Best Monocle Solutions Podcasts (2025)

1
Ep 96: Beyond the Branch: How Tech Is Reshaping Banking - Mutsa Chironga 34:48

Play Pause

3d ago34:48

34:48

To unpack the fast-shifting world of retail banking in South Africa, Michael Avery sat down with Mutsa Chironga, Managing Executive, Personal Banking at Nedbank. Mutsa shared how customer behaviour, data, and AI are reshaping the industry and offered insights into how convergence across retail, telco, and mobility could redefine banking by 2026.…

1
Ep 95: Breaking the Spell: Questioning the Narratives That Shape Our World - David Buckham 34:55

11d ago34:55

34:55

Following the release of The Spell, David Buckham joined Michael Avery to unpack the book’s key themes. Drawing on examples like Saudi Arabia’s Project NEOM and the global AI race, David explained how powerful narratives reveal the dangers of unchecked power, complicit institutions, and belief systems masquerading as progress.…

1
Ep 94: Measuring Progress: How African Markets Are Maturing - Jeff Gable & Precious Dube 32:49

18d ago32:49

32:49

In this episode, Michael Avery spoke with Jeff Gable, Chief Economist at Absa, and Precious Dube, Macroeconomist for Broader Africa at RMB, about the ninth annual Absa Africa Financial Markets Index, which measures financial market maturity across 29 African nations. They discussed Africa’s growing financial resilience, progress in market reforms, …

1
Ep 93: From Insight to Impact: Data as a Strategic Force in Banking - Prashant Rijhumal 34:08

25d ago34:08

34:08

To understand what it really takes to make data a strategic asset, Michael Avery was joined by Prashant Rijhumal, Chief Data & Analytics Officer at RMB. They unpacked the changing relationship between data, human judgment, and AI - exploring how automation, predictive insights, and ethical governance are redefining decision-making in investment ban…

1
Ep 92: Funding the Transition: Building South Africa’s Green Pipeline - Nunu Ngoasheng 32:40

1M ago32:40

32:40

In this episode, Michael Avery is joined by Nunu Ngoasheng, Lead of South Africa’s Just Energy Transition (JET) Funding Platform, to discuss how her team is making sure climate finance reaches the communities that need it most. Nunu explains how the platform connects funders with grassroots projects and tackles barriers facing local enterprises. Sh…

1
Ep 91: From Risk to Resilience: African Banks and the Climate Imperative - Yaseen Lockhat 22:25

1M ago22:25

22:25

Africa is warming faster than the rest of the world, making climate risk not only a major financial challenge but also a growing opportunity for the continent’s banking sector. Michael Avery speaks with Yaseen Lockhat, Senior Specialist in Sustainable Finance at the Banking Association of South Africa (BASA), about how this reality is pushing banks…

1
Ep 90: The Power of a Fresh Start - Lino Ferreira 27:39

2M ago27:39

27:39

In this week’s episode, Michael Avery sat down with Lino Ferreira, who reflects on the lessons learned after selling their family business, The Fruitspot, to Massmart - and navigating the complex realities of M&A. Starting over in a 30m² kitchen, Lino and his son built Ferreira Fresh into a powerhouse moving over 250 tons of produce daily. After we…

1
Ep 89: The Buy Now Pay Later Blueprint: Data, Credit, and Inclusion - Mark McChlery 24:36

2M ago24:36

24:36

Since its launch in 2019, PayJustNow has processed over R11 billion in transactions, opening access to credit for millions of previously unbanked consumers. Michael Avery sat down with the platform’s Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Mark McChlery, to discuss how South Africa’s Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) sector is reshaping financial inclusion. Mark …

1
Ep 88: Breaking Down Barriers to Digital Payments - Ontiretse Modise 19:52

2M ago19:52

19:52

Despite the fintech hype, cash still accounts for 56% of transactions in South Africa. Michael Avery sat down with Ontiretse Modise, Standard Bank CIB’s newly appointed Head of Payments, about what’s really driving Africa’s evolving payment landscape. From trust and education to merchant acceptance, they explored the barriers to broader adoption, t…

1
Ep 87: Deal-Making vs. Fundraising: The Paradox of Private Equity in SA - Graham Stokoe 23:22

2M ago23:22

23:22

To unpack what’s really happening behind the numbers in South Africa’s private equity industry, Michael Avery sat down with Graham Stokoe, EY Africa’s Private Capital Leader. Despite weak fundraising in 2024, deal-making hit record levels, driven by infrastructure, energy and IT. They explore the rise of private credit, the growing influence of all…

1
Ep 86: Inside the Sanlam-Assupol Integration: Driving Value and Inclusion - Bongani Madikiza 26:57

2M ago26:57

26:57

One year after Sanlam’s landmark acquisition of Assupol, the group is entering a decisive phase of integration with big implications for South Africa’s insurance and financial services landscape. In this episode, Michael Avery sat down with Bongani Madikiza, CEO of Sanlam Retail Mass, to unpack how this consolidation is reshaping the economics of m…

1
Ep 85: Beyond Party Lines: Rebuilding South Africa - Moeletsi Mbeki 39:43

3M ago39:43

39:43

Can South Africa move beyond entrenched party politics to build institutions capable of real transformation? To unpack this, Michael Avery was joined by political analyst, Moeletsi Mbeki. They explored the ANC’s admission of policy shortcomings, the potential and pitfalls of a national dialogue, and the urgent need for electoral reform to strengthe…

1
Ep 84: Beyond the Models: Reinsurance and the Future of Risk - Jane March 24:25

3M ago24:25

24:25

With the rising pressures of emerging risk, systemic risk and climate risk, Michael Avery was joined by Jane March, CEO of Guy Carpenter South Africa. They unpacked how extreme weather and fragile infrastructure are reshaping insurance markets. Jane shared her insights on a variety of key topics, from the use of facultative reinsurance in high-risk…

1
Ep 83: South Africa's Reform Promises vs. Progress - Busisiwe Mavuso 31:52

3M ago31:52

31:52

South Africa’s reform agenda is full of promises - but is it moving fast enough? Michael Avery sat down with Business Leadership SA CEO, Busisiwe Mavuso, about the new BLSA Reform Tracker, which measures nearly 240 deliverables across the economy, governance, and criminal justice. From progress on exiting the FATF greylist to stalled reforms at Esk…

1
Ep 82: Weaving Ahead in SA’s Evolving FinTech Landscape - Sean Wibberley 24:43

3M ago24:43

24:43

To unpack how Weaver Fintech’s PayJustNow and PayStretch are scaling faster than peers while keeping default rates below global norms, Michael Avery was joined by CEO Sean Wibberley. They discussed how Weaver is monetising beyond the checkout, why merchant analytics and in-app ad products are strategic, and how the company is leveraging AI-driven d…

1
Ep 81: Stablecoins, Blockchain, and the Bank Dilemma - Rob Downes & Brenton Naicker 30:47

4M ago30:47

30:47

Is Africa leapfrogging banks entirely? Are stablecoins the new reserve currency? And can banks innovate fast enough to avoid becoming irrelevant? To unpack the Africa Blockchain Report 2024, Michael Avery was joined by Rob Downes, Head of Digital Assets at Absa CIB, and Brenton Naicker, Principal and Head of Growth at CV VC Africa. They delved into…

1
Ep 80: Banking’s Next Chapter: Super Apps and Strategic Shifts - Byron Jackson-Miller 29:23

4M ago29:23

29:23

Will traditional banks remain dominant, or will they become the back-end infrastructure for a fintech-driven future? Michael Avery was joined by Byron Jackson-Miller from Foord Asset Management to unpack why the era of blanket investment in SA banks is over. They explore how innovations like PayShap and low-cost SME payment devices are reshaping re…

1
Ep 79: Model Risk in the Age of AI - Jos Gheerardyn 28:31

4M ago28:31

28:31

As the need for robust model risk management (MRM) grows alongside the increasing integration of AI in financial services, Michael Avery was joined by Jos Gheerardyn, CEO of Yields - one of Monocle UK's strategic partnerships. Jos offered candid insights into the intersection of innovation, regulation, and risk, and explained why continuous monitor…

1
Ep 78: Venturing Beyond the Numbers: SA’s Startup and VC Outlook - Stephan J. Lamprecht 30:56

4M ago30:56

30:56

To unpack the true state of South Africa’s venture capital and startup ecosystem, Michael Avery sat down with Stephan J. Lamprecht, founder of VS Nova and lead researcher of the SAVCA 2025 VC Industry Survey. They looked beyond the R13.35 billion figure to explore the challenges behind record-low startup exits, the impact of exchange controls on fo…

1
Ep 77: Energy, Ethics & Economic Transformation - Thandi Orleyn 28:43

5M ago28:43

28:43

In this episode of The Monocle Banking Podcast, Michael Avery welcomed Advocate Thandi Orleyn as she reflects on 14 years of leadership at BP South Africa. She delved into the critical balance between energy transition and socio-economic realities, exploring the future of oil and gas, the governance hurdles in state-owned entities, and the power of…

1
Ep 76: Beyond Transactions: How Collaboration Powers SA’s Smart Trade - Cornelius Coetzee 29:16

5M ago29:16

29:16

Following the release of Verto’s new white paper on the state of imports and exports in South Africa, Michael Avery sat down with Cornelius Coetzee, Country Director for Verto. Cornelius shared insights on how mid-sized firms can navigate regulatory hurdles and tap into global growth, the role Verto plays in streamlining cross-border payments, and …

1
Ep 75: What Does a Just Transition Really Take? - Peter Venn 31:26

5M ago31:26

31:26

South Africa’s Just Energy Transition promises inclusive growth, green jobs, and climate resilience. This week, Michael Avery sat down with Peter Venn, CEO of Seriti Green - the company behind SA’s largest hybrid renewable project, Ummbila Emoyeni. Venn shared candid insights from the frontlines: from billion-rand losses caused by red tape to the h…

1
Ep 74: SME Lending Through FNB’s Lens: Unlocking Potential - Andiswa Bata 29:24

5M ago29:24

29:24

Despite bold promises from both government and business, most South African SMEs still struggle to access the funding they need to grow, hire and contribute meaningfully to the economy. Banks cite risk and red tape, while entrepreneurs often lack formal balance sheets or credit scores. On this episode of the Monocle Banking Podcast, Michael Avery s…

1
Ep 73: Franchising as a Catalyst for Economic Empowerment - Ayabulela Njingolo 36:26

6M ago36:26

36:26

For a wide-ranging and optimistic view of how franchising can truly become a lever for economic inclusion and innovation in South Africa, Michael Avery was joined by Ayabulela Njingolo, Chairman of the Franchise Association of South Africa and executive at OBC Group. Their conversation covered where the funding gaps are and how a blended finance ap…

1
Ep 72: Powering the Transition: Capital, Trust, and the Grid - Rentia van Tonder 24:53

6M ago24:53

24:53

In this episode of the Monocle Banking Podcast, Michael Avery was joined by Rentia van Tonder, Head of Power at Standard Bank CIB, to unpack the real story behind South Africa’s energy transition. From the gridlock in REIPPPP Bid Windows 5 and 6 to the looming gas cliff of 2026, they explored why financing the future of power is about capital allie…

1
Ep 71: Redefining Insurance Through Technology – Christelle Colman and Ron Richman 33:33

6M ago33:33

33:33

The future of insurance may lie in the integration of technology and human understanding. This week, Michael Avery sat down with Christelle Colman, CEO of Ami, and Ron Richman, CEO of insureAI. Their discussion centres on the crucial integration of technology and human understanding, highlighting Ami's people-first digital approach and insureAI's i…

1
Ep 70: Reforming for Results: What’s Next for Operation Vulindlela? – Rudi Dicks 25:42

6M ago25:42

25:42

To delve into the progress and future plans of Operation Vulindlela - a presidential initiative to accelerate the implementation of structural reforms and support economic recovery in South Africa - Michael Avery sat down with Rudi Dicks, Head of the Project Management Office at the Presidency and lead of the initiative. Rudi shared insights on the…

1
Ep 69: Intelligent Inclusion: AI’s Role in the Future of African Banking - Tumi Nomlomo 27:36

7M ago27:36

27:36

To shed light on the power of inclusive technology, Michael Avery sat down with Tumi Nomlomo, Senior Manager of Customer Advisory at SAS. They discussed SAS's responsible AI framework, which promotes inclusivity, model transparency, and stakeholder engagement. Tumi also shared insights into the infrastructure and cloud capabilities required for ban…

1
Ep 68: Redefining Isotope Enrichment and South Africa’s Energy Potential - Paul Mann 28:24

7M ago28:24

28:24

Can South Africa play a pivotal role in delivering affordable sustainable energy to developing nations? Michael Avery dives into this topic with Paul Mann, CEO of ASP Isotopes, on the latest episode of the Monocle Banking Podcast. Revolutionising the isotope industry, Paul shares his insights on how South Africa is emerging as a potential global hu…

1
Ep 67: Banking on Stability: A Year of Deposit Protection in SA - Sabihah Mohamed 25:05

7M ago25:05

25:05

After a year of operations in South Africa, Michael Avery was re-joined by Sabihah Mohamed, CEO of The Corporation for Deposit Insurance (CODI), for an insider's perspective on the nation's deposit protection framework. They delved into the organisation's first year, exploring the challenges and successes in raising awareness, and the proactive ste…

1
Zelensky in South Africa and The Chiefs in Jakarta 58:15

7M ago58:15

58:15

Volodymyr Zelensky is in South Africa and we speak to Jakarta’s governor ahead of Monocle’s The Chiefs conference. Plus: an update on Kashmir’s attack and Emmanuel Macron’s Indian Ocean tour. From Milan: Salone highlights, interviews and a daily running guide. More info.By Monocle Radio

1
Fit for a monarch 28:22

7M ago28:22

28:22

We discuss the crowning achievements of two leaders behind brands with royal seals of approval: the president of a 500-year-old Japanese confectionery company and the CEO of a Swedish haircare brand beloved by the country’s royal family. From Milan: Salone highlights, interviews and a daily running guide. More info.…

1
Explainer 464: The threats facing Ecuador: real or invented? 6:30

7M ago6:30

6:30

Ecuadorian officials have placed the country on high alert, claiming imminent terrorist attacks and presidential assassination attempts. There is, however, very little evidence of these dangers. This week, Andrew Mueller explains whether the threats in Ecuador are real, invented, politicised or all the above. From Milan: Salone highlights, intervie…

1
The fallout of the Kashmir terror attacks and rising tourism in post-conflict zones 39:40

7M ago39:40

39:40

We’re joined by Nina dos Santos and Lynne O’Donnell to discuss the latest following the deadliest terror attack in Kashmir in the past 25 years. How have India and Pakistan responded? Also on the programme: as CBS’s top producer quits, citing a loss of journalistic independence, we examine the state of media in the US. Then: efforts are under way i…

1
Special edition: Answering Life’s Big Questions – Politics 11:57

7M ago11:57

11:57

In partnership with the University of Warwick, Monocle teamed up with the institution’s acclaimed academics to answer big questions submitted by readers. In this episode, Professor of Politics and Global Sustainable Development Elena Korosteleva answers, ‘Have we shifted from a soft power to a hard political environment?’. From Milan: Salone highli…

1
Troubles at Boeing and the international influence on Poland’s election 35:03

7M ago35:03

35:03

Boeing sells its Jeppesen unit to Thoma Bravo for $10.6bn (€9.2bn). Then: we join Andrew Tuck at Monocle’s global leadership conference, The Chiefs, in Jakarta, ask how international politics will affect Poland’s presidential election and the EU fines Apple and Meta. Plus: a dispatch from the two-day Nordic Happiness Summit. From Milan: Salone high…

1
Asian finance ministers come to Washington 59:00

7M ago59:00

59:00

The International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group spring meetings are under way in Washington, with warnings of a tariff-fuelled hit to the global economy. Asian finance ministers hope to ease some of the tensions. Plus: an interview with Roberto Cingolani of Italian defence giant Leonardo, Tim Marshall’s new book, and a programme for teaching s…

1
Type and textiles 29:30

7M ago29:30

29:30

Graphic designer Johannes Breyer discusses storytelling through type and rebranding Spotify. Plus: curator and historian Mary Schoeser discusses the link between textiles and people over history From Milan: Salone highlights, interviews and a daily running guide. More info.By Monocle Radio

1
Food Neighbourhoods #431: Colonia Roma, Mexico City 10:03

7M ago10:03

10:03

Originally a European-inspired enclave for the upper and middle classes, Mexico City’s tree-lined Colonia Roma district has survived earthquakes and been reinvented through artistic movements. Today it offers a diverse range of culinary experiences showcasing the best that the nation has to offer, from blue-corn quesadillas to specialist Mexican co…

1
Ukrainian peace talks in London and turmoil at the Pentagon 37:54

7M ago37:54

37:54

Giorgia Scaturro and Charles Hecker look at what could come out of peace talks between Ukraine, the US, UK and France. Also on the programme: amid reports of a second leak from US secretary of defense Pete Hegseth, is the Pentagon in disarray? And: what soft power does the papacy give Italy? From Milan: Salone highlights, interviews and a daily run…

1
Russia proposes bilateral talks with Ukraine 33:51

7M ago33:51

33:51

Vladimir Putin has indicated that he could be open to bilateral talks with his Ukrainian counterpart. Also: the annual International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group spring meetings take place and AC Grayling debates wokeism. Plus: we explore the love of short pop songs in our culture news round-up. From Milan: Salone highlights, interviews and a…

1
The world reacts to the death of Pope Francis 58:56

7M ago58:56

58:56

As tributes pour in from leaders across the globe, Juliet Linley joins Emma Nelson to discuss the legacy of Pope Francis. Plus: the US-Philippines annual military drills go ‘full scale’, Edward Fishman on his new book Chokepoints, and the latest from the world of fashion From Milan: Salone highlights, interviews and a daily running guide. More info…

1
Spring listening: ‘Heavyweight’ and ‘Studio Radicals’ 30:00

7M ago30:00

30:00

In this podcast special, we hear from two presenters in the wonderful world of audio storytelling. The much-beloved podcast ‘Heavyweight’ involves guests engaging the help of Jonathan Goldstein to answer some unsolved aspect of their past. Ahead of the show’s return at its new home, Pushkin Industries, we catch up with Goldstein to hear about the o…

1
Tall Stories 455: Dalhalla, Rättvik 7:13

7M ago7:13

7:13

Francesca Gilks takes us to a Swedish open-air amphitheatre built in a former limestone quarry. From Milan: Salone highlights, interviews and a daily running guide. More info.By Monocle Radio

1
Pope Francis’ legacy and the role of international ceasefires 36:20

7M ago36:20

36:20

Former Vatican correspondent Juliet Linley weighs Pope Francis’ legacy. Daniella Peled and Alex von Tunzelmann join Andrew Mueller in studio to discuss the continued role of ceasefires and Dubai’s new influencer academy. From Milan: Salone highlights, interviews and a daily running guide. More info.By Monocle Radio

1
News from around the world 39:13

7M ago39:13

39:13

A pacy round-up of the day’s main news stories, anchored from London by Chris Cermak. From Milan: Salone highlights, interviews and a daily running guide. More info.By Monocle Radio

1
The world’s top stories 58:56

7M ago58:56

58:56

In-depth coverage of the world’s latest news stories, anchored from London by Emma Nelson. From Milan: Salone highlights, interviews and a daily running guide. More info.By Monocle Radio

1
What makes a reserve currency? 19:42

7M ago19:42

19:42

While the US dollar has been the dominant – but not the only – reserve currency since 1947, its role has been eroded as other currencies have gained market share. UBS’s Paul Donovan explains what might happen next. From Milan: Salone highlights, interviews and a daily running guide. More info.By Monocle Radio

1
AC Grayling and making peace in the culture wars 36:52

7M ago36:52

36:52

AC Grayling has written theses and philosophies about society and the world for decades. His latest work, ‘Discriminations: Making Peace in the Culture Wars’, proffers the argument that discrimination is a human rights issue and if fully respected, there would be no discrimination. Speaking to Georgina Godwin, Grayling shares insights into his upbr…

1
A round-up of the week and insights from Tokyo 58:44

7M ago58:44

58:44

Emma Nelson is joined by Simon Brooke and Philippe Marlière to discuss the week’s key stories. Monocle’s editorial director, Tyler Brûlé, checks in from Lisbon and our Tokyo bureau chief, Fiona Wilson, rounds things off with her take on the region. From Milan: Salone highlights, interviews and a daily running guide. More info.…