Financial Inclusion 2.0: Unlocking SA’s Invisible Economy
Thu Apr 16, 13:00 - Thu Apr 16, 14:30
Innovation City
ABOUT
Financial Inclusion 2.0: Unlocking SA’s Invisible Economy
16 April 2026 | 13h00 - 14h30 | Innovation City Cape Town
Financial inclusion in South Africa has entered a new phase.
For decades, the system operated on a gatekeeper model: if you didn’t own the house or the car, you didn’t fully exist in the financial system. Credit was tied to assets. Identity was tied to balance sheets. Opportunity was gated by ownership.
That era is shifting.
Financial Inclusion 2.0: Unlocking SA’s Invisible Economy explores the move from ownership to access - and how data, alternative credit models, and asset-light financial products are reshaping who gets to participate in the economy.
Led by Experian South Africa, this conversation brings together innovators building at different layers of the new access stack.
Together, they’ll unpack how financial identity is increasingly built on behaviour, not just collateral — and how new credit models, buy-now-pay-later thinking, and subscription-based asset financing are creating new entry points into the economy.
Designed for fintech founders, banks, investors, policymakers, and operators interested in where the next wave of financial opportunity in South Africa is emerging.
Limited seats available.
SPEAKERS
Jaco van Jaarsveld is the Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer at Experian Africa, where he leads the organisation’s strategic focus on leveraging alternative data and advanced analytics to expand access to financial services across the continent.
Working alongside a dedicated team, he is committed to shaping a more inclusive financial ecosystem and supporting sustainable economic growth. With a background in econometrics and quantitative economics, Jaco’s approach is firmly grounded in data-driven insight and the transformative potential of Generative AI.
His dedication to innovation is reflected in multiple certifications in Generative AI and Microsoft Search, tools that underpin Experian’s strategy to drive change, foster collaboration, and unlock new market opportunities. Through this work, he is helping empower the next generation of business leaders and fintech innovators, laying the foundation for a more equitable and prosperous future in African financial markets.
Idan Jaan is the Co-Founder of FlexClub, a pioneering platform in the mobility and financial services sector. With a strong background in financial technology, alternative credit models, and operational management, he has played a key role in reshaping vehicle financing solutions for emerging markets.
Patrick is a fintech operator with over 15 years of experience building digital banking, payments, and embedded finance platforms. He previously held leadership roles at PayPal, FISPAN, and RentMoola, and co-founded Happy Pay, a buy-now-pay-later platform in South Africa.
At Zazu, Patrick leads the company's South African expansion, working to build modern financial infrastructure for small businesses and underserved entrepreneurs. Zazu gives SMEs a real business account, payment cards, and an integrated financial operating system - connecting banking with accounting, cash flow management, and ecosystem tools like Paystack and Xero - all without the paperwork or hidden fees of traditional banks.
His work focuses on bridging product innovation, regulatory compliance, and market execution to expand financial access and unlock new economic opportunity across South Africa.
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