FirstRand to Acquire HSBC’s South African Corporate Banking Business

AFRICAN STOCKS AND FINANCEJune 17, 2025 at 2:34 PM UTC

TLDR

FirstRand has received regulatory approval to acquire the corporate banking operations of HSBC in South Africa, including clients, assets, liabilities, and staff
The approval, granted on June 10, 2025, allows FirstRand to begin integrating HSBC’s South African business into Rand Merchant Bank
The acquisition covers a portfolio of multinational and large domestic companies, particularly South African subsidiaries of international groups

FirstRand has received regulatory approval to acquire the corporate banking operations of HSBC in South Africa, including clients, assets, liabilities, and staff. The approval, granted on June 10, 2025, allows FirstRand to begin integrating HSBC’s South African business into Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), its investment and corporate banking arm.

The acquisition covers a portfolio of multinational and large domestic companies, particularly South African subsidiaries of international groups. RMB will now provide banking, financing, and treasury services to these clients. Offshore clients can continue using HSBC’s global platforms to manage accounts and process transactions.

“This transaction fits with RMB’s strategy to scale its corporate banking business and increase its share of multinational clients operating in South Africa,” said Emrie Brown, CEO of RMB.

FirstRand expects the transaction to have a limited capital impact, with its CET1 ratio projected to decrease by less than 0.2 percentage points. The deal is set to close by October 31, 2025. HSBC began its withdrawal from South Africa in September 2024 as part of a broader plan to concentrate on select African markets.

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Key Takeaways

HSBC’s exit from South Africa is part of a trend among global banks to consolidate their presence in Africa around high-growth or strategic markets. After nearly three decades in South Africa, HSBC is realigning its footprint in the region, similar to recent moves by other international financial institutions. The decision allows local players like FirstRand to deepen their corporate banking reach. By acquiring HSBC’s portfolio, FirstRand strengthens its foothold in serving multinationals, a segment that typically values global capabilities and local execution. For RMB, the transaction supports its long-term plan to scale across trade finance, treasury, and cross-border advisory services. This move also highlights the growing competitiveness of South African banks, which are increasingly equipped to handle complex multinational clients. While foreign banks may be reducing their physical presence, their digital infrastructure remains accessible to global clients, suggesting a hybrid approach to servicing African markets.

Finance

Business

HSBC

FirstRand

Banking

Financial Services

South Africa

RMB