash. Check whether your bank offers unlimited card swipes at no additional charge regardless of the amount. In addition, most banks' loyalty programs give customers rewards back for swiping their card.
"FNB transactional accounts offer a free eBucks reward linkage, enabling you to get something extra back at no additional cost. If you really do need cash, why not add it to your grocery list and withdraw from selected retailer till points. This transaction is usually cheaper than withdrawing from an ATM. FNB offers Cash@till via Shoprite, Checkers, U-Save, Pick 'n Pay, Boxer, PEP and selected Spar stores," says Prozesky.
Avoid penalty charges - always make sure there is sufficient money in your account to cover all purchases and transactions you make. This will help you from incurring penalty charges when transactions fail.
Overdraft facility fees - An overdraft facility helps meet those unexpected cashflow shortfalls and will help you avoid penalty fees due to insufficient funds. Although FNB only charges customers for having an overdraft facility when they use it, other banks may charge you a monthly fee for merely having the facility, even if you don't use it.
Bank Statements - if you have an email address, request your bank to rather email your statement to you instead of posting them. Not only will they arrive much sooner, but you will avoid any charges for postal statements that some banks may levy. If you need to check your transaction history, make use of your bank's digital channels to view your balance, transaction history or download your recent statements for free.
"FNB now allows customers to download or email themselves their previous three month's bank statements for free from the FNB App, Cellphone Banking and Online Banking. If you need a physical copy of your bank statements avoid high fees by requesting these in branch; rather see if your bank offers the ability to print statements at selected ATM machines. FNB offers you the ability to print your last three month's statements at over 900 ATMs with Deposit machines around the country," says Prozesky.
Take care of bank cards - be extra cautious with your bank cards as some banks will usually charge you a fee for replacing them.
Monthly caps - exceeding monthly caps for certain transactions may attract additional fees. For example, on certain account bundles, your bank may offer you a number or value of ATM withdrawals for free, with additional charges as soon as you exceed the limit.
Lastly, don't ignore communication from your bank. "Banks often review their account fees annually offering you a breakdown of changes and adjustments. It's important to thoroughly go through and understand these fee changes and how they impact the way you transact on a monthly basis," concludes Prozesky.
26 June 2017 - Consumers who have little or no disability cover in place could face financial difficulties in the unfortunate event of disabilities that often result from accidents or illnesses such as diabetes, heart attacks, depression, mental health, stroke, cancer and back pain, amongst others.
Approximately 30% of FNB Life customers have some form of disability cover. However, only about 3.5% have cover that would be sufficient to cater for their financial needs if they were disabled.
Lee Bromfield, CEO of FNB Life, says most people who take out life cover mistakenly view disability insurance as an additional and unnecessary grudge purchase, until something tragic happens to them.
Moreover, if you have a particular disorder that runs through your family and could potentially lead to some form of disability; it is all the more reason why you need this type of cover.
"Although life insurance ensures that your loved ones are taken care of financially in the event that you pass away, you also need to consider what will happen if you become disabled and have no income to take care of yourself and those who are financially dependent on you," explains Bromfield.
Bromfield says the reason why consumers get it so wrong when it comes to disability cover is not being informed enough to realise the significant impact.
For example, if you suddenly have a stroke, are permanently disabled and can no longer work or take care of yourself, you may find yourself financially stranded. Even if you do have cover through your employer it may not be enough.
Alternatively, if you were to experience back problems and couldn't work for a period of six months or more you may need income to cater for the financial shortfall.
He says a common misconception held by consumers is that disabilities are usually work related and would normally be covered through the Workers Compensation Fund set up by the government. The danger with this notion is that many disabilities can occur outside of work leaving you and your family uninsured.
"When considering the future wellbeing of your loved ones, it is important to strike the correct balance between life and disability cover, and the amount of cover needed depending on your individual needs.
Taking out disability cover should not be seen as a tick box exercise," concludes Bromfield.
FNB Life offers death, disability and critical illness cover, up to R100 million, R50 million and R5 million respectively.
For more information contact:
FNB Corporate Communications
Senzi Dlamini: Senzi.Dlamini@fnb.co.za or 087 335 8277
Johannesburg, 30 June, 2017 - Today, First National Bank (FNB), firmly committed to playing a bigger role in tackling South Africa's unemployment crisis. A loan agreement in the amount of $200 million (around R2.6 billion) was concluded between FNB parent, FirstRand, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) a member of the World Bank Group. The loan is aimed at magnifying lending and support for the SME sector in South Africa, where FNB is a leading player.
In an effort to promote growth of the SME sector, the IFC has developed the SME Push Program to channel $2-3 billion (around R26-39 billion) of a wide range of investment into South Africa's SMEs over the next 5-7 years.
"SMEs are one of the most powerful contributors to sustainable economic growth. In South Africa, the sector contributes about 40% to the country's GDP," says Mike Vacy-Lyle, CEO of FNB Business.
The National Development Plan 2030 estimates that South Africa needs to have 8 million active SME's in order to achieve set targets of creating 11 million jobs by 2030. The SME Push Program is designed to align with government policies in order to assist in gearing South Africa towards these set goals.
Oumar Seydi, IFC Director for East and Southern Africa said, "IFC's is committed to promoting the growth of SMEs to spur job creation at a time of economic uncertainty in South Africa, and globally. IFC welcomes this opportunity to help FNB expand its efforts to work with SMEs, and build on a long-term strategic partnership that can increase access to finance IFC's SME Push Program."
"FNB is well positioned to offer the right support to the SME sector. Regardless of the current economic slowdown, we believe that SMEs still represent a massive growth opportunity. Together with the IFC we can collaborate in crafting an era of economic and social development and help shape the county's growth prospects," concludes Vacy-Lyle.
About IFC
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. Working with 2,000 businesses worldwide, we use our six decades of experience to create opportunity where it's needed most. In FY16, our long-term investments in developing countries rose to nearly $19 billion, leveraging our capital, expertise and influence to help the private sector end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity.
For more information, visit .www.ifc.org
29 June 2017 - FNB today announced that customers who use its award winning banking app will no longer need data to access it via their smartphones from 1 July 2017.
This follows an agreement with all major mobile network operators in South Africa to zero rate access to the FNB Banking App allowing all customers to use it at no cost. The bank already offers free access to its app to all FNB Connect customers, and offers free WiFi in most FNB branches for customers to download the app.
Giuseppe Virgillito, FNB Digital spokesperson, says "Since launching the app six years ago, not only has it become the most downloaded, but also the popular banking app amongst consumers as recently rated in the SAcsi and Columinate SITEisfaction Index's 2017."
"We believe that access to data or airtime should not be a barrier to safe and convenient banking for South Africans. The zero rating of the app is in line with our broader strategy to migrate customers to digital and electronic channels where a number of transactions and services are already offered free of charge," adds Virgillito.
The FNB Banking App not only offers customers convenience, but increased value through its industry leading features that caters for the basic and advanced banking transactions in the hands of customers.
"We attribute the success of the banking app to continuous innovation and meeting more than the basic banking needs of our customers," adds Virgillito.
Furthermore, with fraud being a global concern for customers that use digital platforms, the latest version of the FNB Banking App boasts industry-leading security features.
The industry first inContact solution has evolved to introduce Smart InContact, which allows customers to receive secure Online Banking transaction approvals on the FNB App which does not rely on SMS or email technology which could be intercepted by fraudsters. Smart inContact on the FNB App also notifies customers of all transactions for free, from as low as one cent, with full control to report fraud with 1-touch of the Report Fraud button to the 24/7 FNB Fraud line. The app also works with Online Banking to verify devices that customers use to transact on their respective profiles. Only verified devices with the app installed receive Smart inContact transaction approvals.
Logins to Online Banking also trigger a Smart inContact notification for customers to be notified whenever their Online Banking is accessed. App users can also now authenticate themselves through Fingerprint ID available to both Android and iPhone owners, which uses a fingerprint sensor to verify the user before giving access to the account profile.
The FNB Banking App is currently ranked the best in South Africa by customers in both the South African Consumer Satisfaction Index 2017, and in the Columinate SITEisfaction Index 2017. The app has also been ranked best in South Africa by international benchmark studies, such as MyPrivateBanking Research and Finalta where international banking experts rank the FNB Banking App as standing shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world.
"Apart from gaining multiple international awards over the years, we still strive to please our customers, and the results are evident in both the SAcsi and SITEisfactions surveys, where when unpacking the detail, consumers rate the FNB Banking App as the best banking app in the country," says Virgillito.
The FNB Banking App features industry-leading solutions such as FNB Pay, Fingerprint ID, Secure Chat, Smart inContact, 1-touch Report Fraud, nav» Car and nav» Home, eBucks Partner locator and FNB TV, amongst others.
For more information contact:
FNB Corporate Communications
Senzi Dlamini: Senzi.Dlamini@fnb.co.za or 087 335 8277
28 June 2017 - The Western Cape (WC) is a province that houses an important part of the agri-economy in South Africa. It has seen the worst of the drought on record, dam levels remain low and the province has gone as far as implementing restrictions on water usage throughout the region.
Dawie Maree, Head of Information and Marketing at FNB Agri Business takes us through four reasons why the Western Cape Agricultural sector is important to the South African economy.
1. Why do we need it to rain in the WC? - The WC is probably SA's most important export province in terms of agricultural products. The deciduous fruit industry, wine industry and increasingly the citrus industry is also setting base in the WC, these are all key export produce that contribute significantly to the overall agri-economy in South Africa. Should any of these industries suffer, it becomes detrimental to the agricultural industry as a whole in South Africa and by extension, the local economy.
2. What is the percentage impact on GDP contribution? - The WC contributes 24% to total GDP in South Africa. Agriculture has a total contribution to the GDP of the WC of roughly 4%. But what is significant to note is that agric and agro-processing is responsible for 18% of employment opportunities in the province.
3. How has the drought impacted employment numbers in the sector? - The drought will have the biggest impact on seasonal employment in the fruit industry. Due to possible lower production, less seasonal workers might be employed, with the obvious socio-economic consequences related to a decreased number of those employed. For Q1 there were 215 000 employees in the agric sector in the WC. That is 14.2% less than in Q4 of 2016. A large percentage of these are due to seasonality - It is however 5.9% less than the same period in 2016 (228 000) - clearly a consequence of the drought. The WC has the biggest agricultural workforce in South Africa at 24.5%.
4. What is the long term impact of the drought on both WC and the country? The WC is a central agricultural exports province and the drought, if not broken soon, will definitely impact negatively on the long term economic growth for both the province and the country's economy.
The WC has recently had some rains; however, the drought has not been broken. A major contributing factor of the drought has had a negative impact on the wheat industry, seriously hampering supply, with the knock-on effect on wheat prices and possibly the bread price. Although SA is a net importer of wheat, this might mean that we will have to import even more wheat than we normally do. Some of the losses in wheat production might be offset by increasing production in the Free State and Northern Cape.
"We must keep in mind that although agric only makes up around 4% of the sector when compared to other industries, the majority of agric's production, in access of 70%, gets used by the manufacturing industry and the Western Cape is an key contributor to this. Should agric suffer; the whole value-chain will suffer" concludes Maree.
Johannesburg; 27 June 2017 - Opening a bank account is a hassle free process, but before a bank can initiate the account opening process, there are some important documents that are required.
Lee-Anne van Zyl, CEO of FNB Points of Presence, says "While the account opening process is simple, most people are still not sure which documents are required. With the change of laws in South Africa, a South African identity document is no longer enough as the bank has to comply with laws such as the Financial Intelligence Centre Act (FICA), which require banks to have the correct and up to date information for new and existing customers."
Here is a list of documents required before opening a bank account in South Africa:
Foreign Nationals
Foreign Nationals who reside in South Africa can open bank accounts, but before the account opening process commences there's declaration they must sign. This is a list of the required documents:
"Opening an account is relatively easy, but if there any outstanding documents it can add unnecessary delays. At FNB, you can open an Easy Account for as little as R5.25 on the pay as you use option or R53 for a bundle which offers a number of benefits" says van Zyl.
For more information contact:
Dumezulu Shiburi- FNB Corporate Communications
Tel: 087 328 0990 or Email: dumi.shiburi@fnb.co.za
09 May 2017: The SA economy is proving resilient in the wake of the recent downgrades, the rand is slowly recovering and business seems to be weathering the storm, however, this should not stop businesses from diversifying both their business and investment portfolios.
"Adopting the ostrich mentality will not work for SMEs in a shrinking economy. The idiom "make hay whilst the sun shines" is the most relevant in this current economy. The reality is there is less money in the economy and debt is becoming more expensive to hold so most customers are decreasing their spend and credit exposure. If SMEs want to win they need to be far more diversified" says Mags Ponnan, Head of Customer Value Propositions at FNB Business.
Diversifying your business simply defined means growing a company's service/ product offering range to providing more variation or options to the market. Through this process a company gains new customers, increasing its market base and also drives expansion success. A bigger customer base means an increased pool of business income, which in trying times is a saving grace because the business in effect has more than one stream of income.
Ponnan takes us through a few ways in which businesses can diversify:
Increase channels to reach consumer − A good approach would be to open an online store where you can sell directly to consumers. This means that you have a direct channel to the consumer that costs less and provide the business with a new set of customers who are increasingly turning towards digital platforms for ordering products and services in SA.
Increase geographical reach − The SME can look into signing deals with retailers that are available in other provinces, cities and even countries outside of where the business is geographically based. Increasing the geographical reach increases the number of customers that can be reached.
Develop new product/ service − Another effective way to diversify is to create new products, by increasing the product range, creating versions of the product that differ from an entry level version to a high end version of the product. Creating variations increases the number of customers that your product can reach because price variation means a lot additional people can afford the product.
Invest into an aligned business − One of the more aggressive ways of diversifying is a business buying into or buying out a related business either in the same market or related markets. For example a vertical integration will enable the business to control his product lifecycle where he will now be able to impact the raw materials being used or even the distribution channels used by his customers.
Save for a rainy day with Investing a portion of your profits on a monthly basis will allow you to build a nest egg that you can fall back on in the future in case of an unforeseen expenses or when you need funding for expansion of your business' geographical footprint or for the build of a new product.
"In tough times, only those willing to go beyond the norm are bound to win, SMEs need to think about their business far more creatively, the approach should be to spread your reach and not have all your eggs in one basket" concludes Ponnan.
04 May 2017: Dawie Maree, Head of Information and Marketing for Agriculture at FNB Business
Apart from the Western Cape, the gripping drought that hung over the country has finally weathered away, the agricultural sector has more than recovered to a projected record harvest.
Good rainfall over most of the summer grain producing areas, a lot of rested lands, improved cultivars and the use of technology resulted in record crops for both maize and soya beans. The maize crop increased from roughly 7.7 million tonnes to a projected 14.3 million tonnes.
The intensive livestock sector, such as feedlots, dairies and broiler producers, has also benefited from the rains as there will be an improvement in the feed margins. However, the extensive livestock sector, farmers producing from grazing, is still not out of the woods yet. A lack of good rainfall and very low dam levels in the Western Cape are concerning, however, we remain hopeful as we head into winter, that the usual winter rains begin to fall across the province.
So what are the lessons we have learnt from this drought: Lesson 1 - First, it is important not to lose focus of your long term strategy. In farming, droughts will come and go, but how you plan to overcome a drought is an important part of the business. Do your production budget, feedflow plan and all other budgeting with both an optimistic view but always factor in a worst case scenario. If your farm can overcome the worst case scenario, then you will be fine.
Lesson 2 - Try to keep to your cash flow budget as far as possible and for as long as possible. This might mean that you have to sell off non-productive assets, but rather this than the risk of losing productive assets.
Lesson 3 - An important lesson is to diversify and with the current improved conditions, now might be the time to do so. In general, production conditions for the agricultural sector have improved substantially and this is clear in the latest consumer price inflation data release.
Food inflation in March fell to its lowest level in 14 months and the expectation is that it will decline even further given the improved agricultural conditions. Meat inflation is however still lagging the decline. Farmers are in the process of rebuilding their herds and hence slaughtering supply has declined. The declining food inflation bodes well for overall inflation and we saw a surprise decline in CPI to 6.1% in March, down from 6.3% in February.
Some growing concerns - The recent downgrades in which both consumer and business confidence in South Africa took a knock cannot go without mention. The exchange rate fortunately stabilised and recovered some lost territory but one might wonder where it will go over the next few months.
The volatile Rand, combined with an uptick in crude oil prices means we may be in for another fuel price increase in May, and this will further burden the recovering sector.
The agricultural sector has seen the worst in the past year, it has however began to find an upward swing again, the rains have returned, dams have filled up to near capacity, we have gone from a very low maize crop to a record high crop, and yes, the economy may be on a downturn, but just as the drought came and went, so will the tough times too.
The overall takeout is plan for the worst, implement the basics, ensure your finances are in order and talk to your banker in advance. If you get that right then there is no reason why you won't be singing in the rain.
10 April 2017: FNB Life has taken the next step in its digital evolution by giving customers the option to take up and manage life insurance through the FNB Banking App and Online Banking.
By logging into their profiles, choosing the insurance option, answering medical questions and accepting the quote, customers are able to take up cover within a few minutes.
Some customers may be selected to go for a free medical assessment before the policy starts.
"It has never been easier and more convenient for consumers to take up life insurance," says Lee Bromfield, CEO of FNB Life. "Our new digital offering is a game changer for the life insurance industry in South Africa."
"With innovation being part of our DNA, it will come as no surprise to customers that we have reached yet another milestone by completely integrating life insurance into our banking systems," adds Bromfield.
"Our omni-channel strategy not only enables us to improve service levels, but to continue meeting the unique and ever changing needs of our customers by making it possible for them to access life insurance through our call-centres, financial advisors, branch networks, FNB Banking App and Online Banking."
The integration of life insurance with the bank's digital platforms will afford customers the benefit of a single login to simultaneously manage all their financial services and accounts.
Furthermore, the life cover offering has been integrated into the bank's rewards programme giving customers more value by earning up to 15% of their monthly premiums back through eBucks.
Customers can now take up life, disability and critical illness cover for up to R10 million each and R5 million respectively on digital platforms.
Life policy holders will also be able review and update their cover digitally without the intervention of service consultants.
For more information customers can contact FNB Life Centre on 087 736 7774 or email
fnblife@fnb.co.za
For media queries contact:
FNB Corporate Communications
Senzi Dlamini:
Senzi.Dlamini@fnb.co.za
or 087 335 8277
10 April 2017: The number of Johannesburg FNB branches with active free WI-FI connection has reached 383 as at February 2017, this is as the bank continues to offer free internet connectivity to customers in its branches.
Lee-Anne van Zyl, CEO of FNB Points of Presence says, "By January 2017 over 200 000 customers connected to the internet via free FNB WI-FI in branches. The roll out of free WI-FI is another value-add which shows our commitment to helping all FNB customers bank digitally.
The fundamental aim of this initiative is to offer cheaper banking alternatives for customers through the availability free high speed Wi-Fi. Currently, about 187 FNB branches are connected via internet fbre, which enables connectivity at faster speeds."
"The process of providing free WI-FI is ongoing; however, we aim to steadily increase connectivity across most of branch outlets, especially high capacity branches."
Over the years FNB has moved to digitise its branches and avail the option of transacting via digital channels or over the counter. This happened in the form of introducing Digital Zones, which enable customers to transact via their online profiles within the branch.
FNB also has dedicated eBankers across 195 select branches that are deployed to assist customers at Digital Zones. The role of eBankers is to assist customers who transact digitally by giving support where necessary.
"We have seen a marked increase in the use of Digital Zones at branches as customers have the option to use online banking, the FNB Banking App or cell phone banking. There's clearly an appetite for digital banking, but as more customers adopt digital channels we will have to balance this with customers' education," adds van Zyl.
For more information contact:
Dumezulu Shiburi− FNB Corporate Communications
Tel: 087 328 0990 or Email:
dumi.shiburi@fnb.co.za
3 April 2017: Consumers who are travelling or have not yet finalised their arrangements for the upcoming Easter holidays should be wary of fraudsters who target people who are desperate to secure travel and accommodation at the last minute.
Sahil Mungar, FNB Digital Banking says, "If you have or haven't yet booked your travel and accommodation, not only are you likely to pay a premium, but you could also fall victim to some online scams."
"Fraudsters exploit potential holiday makers by falsely advertising holiday accommodation or timeshares on the internet and social media. Consumers are then deceived to pay upfront in order to secure their bookings. This further gives scammers an opportunity to request ID copies and bank details of their victims, which are then used for identity theft," adds Mungar.
When consumers become desperate to secure holiday travel and accommodation, they can easily overlook scams due to the pressure, only to find out that they've been defrauded when they get to the venue.
Mungar advises consumers to be extra cautious when booking accommodation online ahead of the Easter holidays
"To avoid scams, consider checking out properties from reputable travel websites and agents in advance and never respond to online and social media adverts without verifying that the sources are legitimate," concludes Mungar.
For media queries contact:
FNB Corporate Communications
Senzi Dlamini:
Senzi.Dlamini@fnb.co.za
or 087 335 8277
02 April 2017: If you find yourself relying on debt and not your income to survive every month, it is a sign that you need to evaluate your finances to get financial stability.
Eunice Sibiya, Head of Consumer Education at FNB says "it may seem hard at the beginning to make changes to your daily routines, but looking at the end goal is encouraging. Therefore, you should carefully re-evaluate your budget and prioritise paying off debt as quickly as possible."
For consumers who are battling with debt, Sibiya recommends the following measures:
Change the behavior that caused debt problems
The first step of getting out of debt is looking at what got you into debt. Acknowledge the challenge
and evaluate your spending pattern as well as your lifestyle. Once you have done this, cut down on unnecessary expenses and channel the money towards paying debt
List all your debts
List all the creditors you owe, the amount owed and the interest of each debt. Then prioritise your debt either by interest rate
or the balance of each debt. In addition, decide how much you can afford to pay a month for each debt. Be realistic about what you can afford and stick to your budget in order
to avoid defaulting on any payment.
"Consider paying a lump sum to one of your debts while still servicing other debts. Once you have paid off one account, channel the money into servicing the other debts so that you can pay it off as quickly as possible," says Sibiya.
Set periodic goals
Now that you have listed all your debts and have a plan on how you will be paying them off, set a time frame and
work towards achieving your goal within the set time. "This will require commitment and discipline from start to finish. The desired goal will be rewarding at the end of
the hurdle," says Sibiya.
Track your progress
Track your progress every three months. This will allow you to relook your payment plans to see if it is working or
not. If the progress is positive, you will be encouraged and driven to look at the long term benefit of being disciplined and committed to a debt free life.
"During this challenging journey, avoid taking more debt until you have paid of all your dues. Discipline and commitment will lead you to financial independence,"
concludes Sibiya.
For more information contact:
Chloe Hackland − FNB Corporate Communications
Tel: 087 311 9124 or Email:
chackland@fnb.co.za
23 April 2017: Despite increasing awareness about the importance of having life insurance, some consumers remain confused and undecided due to myths that uninformed people spread through the grapevine.
Lee Bromfield, CEO of FNB Life says "Death is usually the last subject people look forward to discussing over the dinner table. Similarly, life insurance conversations are viewed in the same light and further perpetuated by misconceptions that this form of cover is complex and not easy to take up."
Bromfeld demystifies common myths that consumers have about life insurance:
You'll be subjected to extreme laboratory testing before getting cover
When taking up life insurance you need to complete
a medical examination to determine your risk level. A practitioner will either ask you a few medical questions over the phone or a professional nurse may take blood
tests at the comfort of your home or workplace. The process is often quick and efficient.
Wealthy people don't need life insurance
While every situation is unique, life insurance plays a significant role when wealthy individuals pass on wealth
to the next generation. It can give heirs and beneficiaries peace of mind knowing that costs related to winding up a deceased estate are catered for. For business owners,
costs related to selling and liquidating the business or transferring ownership can be covered through life insurance.
Only married people need life insurance
One of the biggest misconceptions about life insurance is that if you are single, don't have children or still young, you do not need cover. Life insurance caters for anyone
that is financially dependent on you in the unfortunate event that you pass away
Prevailing health issues will prevent you from getting cover
You may pay a slightly higher premium than the average person if you have a pre-existing health issue, due to your risk profile. However, if the health condition is well
managed, you should have no challenges getting life insurance. For example, there are many people living with chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and asthma that
have life cover.
"Moreover, people that engage in dangerous hobbies and habits like smoking are also eligible for life cover," explains Bromfield.
I have adequate cover through my employer
Cover provided by employers often comes with its own
terms and conditions and ends when you leave your job. Solely relying on this cover can leave you uninsured and result in you paying hefty premiums if you take cover when you
are much older.
"There are quite a number of misconceptions that exist about life insurance in general. If you are looking to take up life cover, it is advisable to speak to a professional or your financial services provider to avoid getting misleading and inaccurate information," concludes Bromfield.
For media queries contact:
FNB Corporate Communications
Senzi Dlamini:
Senzi.Dlamini@fnb.co.za
or 087 335 8277
05 April 2017: The agricultural sector has overall survived the worst of the recent drought that gripped the country over the past three years; however, the Western Cape has not been as fortunate - damn levels are low and the lack of rain has led to decreasing soil moisture that is threatening production.
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) reported that dam levels have eased marginally as we approach the end of the rainy season in the summer production areas, reaching 73.7% full versus 54.8% last year during the week ended 03 April 2017. In contrast, the summer rainfall areas of the Western Cape (WC) did not receive sufficient rainfall and dam levels remain critically low at 24.2% full compared to 31.2% last year this time.
"Recent weather forecasts indicate that we might see a return of the El Nino weather pattern in the new season (2017/18), however, it is early days as the situation may improve. Already, the weather forecasts have signalled a possibility of above normal rainfall for late autumn to mid-winter which is a welcome relief for the Western Cape winter crop areas" says Paul Makube, Senior Agricultural Economist at FNB Business.
Makube shares some implications from the drought that is gripping the agricultural sector in the Western Cape.
Wine - Production volumes have declined. However, the drier conditions in general mean improved quality of wine. The lower volumes may lead to a modest increase in prices to the benefit of the producers.
Fruit and vegetables - Not all areas in the Western Cape are badly affected by the drought: an example is the Ceres region which is reportedly doing fine. We must however differentiate between water available for human consumption and that for irrigation. Although the situation with dam levels is dire, some farmers have on-farm water storage capacity for irrigation which is not for human consumption. Nonetheless, some vegetable farmers who do not have this capacity are expected to face a bleak future if it does not rain sooner.
Grain production - the rainy season normally starts beginning of May, so everything is not yet lost. Fortunately, the rainfall outlook has since improved with the possibility of above-normal showers in the winter ahead which will be beneficial for wheat and other winter crops. This will also help alleviate the current water shortages across the Western Cape. Some farmers have opted to diversify into barley production, a product only produced in the southern Cape in the past.
Livestock - the persistent drought conditions are devastating for livestock producers especially for beef, dairy and culling. Stock reduction will result in elevated prices. During a drought, animals lose condition and production suffers which erodes the farmer's margins.
"While both the overall SA producer and consumer inflation are expected to moderate in the coming months, local trends may remain stubbornly high if the drought conditions persists. The agri-value chain may come under pressure and impede potential job growth in the sector. With that said we remain hopeful that the much needed rains will return in the coming month," concludes Makube.
For media queries, contact:
FNB Corporate Communications
Benedict Siyotula:
Benedict.Siyotula@fnb.co.za
or 087 7365227
April 2017: There is a growing trend of businesses opting to move away from office parks into residential areas. This may seem unconventional, but there are certain financial benefits for SME's to make this move.
"With the by-laws considered, yes, buying or renting office space in a residential area makes financial sense" , says Attie Anderson, Head of FNB Commercial Property Finance.
Anderson takes a look at some key considerations that a business has to take into account when deciding to buy or rent office space in a residential area.
What must one consider in terms of where to buy?
The biggest consideration is access to the property. Are the access and exit points adequate for the expected visitors to the premises? Is the site in close proximity to major routes? How will peak hour traffic affect access to the premises?
What are the stumbling blocks with owning commercial property in a residential space?
Residential areas are prone to traffic stacking during peak times, especially close to schools and residents may complain about the rate of activity. In residential areas, sufficient parking space may also be limited.
What are the legislative considerations?
One needs to ensure that the zoning of the property caters for the specific business to be operated thereon. The zoning of the property attaches to the property itself, and not to the owner thereof. In some cases you may require special permission from the local authority ("consent use"). Consent use is normally granted to the owner of the property, with certain strict conditions to be adhered to. This consent use may not be transferred to subsequent owners (consent use therefore attaches to the owner, not the property).
How are rates and taxes calculated? Rates are calculated in accordance with the rates policy of the Council in which jurisdiction the property is situated. Properties with business zoning are calculated at a higher tariff than residential properties. The valuation of the property is normally multiplied by the tariff and divided by 12 to obtain the monthly rates applicable to that property. The valuation of the property will normally differ from area to area.
Is it good to rent or own this type of property?
It is always better to own property in a good area as it will appreciate in value and as you grow it might be an asset that you will either rent out or sell at a reasonable profit.
What types of businesses are best suited for residential areas?
A look at the sector suggests that professionals such as doctors, dentists, accountants and real estate agents seem to move more to residential areas. Other industries that seem to benefit are beauty salons, printing franchises and smaller service providers such as plumbers and electricians.
"The decision to go into a residential area must be one that looks at the long term strategy of the business and its growth prospects, but on the whole, it is clear that there is merit in exploring office space in a residential area" concludes Anderson.
For media queries, contact:
FNB Corporate Communications
Benedict Siyotula:
Benedict.Siyotula@fnb.co.za
or 087 7365227
07 March 2017: The agricultural sector has survived the worst of the drought that gripped South Africa in the past three years. The recent rains have however positioned the sector favourably in parts of the country.
Paul Makube, Senior Agricultural Economist at FNB Business takes a look at how the drought and subsequent recovery has impacted four basic breakfast foods, namely; eggs, maize, dairy and bread.
Dairy:
This industry has seen pastures improving, thereby reducing the frequency for the need for irrigation which translates to lower electricity costs. In addition, supply outlook for grain crops has improved and the subsequent decline in prices from the second half of 2017 indicates a reduction in food manufacturing cost is eminent.
Producer prices are expected to approach the long-term average share of approximately 37% of the retail prices. "We should see stable to firmer demand with new marketing strategies to reach more consumers in the country, the rebound in the industry following a devastating drought looks positive", explains Makube.
Eggs:
The egg market is stable and producer prices remain at profitable levels. Prices at consumer level have also remained relatively stable with a steady increase on an average of 6% year on year in January 2017.
"We've seen a lot of suppliers enter the eggs market which has increased supplies and placed profitability under pressure. Nonetheless, producers do have an option to reduce their stocks by shortening the lifecycles of their layer hens. The improved grain production outlook bodes well for feed prices, as feeding margins improve towards mid-year" adds Makube.
Bread:
According to statistics issued by the Agbiz, South Africa's total bread production grew by 12% year-on-year (y/y) in December 2016 to a total of 182 million loaves. The growth came from brown bread, it moved up from 82 million loaves in January to 90 million loaves. In fact, from October to December 2016, brown bread production was consistently higher than white bread. Prices of loaves of white and brown bread (700g) increased by 14% and 13% y/y at R13.60 and R12.28 respectively. The price of a loaf of white bread however slowed in January 2017, finishing up 11% y/y while that of brown bread was up 13% y/y.
Maize:
The price of the staple food, white maize, has for the first time in 2017 fallen below R2 000 per ton currently trading at R1 917/ ton, an advantage for food inflation which has remained sticky at double digit levels of 11.8% y/y in January 2017. The latest production estimates indicates a harvest of 13.9 million tons of total maize with the white variety up by almost 144% y/y at 8.3 million tons.
"While this is the first production estimate and is likely to change as the season progresses, our view is that it is likely to improve given the good production conditions. However, the excessive moisture if rains persist coupled with early frost for some areas may result in a slight downward revision to the current crop estimate in the months ahead" cautions Makube.
"The continued fall in maize prices on a year-on-year basis is expected to begin to filter through into the feed prices. Maize is a major input cost component, and a reduction in prices effectively means we will see feed prices begin to slowly stabilise. Agriculture is not out of the woods yet, but it is on its way out of the red and back into the black", concludes Makube.
