FirstRand acquires 20% stake in UAE fintech Optasia

  • South Africa’s FirstRand Bank buys a 20 percent stake in Optasia
  • Transaction valued at about 70 million dollars
  • Optasia preparing for a Johannesburg Stock Exchange listing
  • Operates in 38 markets across Africa, the Middle East, and Asia
  • Partners include MTN, Vodacom, and Standard Bank
  • Expansion aimed at boosting digital lending and financial inclusion