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Innovative legal solutions for the technologies transforming finance — from mobile money and payment systems to blockchain, across cities and remote communities alike.

Financial Technology (FinTech) has a phenomenal impact on Africa's financial sector and other key sectors. As a key driver of growth in the region, FinTech is a viable alternative to traditional banking in urban and rural areas. Across many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, FinTech is improving financial inclusion and stimulating innovation and productivity for example, by giving small and medium-sized enterprises better access to financing and offering a broader range of financial products for the agriculture sector. In in Sub-Saharan Africa FinTech is therefore not so much about disrupting traditional financial services but is providing products and services that were not available or accessible. By creating technology-based products and solutions, including mobile money, online payment processing, lending, and investing, FinTech companies plug gaps that exist in local financial service industries.

As a young, ambitious and transformed law firm, CMS South Africa is well equipped to advise on a wide range of topics and transactions involving the FinTech sector in Sub-Saharan Africa, such as the establishment of FinTech companies and digital platforms, M&A and joint ventures, cross-border services and operations, contracts with customers, suppliers and services providers (including blockchain solutions), compliance and internal policies as well as financing transactions (including tokenisation and marketplace lending).

Our clients include FinTech companies and their sponsors, IT and other services providers, banks and investors. CMS South Africa's FinTech team members, support by the global CMS network, specialise in areas such as financial regulation, corporate law, tax and foreign exchange control regulations, banking and finance law (also English law) and contract law, IP law, competition law and IT and data protection law.
 

Awards & Recognitions
01
  • Quote
    They are very knowledgeable, efficient and professional. They specialise in corporate, commercial and banking law and have an excellent track record.
    Chambers & Partners, South Africa, 2024
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    The firm handled complex matters with speedy turnaround, and with a good balance between the legal versus the pragmatic.
    Chambers & Partners, South Africa, 2024
  • Quote
    We were able to conclude the requisite transactions in record time, largely due to the very strong service levels of CMS.
    Chambers & Partners, South Africa, 2024
  • Quote
    CMS builds an effective relationship with clients. It is responsive and provides quick turnaround times.
    Chambers & Partners, 2026
  • Quote
    The law firm has the agility and ability to navigate potentially derailing situations. The team is pragmatic and level headed.
    Chambers & Partners, 2026
  • Quote
    CMS is sensitive to clients' concerns and works to provide solutions. It is very responsive and turnaround times are great.
    Chambers & Partners, 2026
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    CMS has the exceptional combination of outstanding legal knowledge about financing and in-depth understanding of the commercial aspects of matters.
    Chambers & Partners, 2026
  • Quote
    What I really like about the CMS team is its deep knowledge of our business and the option to tailor the advice to what we really like.
    Chambers & Partners, 2026
  • Quote
    Head of CMS's South African banking and finance practice, Riza Moosa handles a range of financing and refinancing matters, acting for both commercial banks and development finance institutions. His experience includes emergency relief finance as well as fund finance matters.
    Chambers & Partners, 2026

Explore more

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20 Feb 2026 5 min read

A balancing act: Navigating innovation and stability in South Africa’s fintech sector

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11 Apr 2024 13 min read

Can crypto regulation help SA shake off FATF greylisting?

16 Feb 2024 11 min read

Why enhanced crypto regulation could be key to getting SA de-greylisted

19 Oct 2023 11 min read

Securitisation in South Africa

13 Jun 2023 6 min read

Events

  • South Africa
    08 Apr 2026

    CMS at Fordham IP & Policy Conference

  • South Africa
    16 Apr 2026

    Green claims in focus

  • South Africa
    21 Apr 2026

    On the Pulse webinar series 2026 - Spring/Summer

  • South Africa
    28 Apr 2026

    IP Insights webinar series 2026

  • South Africa
    02 May 2026

    CMS at INTA 2026

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