Partnership will explore payment, settlement and liquidity solutions to enhance the resilience of Africa’s financial systems.
Nedbank has announced a strategic partnership with Crypto.com to harness the power of Blockchain technology and digital assets to develop advanced payment, settlement and liquidity solutions across Africa, subject to compliance with the necessary regulatory requirements.
The collaboration positions Nedbank as a gateway for secure, regulated Blockchain finance on the continent, driving transparency and efficiency in cross-border transactions and signalling a significant shift in the region’s financial landscape.
As global trade and financial ecosystems evolve, Africa’s dependence on legacy payment rails has introduced challenges including high settlement costs, currency volatility and geopolitical exposure. Nedbank’s vision is to establish a compliant, Blockchain-enabled payment infrastructure that enhances resilience while integrating seamlessly with traditional banking systems.
Through Crypto.com’s digital asset platform and Blockchain settlement technology, Nedbank aims to bridge traditional banking and digital finance, offering real-time, low-cost and secure settlement options in both South African rand (ZAR) and on-chain US dollars (USDC).
The initiative will enable Nedbank to serve both retail and commercial banking clients, addressing the growing demand for modern financial solutions. Whether for individuals, SMEs or large corporates, the partnership will enable clients to:
• Seamlessly convert between ZAR and USDC in real time via secure digital channels.
• Access digital dollar liquidity for trade, remittance and treasury operations.
• Benefit from daily net settlement between Nedbank and Crypto.com, ensuring stability, transparency and regulatory oversight.
This collaboration will empower businesses to transact in digital dollars across Africa, facilitating trade, investment and payment flows without reliance on traditional international intermediaries.
Subject to applicable legal and regulatory requirements, the rollout will be implemented in phases, commencing with individual clients and extending to juristic entities over the next 12 months.
Nedbank’s strategy reflects a broader commitment to financial innovation and continental integration. By connecting banks, businesses and regulated crypto asset service providers (CASPs) through Blockchain, Nedbank aims to establish an African payment backbone that is:
• Fully compliant with domestic and cross-border regulatory frameworks.
• Interoperable with existing financial systems.
• Resilient to global payment disruptions and currency risks.
This initiative aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) objectives and supports South Africa’s leadership role in digital financial transformation.
Simon Marland, Managing Executive for Automation, Blockchain and Analytics, Nedbank, said: “Africa’s future competitiveness depends on how effectively we integrate modern financial technologies into the heart of trade and commerce. By leveraging Crypto.com’s Blockchain capabilities, Nedbank is building the foundation for a more resilient, inclusive and future-ready financial ecosystem — one where South African and African businesses can transact seamlessly and securely on a global scale.”
Karl Mohan, EVP, Financial Services and GM, International, Crypto.com, added: “Our collaboration with Nedbank underscores Crypto.com’s commitment to expanding financial access through Blockchain innovation. Africa represents one of the most dynamic frontiers for digital finance and by working with a trusted institution like Nedbank we can jointly enable secure, compliant and efficient access to digital assets for businesses and individuals alike.”
Herman de Kock, Managing Executive, Nedbank Mid Corporate, commented: “Nedbank understands that businesses require easy payment and trade capabilities both domestically and cross-border. By partnering with Crypto.com we’re driving innovation that directly responds to our clients’ evolving needs, enabling them to achieve their growth ambitions.”
