New Delhi, India, October 8- Optasia, a Dubai-based financial technology company, has announced its intention to raise up to $375 million by listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The company, which specializes in artificial intelligence-driven financial services, is partly owned by South Africa’s Ethos Capital. The listing will include both an initial public offering (IPO) and a private placement of shares.
The IPO is expected to bring in around 1.3 billion rand, while the private placement will raise at least 5 billion rand from existing shareholders. This combined effort will help Optasia secure a total of 6.3 billion rand, which is approximately $375 million based on current exchange rates.
Optasia’s Chief Executive Officer, Salvador Anglada, said the listing is a strategic move to boost the company’s growth and visibility. He emphasized that going public will allow Optasia to expand its reach and continue developing innovative financial solutions for underserved markets. “An IPO will allow us to accelerate our growth, raise our visibility as a leading global fintech and continue innovating to expand financial opportunity where it is needed most,” Anglada said in a statement.
Founded in 2012, Optasia has built a strong presence in emerging markets, operating in 38 countries across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The company provides micro-financing and mobile phone airtime credit to individuals who often lack access to traditional banking services. Its services are designed to support financial inclusion by offering small, short-term loans through mobile platforms.
Optasia’s business model has proven successful, with the company reporting approximately 121 million monthly active users. It also processes more than 32 million loan transactions every day, highlighting the scale and efficiency of its operations. These figures reflect the growing demand for digital financial services, especially in regions where conventional banking infrastructure is limited.
In South Africa, Optasia works closely with major mobile network operators such as MTN, Vodacom, and Airtel. These partnerships enable the company to reach millions of users through mobile phones, making financial services more accessible and convenient. By leveraging existing telecom networks, Optasia can deliver its services quickly and efficiently, even in remote areas.
The decision to list on the JSE is seen as a vote of confidence in South Africa’s financial markets. The JSE is one of the largest and most established stock exchanges in Africa, offering a platform for companies to raise capital and connect with investors. Optasia’s listing is expected to attract attention from both local and international investors, especially those interested in fintech and emerging markets.
The company’s use of artificial intelligence plays a key role in its operations. AI helps Optasia assess creditworthiness, manage risk, and deliver personalized financial solutions. This technology allows the company to serve customers who might otherwise be excluded from formal financial systems due to lack of credit history or documentation.
Market analysts believe Optasia’s strong user base and innovative approach make it an attractive investment opportunity. The company’s focus on financial inclusion and its ability to scale quickly across different regions are seen as major strengths. The listing could also pave the way for other fintech firms to explore similar opportunities in South Africa’s capital markets.
Optasia’s fundraising plan comes at a time when fintech companies are gaining momentum globally. As digital solutions become more important in the financial sector, companies like Optasia are well-positioned to lead the way in providing accessible and efficient services.
With the IPO and private placement expected to be completed in the coming months, Optasia is preparing for a new phase of growth. The funds raised will likely be used to expand its operations, invest in technology, and explore new markets. As of today, the exchange rate stands at 17.2488 rand to the dollar.
This listing marks a significant milestone for Optasia and signals growing investor interest in fintech solutions that promote financial inclusion and innovation.
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