Skip to content
South African consumer comparing banking, investment and financial advice options on a smartphone
Ffreedom Connect

Why Does Every Big Company Suddenly Want to Be a Bank

South Africa's biggest companies are moving into banking. But deposits, data and customer relationships may be more important than banking fees. What does this mean for your financial choices?

23 Sep 2026 · 5 mins read

Editor's picks

Start with these

What we cover

Five topics, one goal, financial independence for South Africans

Beyond the bank account

Alternative Investments

Fractional property, REITs, private credit, offshore funds and commodities.

Read the section

Keep what you have built

Asset Protection

Trusts, estate planning, marital regimes, insurance and business structuring.

Read the section

Section

Business Solutions

We help entrepreneurs create, protect and transfer wealth through integrated advice that combines financial planning, tax efficiency, private markets, business succession and global investment opportunities.

Read the section

Section

Ffreedom Connect

Stories · newsletters · weekly brief · market updates · special reports. The stories behind South Africa's money, business, technology and wealth.

Read the section

Section

Market Rates

Rates · yields · fees · costs · products · platforms · providers · weekly comparisons

Read the section

Money that works day to day

Personal Finance

Budgeting, debt, medical aid, credit and emergency funds explained with South African numbers.

Read the section

Keep more of what you earn

Tax Optimisation

How SARS treats your income, retirement contributions, capital gains and offshore assets.

Read the section

Compounding on purpose

Wealth Building

Tax free savings, retirement annuities, JSE and offshore index exposure.

Read the section

The publication

Financial freedom, explained

Independent South African money journalism — personal finance, tax, wealth building, asset protection and alternative investments, written in plain language.

Showing 9 of 21 articles.

South African taxpayer planning a Retirement Annuity contribution before the February 2027 tax year-endTax Optimisation

17 Sep 2026 · 4 mins read

Tax Deadline Is Here Don’t Miss the Opportunity

Tax season is here. Discover how an RA contribution before 28 February 2027 could reduce taxable income, unlock valuable tax benefits and give your retirement savings more time to compound. Explore how front-loading an RA may help investors build long-term wealth.

FMFFREEDOM MEDIA
South African medical specialist reviewing business expenses insurance and practice continuity risksBusiness Solutions

07 Sep 2026 · 5 mins read

Business expenses insurance for South African professionals

Your personal income may be protected if illness or injury keeps you from work—but who pays your practice’s rent, salaries and other overheads? Business expenses insurance is designed to help South African professionals keep their practices operating during a temporary absence.

FMFFREEDOM MEDIA
Advisory

Speak to an accredited advisor

A complimentary conversation with an authorised advisor about your structure, tax efficiency and allocation — no product pitch, no obligation.

  • 30 minutes, by video or phone
  • An authorised FSP 49632 advisor
  • Structure, tax and allocation reviewed
  • No cost and no obligation

Advisory services are provided by 1st Group Capital (Pty) Ltd, an authorised financial services provider. Editorial content stays independent of any session you book.

The weekly brief

One email a week with the money moves that matter

New articles, SARS and JSE developments explained in plain language, and the numbers behind them. No spam, unsubscribe any time.

Education only, never personal financial advice.