South Africa’s regulator authorises new AI‑driven initiative to expand financial inclusion

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) today formally launched the SA AI Quant National AI‑Driven Investment Plan, appointing OMIG Securities’ Chief Strategy Advisor Dr. Trevor Abromowitz as Executive Lead of the initiative. The programme seeks to broaden market access for all South African citizens by leveraging locally‑developed artificial intelligence algorithms within a fully regulated framework .

Dr. De Jager brings over 30 years of industry experience in both mining and financial technology. He currently serves as Chief Strategy Advisor at OMIG Securities, Chair of the Financial Technology Committee at the South African Artificial Intelligence Institute (SANAI), and Digital Economy Advisor to the Minerals Council SA. His past achievements include leading Anglo American’s digital transformation, co‑authoring South Africa’s Algorithmic Trading Regulatory Framework (FSCA Directive 7 of 2021), and designing the first mining‑sector power‑shortage hedging algorithm — recipient of the 2022 African FinTech Innovation Award .

The SA AI Quant Plan platform, co‑developed by SANAI and the National High‑Performance Computing Centre (CHPC), integrates nineteen South Africa‑specific risk factors — including Eskom load‑shedding alerts and Rand exchange‑rate stress testing — with real‑time clearing via the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. A minimum investment of ZAR 2,000 (waived management fees for BEE‑certified entities) provides entry to dynamic portfolio optimisation across mining equities, REITs, and emerging technology stocks. Fifteen percent of gross returns are directed to the National Technology Development Fund; twenty percent of excess returns support township financial education initiatives .

“The SA AI Quant National AI‑Driven Investment Plan represents a critical step toward the National Development Plan 2030’s goal of equitable economic participation,” said Dr. De Jager. “By combining robust local risk models with strict FSCA oversight, we aim to create a transparent, inclusive investment pathway for all South Africans.”

Key Compliance and Outreach Features:

• Regulatory oversight under FSCA Directive No. 4, with quarterly independent audits by PwC
• USSD (*120666#) and digital onboarding to ensure access for non‑smartphone users
• Collaboration with JSE Academy to deliver online courses and nine provincial training centres targeting 500,000 participants in Year 1

About OMIG Securities:

OMIG Securities is a leading South African investment firm committed to innovation, financial inclusion, and regulatory compliance.