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2024 Financial Services Summit

CHARTING A COURSE FOR

SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

Get the latest best practices and industry insights

10 July 2024, The Marriot Hotel, 42 The High St, Melrose, Johannesburg

Register Now

ABOUT THE SUMMIT

TransUnion is pleased to bring you our premier event, the annual Financial Services Summit, to be hosted in Johannesburg on July 10. This information-packed, one-day event aims to share data-driven insights and best practices in the consumer lending industry. Through this year’s theme — Charting a Course for Sustainable Growth — we’ll explore the ever-evolving dynamics of consumer behaviour.

Amid a new normal, South African lenders that understand current market trends and dynamics will be best positioned to identify opportunities for growth as they continue to navigate uncertain and challenging times. Join us as we delve into the lending landscape, tackling crucial questions, such as:

  • How has ongoing financial and credit education driven motivations of various borrowers in South Africa?
  • Which risk strategies can lenders employ to help navigate volatile economic cycles?
  • What are the latest trends across popular credit products like personal loans, credit cards and retail?

The 2024 TransUnion Financial Services Summit promises to deliver insightful, actionable strategies to empower lenders to acquire, manage and retain customers. As we strive to identify progressive ways to drive growth and profitability in the lending ecosystem, we’re confident this event will inspire robust discussion and provide you with innovative ideas for managing your business. This year's must-attend Summit will provide attendees a collaborative atmosphere for devising actionable plans to achieve your goals. 

Hear From a Stimulating Mix of Speakers

Lee Naik
Chief Executive Officer
TransUnion Africa
Lee Naik Chief Executive Officer TransUnion Africa

Lee Naik serves as the Chief Executive Officer of TransUnion Africa, where he stands as a prominent figure in the continent's digital and technology transformation landscape. With oversight of a diverse portfolio spanning 8 countries, Lee plays a pivotal role in collaborating with governments and businesses to drive digital and financial inclusion initiatives, catalysing Africa's economic growth trajectory.

Drawing from over two decades of experience, Lee's tenure as the former Managing Director of Accenture Digital underscores his commitment to assisting organisations in navigating the complexities of digital transformation amidst evolving landscapes.

Beyond his executive role, Lee garners global recognition as a distinguished technology commentator and speaker. His insights have earned him accolades, including acknowledgment as an official influencer in the esteemed LinkedIn Top Voice awards. Moreover, Lee champions diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, earning accolades such as being voted among the top Inclusive leaders on the continent by the Gender Mainstreaming Awards.

Lee's academic credentials include a Bachelor of Computer Science, complemented by a PgDip in Futures Studies, earned with distinction (cum laude). Lee is also a Fellow of the Gordan Institute of Business Science (GIBS) it’s in Centre for Africa Management and Markets. His academic pursuits reflect his dedication to staying at the forefront of emerging trends and innovative practices within the digital realm.

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Kevin Lings
Chief Economist
Stanlib
Kevin Lings Chief Economist Stanlib

Kevin has investment industry experience of more than 30 years. He joined then-Liberty Asset Management as an economic analyst in 2001. As Stanlib’s chief economist, he is responsible for domestic and global economic research and forecasts. Kevin also provides input into Stanlib’s asset allocation processes and provides relevant economic research for our fixed income, property and equity teams.

He joined Liberty Asset Management from JP Morgan Chase, where he was a member of their macroeconomic research team, providing economic research and analysis to the broader asset management industry in South Africa. Prior professional experience was built as a senior economist within the Nedcor group.

Kevin has a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) degree in Economics from Wits University, specialising in International and Public Sector Finance. He is a widely sought-after media commentator, and has had a number of journal articles published, internationally as well as locally. From the mid-1990s to mid-2000s, Kevin lectured economics, part-time at Wits Business School.

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Weihan Sun
Principal, Research & Consulting
TransUnion APAC
Weihan Sun Principal, Research & Consulting TransUnion APAC

Weihan Sun currently serves as the Principal of Research and Consulting at TransUnion APAC and was formerly the Director of Research and Consulting at TransUnion Africa. In this role he is responsible for analysing and developing consumer lending insights, conducting research studies and delivering thought leadership across the APAC Region. He is highly skilled in storytelling, making the data come to life in a way that truly allows the business decision maker and the consumer to understand the value in the data.

He is well known within the industry as a commentator on market related credit and financial inclusion trends. Weihan joined TransUnion Africa in 2021 from Absa Insurance Company where he was Head of Strategy and Innovation. He has extensive experience in strategic planning, market intelligence, customer analytics, along with a deep understanding of the South African insurance landscape. He holds a master’s degree in financial management sciences from the University of Pretoria.

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Nidhi Verma
Vice President, International Research and Consulting,
TransUnion
Nidhi Verma Vice President, International Research and Consulting, TransUnion

Nidhi Verma currently leads International Financial Services Research and Consulting — supporting thought leadership efforts globally. Previously at TransUnion, she led the customer consulting team within the Innovative Solutions Group, responsible for diagnosing underlying business issues and imparting strategic insights from credit and alternative data assets. Verma also led the U.S. Financial Services Research and Consulting Group, delivering insights relevant to the consumer credit marketplace, and conducting research studies to address critical themes informing business strategies.

Prior to TransUnion, Verma held prominent positions at Discover Financial Services, Citigroup, Citi EMEA, and Fifth Third Bank where she served as CFO of the bank card business. She received her bachelor's and master's degrees in commerce from the University of Delhi and an MBA in finance from the Loyola University of Chicago.

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Dee Chetty
Chief Product Officer
TransUnion Africa
Dee Chetty Chief Product Officer TransUnion Africa

Dee Chetty is the Chief Product Officer at TransUnion Africa and member of the company’s executive team. In this role he helps drive new solutions and product innovation, identifies and incorporates new data assets and usage, and delivers analytical insights for the benefit of African businesses and consumers.

Before joining TransUnion, Chetty was the Chief Marketing and Digital Officer at Philip Morris International, where he led the digital and experience enablement of PMI’s product offerings and the optimisation of its marketing operations. His work experience includes strategising and managing complex solution delivery in the mobile, digital and customer experience domains at companies like Discovery, Telesure and Accenture Interactive Africa.

Chetty holds a BSc in Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science from Osmania University.

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Brett van Aswegen
Chief Executive Officer
Wonga South Africa
Brett van Aswegen Chief Executive Officer Wonga South Africa

With more than two decades’ experience in the African retail credit and financial services industries, Brett has been at the helm of Wonga since 2015.

He was instrumental in the management buyout of the business from the Wonga Group and lead its transformation into the innovative short-term lender it is today.

Among his career highlights, he led the automation of credit decisioning at the Lewis group and built AFB's retail-card operation in Kenya from inception.

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Waseem Amra
Head of Products and Platforms
Chenosis
Waseem Amra Head of Products and Platforms Chenosis

With a relentless passion for product management and a deep love for data-driven solutions, Waseem Amra is a visionary leader who is dedicated to making a lasting impact on the African continent. Currently serving as the Head of Products and Platforms at Chenosis, Waseem brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the forefront of innovation. Before joining Chenosis, Waseem honed his skills in the world of banking, where he played a pivotal role in revolutionizing traditional financial institutions.

His journey in the banking sector equipped them with invaluable insights into the complexities of financial systems and the power of digital transformation. Waseem’s specializes in the digital transformation through product management and data. His track record of successful projects and initiatives demonstrates their ability to leverage technology for the benefit of both businesses and consumers. Believing firmly that digital transformation can create a more inclusive and efficient society, Waseem is dedicated to driving positive change. He understands that the digital revolution has the potential to break down barriers and creating a more inclusive society, ultimately improving the lives of countless individuals.

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Charlie Wise
Senior Vice President, International Research and Consulting,
TransUnion
Charlie Wise Senior Vice President, International Research and Consulting, TransUnion

Charlie Wise is responsible for leading financial services research, industry analysis, sales consulting and thought leadership across TransUnion’s global organization spanning five continents. Previously at TransUnion, he drove similar research and consulting efforts for the company’s U.S. Financial Services business, separately heading these efforts across international regions. He also led business development activities and strategy for TransUnion’s trended and alternative data credit solutions.

 

Wise’s career also includes senior roles in marketing, data analytics, customer strategy, credit and risk analysis, and business development at major financial institutions, including JP Morgan Chase and BMO Harris Bank.

He received an MBA with Distinction from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and a bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Virginia's McIntire School of Commerce.

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Fatgie Adams
Head of Credit Risk
TransUnion Africa
Fatgie Adams Head of Credit Risk TransUnion Africa

Fatgie Adams leverages his creative approach and deep technical understanding of credit risk to drive financial inclusion efforts across the continent. With extensive experience in retail, banking, and FinTech, he’s been instrumental in advancing alternative data credit scoring. Before his current role, Adams developed go-to-market strategies and supported revenue plans with his expertise in credit risk solutions. Previous roles include Senior Credit Growth Specialist at TFG, where he influenced key strategic decisions, and Credit Risk Manager at Lewis Group, where he produced long-term credit growth plans. Adams earned a bachelor’s degree in information systems from the University of the Western Cape and a certificate in data science from the University of Cape Town. 

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Amy Beck
Chief Marketing Officer
TransUnion Africa
Amy Beck Chief Marketing Officer TransUnion Africa

Amy Beck is TransUnion Africa’s Chief Marketing Officer and member of the company’s executive team. In this role she leads the marketing activities across all TransUnion Africa’s regions, working closely with the company’s leadership to drive and support its brand and regional growth strategy.

Before joining TransUnion, Amy built and managed AB Inbev’s in-house agency, draftLine, into a profitable business which won several awards and became one of the largest agencies in South Africa in less than three years.

Amy has over 13 years’ of experience in marketing, sales and business leadership, and holds a BCom (Hons) from the University of Cape Town, and an MBA from GIBS.

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GG Alcock
Author & Entrepreneur
Kasinomics
GG Alcock Author & Entrepreneur Kasinomics

Born white but raised & bred as a Zulu man, GG grew up in a mud hut with no running water, electricity or modern conveniences living with and like young Zulu boys.

GG has been at times a shebeen owner, political activist, community worker, African adventurer and successful businessman. He is fluent in Zulu and conversant in most South African ethnic languages.

In 1999, GG founded Minanawe Marketing, an activations business which pioneered marketing to township and informal mass markets in South Africa.  Later selling Minanawe GG founded Kasinomics which provides insights, strategies, route to market and consumer marketing to South Africa’s mass markets.

GG’s books KasiNomics and KasiNomic Revolution cast a light on the invisible matrix at the heart of South Africa’s informal economies and the people who live in them.  The books explore the revolution taking place in the great marketplaces of the informal sector and share lessons on doing business in these informal spaces.

GG’s book Born White Zulu Bred tells his journey from the mud hut he was raised in and the tribal forces that shaped him, to the dynamic world of KasiNomics.

GG is regular speaker, a thought leader and commentator on the trends and dynamics of the informal economies & societies which make up the majority of South Africa. 

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Dries Zietsman
Chief Revenue Officer
TransUnion Africa
Dries Zietsman Chief Revenue Officer TransUnion Africa

Dries Zietsman is the Chief Revenue Officer at TransUnion Africa and leads the enablement of the sales operating model across Africa, go-to-market strategies, creation of economic value and strengthening of our client relationships. 

Shortly after joining TransUnion Africa in 2018, Zietsman was promoted to Sales Vice President and subsequently led the Strategic Sales portfolio across Financial Services, Diversified Markets, Insurance, and Channel Distribution. These verticals include industries like banking, retail, telco, fintech, public sector, gaming and others. 

He has extensive strategic leadership experience in large, international organisations, including Alexander Forbes, British Airways, Virgin Management and MasterCard International. Zietsman specialises in P&L management, strategy, financial deal structuring, business case formulation, organisational IT transformation, customer loyalty programs, risk management and product and process innovation. 

Zietsman holds an MBA in Business Management Finance from Bond University and has been involved in a number of high-profile digital-first projects designed to enable commerce across Africa.

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AGENDA

9:00–9:10 a.m.

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WELCOME AND HOUSEKEEPING

Speaker: Jason Neeleman, Sales Director: Retail, TransUnion Africa

9:10–9:25 a.m.

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WELCOME TO FS SUMMIT 2024

Speaker: Lee Naik, Chief Executive Officer, TransUnion Africa

9:25–09:55 a.m.

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STATE OF THE ECONOMY 2024

Speaker: Kevin Lings, Chief Economist, Stanlib

09:55–10:40 a.m.

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Speaker: Weihan Sun, Principal, Research & Consulting, TransUnion APAC

The quest to understand driving forces behind market performance trends is a common goal among product, portfolio and risk managers. As a lender, benchmarking against industry movements is crucial to identifying gaps and seizing opportunities. However, obtaining a robust view of overall industry trends can be challenging. Even more complex yet imperative is extracting a compelling narrative from these trends and connecting it to your business strategies.

This session will delve into the South African credit market, offering insights and expert commentary on key trends and potential dynamics shaping market movements. We’ll explore the behaviours and performance of credit-active consumers in South Africa, providing a thorough analysis of significant product classes. Additionally, we’ll discuss the implications lenders must consider as they navigate a period of recalibration for growth and portfolio management.

10:40–11:00 a.m.

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BREAK

11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.

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Speaker: Nidhi Verma, Vice President, International Research and Consulting, TransUnion

Guest Speaker: Tshipi Alexander, Executive Head: Consumer Card, Absa

In this session, you’ll discover the myriad motivations behind why individuals keep a vigilant eye on their credit — from guarding against identity theft to maintaining overall credit wellness. 

Led by Nidhi Verma, this discussion is essential for those involved in financial education, credit analysis and consumer credit services, providing a holistic perspective on how informed consumers are pivotal to expanding credit access and financial inclusion. 

Join us to understand the transformative impact of empowering consumers with the tools for financial education, management and inclusion.

12:00–1:00 p.m.

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LUNCH

1:00–1:45 p.m.

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Facilitated by Dee Chetty, Chief Product Officer, TransUnion Africa

Panellists: Waseem Amra, Head of Products and Platforms, Chenosis

                      Lee Naik, Chief Executive Officer, TransUnion Africa

                     Brett van Aswegen, Chief Executive Officer, Wonga South Africa

In a saturated market, lenders must explore untapped customer segments to sustain and accelerate growth. Hear from a panel of experts on how your business can sustainably and safely grow in today’s economic environment. This panel discussion will explore three innovative strategies: leveraging alternative data to identify and validate new customer bases, enhancing customer education through credit management tools and digitalization to facilitate switching, and adopting hyper-personalised marketing approaches using geospatial solutions and Marketing Mix Modelling. These strategies aim to drive growth by identifying responsible and profitable customers, empowering them with financial knowledge, and ensuring precise, efficient targeting in marketing efforts.

1:45 – 2:30 p.m.

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Speaker: Charlie Wise, Senior Vice President, International Research and Consulting, TransUnion South Africa

In the ever-evolving and interconnected landscape of South Africa's credit sector, navigating unpredictable volatility and emerging risks is more critical than ever. 

This session, presented by Charlie Wise, dives into the essential practices of strong underwriting, diligent monitoring of consumer behaviours and robust credit risk management as pillars for achieving long-term, profitable growth.

You’ll discover innovative insights and practical tools to fortify your risk strategies throughout the consumer lifecycle to help ensure resilience and growth in these uncertain times. 

Join us for an enlightening exploration of how to adapt and thrive, fortifying your approach to risk and unlocking sustainable advancement.

2:30–2:50 p.m.

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BREAK

2:50–3:20 p.m.

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INTERACTIVE SESSION

Facilitators : Amy Beck, Chief Marketing Officer, TransUnion Africa
and Fatgie Adams, Head of Credit Risk, TransUnion Africa

3:20–4:00 p.m.

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GUEST KEYNOTE SPEAKER

4:00–4:05 p.m.

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EVENT WRAP-UP

Speaker: Andries Zietsman, Chief Revenue Officer, TransUnion Africa

4:05 p.m.

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We invite you to join us for an exclusive reception to close out the 2024 TransUnion Financial Services Summit.

This is a prime opportunity to connect with industry peers, discuss insights from the day's sessions, and continue the conversations that will help shape the future of our industry.

OUR SUMMIT WILL BE HELD AT

Location: The Marriot Hotel, 42 The High St, Melrose, Johannesburg

Date: Wednesday 10 July

Time: 09.00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

  • Registration starts at 08:45 a.m.
  • Following the final session we'll host a drinks reception and networking event.

*Attire for the Summit is business casual.

2024 TransUnion Financial Services Summit

This event is by invitation-only and non-transferable.

Register Now