Optasia has closed a $330 million syndicated financing facility to refinance existing debt and support expansion. The three-year facility comprises a $180 million term facility and a $150 million working capital facility, representing a $105 million increase over the previous arrangement. Rand Merchant Bank South Africa and Standard Bank of South Africa served as lead arrangers and underwriters, with RMB, Standard Bank, Nedbank and Absa Bank participating in the syndicate. The Dubai-founded fintech company, established in 2012, has access to over 860 million mobile subscribers through partnerships with mobile network operators and financial institutions. FirstRand holds a 26.1% stake in Optasia following investments last year. The company recently acquired Finergi, a prepaid electricity credit platform, for $30 million.

FirstRand Limited has increased its stake in Optasia, an AI-powered financial infrastructure platform for underbanked customers in emerging markets, from 20.1% to 26.1%. The South African financial services group acquired an additional 6% stake for R1.4 billion, purchasing 74,103,711 ordinary shares at ZAR20.00 per share on 25 March 2026. The shares were acquired from an entity owned by Bassim Haidar, Optasia's founder and non-executive director, who now holds a 1.5% indirect shareholding whilst remaining on the board. This follows FirstRand's initial strategic investment in October 2025 ahead of Optasia's IPO. Optasia operates across 38 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, using AI to pre-score customers, process micro-loans at scale and leverage mobile data sales for credit collection.

FirstRand has acquired a 20% stake in Optasia, a Dubai-based fintech company set to list on the JSE. The investment allows the South African bank, which owns FNB and RMB, to expand its digital banking capabilities in underbanked markets. Optasia provides fintech services across 38 countries in Africa, the Middle East and Asia, partnering with companies including MTN, Vodacom and Standard Bank. The platform uses mobile data for credit scoring and micro-loan processing, reaching approximately 120 million of a potential 860 million underserved mobile network users. Management forecasts 50% revenue growth for FY25 and 25% for FY26. Optasia trades at a forward P/E ratio of 17, which analysts consider attractive given its growth trajectory and expansion opportunities in underbanked populations across Asia and Africa.