Where banking leaders meet to discuss the future of financial services
South Africa’s banking sector continues to operate at the centre of some of the country’s most important economic, regulatory and technological shifts.
From artificial intelligence and digital transformation to risk management, governance, financial crime, customer trust and macroeconomic uncertainty, the industry is being reshaped by forces that are both complex and interconnected.
For banking leaders, this creates a pressing need to step back from day-to-day demands and engage with the bigger questions facing the future of financial services.
This is the purpose of the Monocle/GIBS Beyond Banking Conference, a flagship industry event hosted in partnership between international management consultancy Monocle Solutions and the Gordon Institute of Business Science.
Taking place on the 9th of June on the GIBS Illovo Campus, this fourth iteration of the conference serves as an important annual gathering for senior leaders across banking, fintech, regulation, policy, economics, technology and risk.
It provides a rare opportunity for the industry to come together in a neutral forum for open dialogue on the challenges and opportunities shaping South Africa’s banking landscape.
A programme built around the issues shaping banking
The 2026 Monocle/GIBS Beyond Banking Conference has been designed around the most important conversations currently taking place across the banking sector, with each topic brought to life by leaders and specialists from across regulation, banking, technology, government, risk and economics.
The regulatory and economic outlook
Dr. Rashad Cassim, Deputy Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, will deliver the conference keynote, offering valuable insight into the regulatory and economic context shaping the banking sector.
C-suite perspectives on the future of banking
A C-suite panel featuring Harry Kellan, CEO at FNB; Cheslyn Jacobs, CEO of GoTyme Bank; Punki Modise, Group CSO at Absa; and David Buckham, CEO of Monocle Solutions, will explore how banking leaders are thinking about strategy, competition, innovation and the future direction of the industry.
Trust, technology and tailored experiences
Technology, data and artificial intelligence will be explored by Azhar Said, Chief Data Officer at Capitec Bank; Ricardo Rosa, Enterprise AI Strategist and Startup Growth Advisor at Microsoft; and Dr. Mark Nasila, Chief Data and Analytics Officer at FNB.
South Africa off the grey list — what comes next?
Ismail Momoniat, Technical Advisor at National Treasury, will unpack the implications of South Africa moving off the FATF grey list and what this means for the financial sector.
Risk and governance in a complex environment
Lushendren Pather, CRO at Old Mutual Bank; Rob McIntyre, CRO at RMB; Ismail Moola, CRO at Capitec Bank; and Nicolaas Schutte, CRO at ABSA Business Banking will bring a focused risk and governance perspective to the agenda.
Capital markets and the macroeconomic view
Nicky Weimar, Chief Economist at Nedbank, will offer a macroeconomic and capital markets perspective, helping attendees understand the broader forces influencing banking strategy, investment decisions and customer behaviour.
Connecting the conversation
The day will be guided by respected business journalist Michael Avery, who will help draw together the major themes, discussions and reflections from across the programme.
A valuable networking opportunity
In addition to the formal programme, the Beyond Banking Conference offers attendees an opportunity to connect with peers and decision-makers from across the financial services ecosystem.
For banking professionals, this is one of the event’s most valuable features.
These conversations are increasingly important in an industry where many of the biggest challenges cannot be solved in isolation.
Secure your seat
The 2026 Monocle/GIBS Beyond Banking Conference is designed for banking leaders and professionals who want to understand the forces shaping the future of the industry, and engage with the people helping to define it.
Banking professionals are encouraged to secure their tickets before they sell out and take part in the 2026 Monocle/GIBS Beyond Banking Conference.
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