The Monocle Banking Podcast

Hosted by Monocle Solutions

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Episodes

120

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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About the show

The Monocle Banking Podcast, in partnership with esteemed financial journalist, Michael Avery, will explore the world of banking - beyond the vaults and virtual wallets. This weekly series will play host to some of the top minds in the banking industry from around the world.

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60 recent

June 11, 2026Episode 12037 min

Ep 120: The AI Question: Governance, Trust, and Societal Impact - Nic Andrew

Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, markets, and societies - but what does it reveal about us? Michael Avery sat down with Nic Andrew, Managing Director at Nedgroup Investments, to explore the intersection of AI, human behaviour, and decision-making. Their conversation unpacked how AI is influencing investment strategies, transforming the future of work, and reshaping traditional approaches to learning and career development. They also examined the growing importance of trust, governance, and critical thinking as AI becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life.

June 4, 2026Episode 11925 min

Ep 119: Cracking the Pistachio Opportunity - David Muller

What does it take to build a world-class agricultural export industry from the heart of the Karoo? This week Michael Avery was joined by David Muller, CEO of Prieska Pistachio Company, to explore how a once-abandoned pistachio farming venture is being transformed into a premium South African success story. Their conversation unpacked the persistence required to overcome complex farming challenges, and why South African farmers continue to compete on the global stage through innovation and resilience. David also shared insights into the growing global demand for pistachios, South Africa's unique competitive advantages in the sector, and what it takes to attract the patient capital needed to build a world-class agricultural venture.

May 28, 2026Episode 11830 min

Ep 118: Inside South Africa’s Tax Freedom Day - Dr Richard Grant

For a thought-provoking conversation unpacking South Africa’s 2026 Tax Freedom Day, Michael Avery was joined by Dr Richard Grant, Professor of Finance & Economics at Cumberland University and Senior Consultant for the Free Market Foundation. The discussion explored the relationship between taxation, government spending, and economic growth in South Africa, while examining how policy choices, public investment, and trust in institutions shape the country’s long-term fiscal and economic future. The conversation also considered what conditions are needed to support productivity, expand opportunity, and create sustainable growth.

May 21, 2026Episode 11730 min

Ep 117: Regulating the Rise of AI in Financial Services - Fundi Tshazibana

As AI rapidly reshapes the financial sector, the question is no longer whether regulators should respond - but whether they can keep pace. Michael Avery was joined by Fundi Tshazibana, Deputy Governor of the South African Reserve Bank and CEO of the Prudential Authority, for a timely conversation examining how the industry is navigating the accelerating rise of generative AI. The discussion explored the growing complexity AI introduces to financial supervision, the risks posed by increasingly powerful frontier models, and the vulnerabilities they could expose across banking systems and critical infrastructure. It also offered a clear look at how South Africa is approaching oversight, innovation, and risk in an AI-driven future.

May 14, 2026Episode 11625 min

Ep 116: The Financial Realities of Farming - Eric Enslin

As the agricultural sector gathers at NAMPO this week, Michael Avery was joined by Eric Enslin, CEO of FNB Private Bank, for a conversation exploring the growing complexity of modern agriculture. They unpacked the financial, structural, and generational challenges facing South African farming families today. The discussion also highlighted the increasingly important role of integrated banking and advisory support in helping farming businesses navigate uncertainty, protect legacy, and build sustainable futures for generations to come.

May 7, 2026Episode 11532 min

Ep 115: Stablecoins and the Battle for Financial Control - Ashlin Perumall

As stablecoins move from crypto curiosity to financial infrastructure, South Africa is being forced to answer a much bigger question: who will control the future of digital money? Michael Avery was joined by Ashlin Perumall, Partner in M&A & Head of IPTech at Baker McKenzie SA, to unpack South Africa’s evolving regulatory approach to stablecoins and what it could mean for banks, fintechs, investors, and the broader financial ecosystem. Their conversation explored the shift toward a bespoke regulatory framework, the growing role of stablecoins in payments and financial infrastructure, and how regulatory certainty could reshape competition, partnerships, and M&A activity in the digital assets space.

April 30, 2026Episode 11432 min

Ep 114: The Shift in Global Capital Flows & South Africa’s Precarious Position - Theo Sibiya & Terence Toland

Capital is still moving, but far more selectively. Michael Avery was joined by Theo Sibiya (Partner at Kearney) and Terence Toland (Principal, Global Business Policy Council at Kearney) to unpack insights from Kearney 2026 FDI Confidence Index, exploring how geopolitics, industrial policy, and innovation are reshaping global investment flows. They discussed why capital is increasingly favouring technology and infrastructure plays over traditional growth drivers, and what this means for South Africa’s positioning. The conversation highlighted South Africa’s mix of progress and pressure, with improving stability offset by structural challenges.

April 23, 2026Episode 11328 min

Ep 113: Building PayFast: Entrepreneurial Lessons in Building & Scaling - Jonathan Smit

If you think fintech is all about slick apps and digital wallets, this conversation might change your perspective… Michael Avery was joined by Jonathan Smit, co-founder of PayFast, to unpack his entrepreneurial journey and the evolution of payments in South Africa. From identifying payments as a critical gap in the early internet economy to exploring how fintech has shifted from standalone products to embedded features within broader financial ecosystems. The discussion also touched on Smith’s move toward infrastructure through his acquisition of iVeri, and why the real scarcity in the ecosystem isn’t capital - but founders with the grit and ability to execute.

April 16, 2026Episode 11224 min

Ep 112: Rethinking Restructuring: From Crisis to Strategy - Michael Dorn

Restructuring is often seen as a last resort - but what if that thinking is costing companies their survival? Michael Avery was joined by CEO of RTgroup, Michael Dorn, to unpack the critical evolution of business restructuring, highlighting how companies typically engage restructuring officers far too late to preserve value. From identifying early warning signs like deteriorating cash flow and C-suite denial, to reframing turnaround strategies as compelling investment cases, the conversation offered practical insights for leaders navigating uncertainty - while challenging the stigma around restructuring as a proactive tool for resilience rather than a last resort.

April 9, 2026Episode 11143 min

Ep 111: When Finance Meets Nature - Martin Potgieter, Kalina Miller & Louise Stafford

Sustainable finance has evolved from intent to accountability - and in South Africa, that shift is becoming tangible. In a country where water scarcity is a growing constraint, natural capital is being redefined as critical infrastructure, with capital markets beginning to price in real environmental outcomes. Michael Avery was joined by Martin Potgieter (Director of Natural Capital at RMB), Kalina Miller (Regional Manager, IFC), and Louise Stafford (Country Director, The Nature Conservancy) to unpack South Africa’s first water performance-based bond - an innovative structure where investor returns are directly linked to verified ecological results.