Redrawing the Financial Map: Why Africa Is Becoming the New Frontier of Finance

Every few decades, finance finds a new pulse. In the 1980s, it was deregulation. In the 2000s, it was digitization. Today, its inclusion, and Africa is setting the pace.

South Africa, in particular, has become a proving ground for how technology, talent, and regulation converge to create more open and resilient markets. With Cape Town emerging as one of the world’s most dynamic fintech capitals, Exness’ new regional hub in the city represents more than a strategic expansion, it’s a reflection of a broader shift in global finance.

In this interview, Artem Seledtsov, Chief Business Development and Partnership Officer at Exness, discusses how Africa’s fintech momentum is influencing global standards, what defines the new generation of traders, and why trust, access, and transparency are becoming the true currencies of modern trading.

Why do you believe South Africa, and specifically Cape Town, is becoming a key hub for fintech and trading innovation?

Cape Town represents a convergence of innovation, infrastructure, and talent. South Africa boasts one of the most advanced financial systems on the continent, and Cape Town has emerged as a vibrant fintech hub, accounting for over 41% of all startups in the country.

This strength comes from a thriving ecosystem of universities, incubators, financial institutions, and a regulatory environment that nurtures fintech innovation and digital inclusion. For Exness, opening our office here was not only a strategic move but also a symbolic one; it reflects our belief that the future of finance is being built in places like this.

How do you see the fintech revolution in Africa influencing global finance?

The fintech revolution in Africa is a lesson in accessibility and innovation. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, technology has democratized finance in ways that few other regions have achieved. Mobile money and real-time payments have brought millions into the financial system, while fintech platforms are giving entrepreneurs and traders new tools to participate in the global economy. These innovations are influencing how financial inclusion is defined worldwide. We’re witnessing a clear shift: innovation no longer flows only from traditional financial centers—it now also flows from the Global South.

Can you define what the next era of trading looks like, and who the next generation of traders will be?

The next era of trading will be characterized by accessibility, transparency, and empowerment. The new generation of traders are digital natives, analytical, curious, and highly informed. They expect transparency from their brokers, seamless technology, and real-time control of their trading experience. In many ways, this new generation is shaping the standards for the entire industry. At Exness, we’ve learned that traders across Africa are ambitious, resourceful, and community-driven. They’re not just trading for profit, they’re building futures.

Why has Exness chosen South Africa and Cape Town as a regional hub for Sub-Saharan Africa?

South Africa is the region’s natural financial center, with strong institutions, regulatory maturity, and access to exceptional local talent. Cape Town, in particular, is rapidly emerging as a global innovation hub. It’s home to more than 450 tech companies and one of the fastest-growing start-up ecosystems in Africa. By establishing our new office here, we’re investing in the people and infrastructure that make sustainable growth possible. This is about being closer to our traders, understanding their needs, and providing them with world-class support from within their own region.

Looking ahead five years, what will sustainable growth look like for the financial markets landscape and for Exness in particular?

Sustainable growth will mean a more inclusive, transparent, and technology-driven financial system, one where geography is no longer a barrier to participation. For Exness, success in five years will mean continuing to be a trusted partner to traders and institutions across Africa, combining global expertise with local presence. Our new office in Cape Town, along with our licenses from the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) in South Africa and the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) in Kenya, form the foundation for that vision. We see Africa not as an emerging opportunity, but as an essential part of the global financial future – and we’re here to grow with it.

A new financial geography

As global finance evolves, Africa’s role is no longer peripheral—it’s pioneering. From fintech startups to regulated brokers, the continent is redefining what innovation and access mean in practice.

Exness’ new Cape Town hub captures that shift. It represents a model where proximity, transparency, and advanced technology work together to build lasting trust. In a world where finance is no longer confined by geography, Africa is redrawing the map.