Nedbank has announced a strategic partnership with Crypto.com to explore blockchain-powered payment and settlement solutions aimed at transforming financial infrastructure across Africa. The collaboration focuses on delivering faster, more efficient cross-border transactions while integrating digital assets into traditional banking systems.

Under the partnership, Nedbank plans to utilize Crypto.com’s blockchain settlement technology and digital asset infrastructure to enable real-time conversions between South African rand (ZAR) and the stablecoin USDC. This will allow individuals, small businesses, and large corporations to access digital dollar liquidity for payments, trade, remittances, and treasury operations.

The move reflects a broader effort to modernize Africa’s financial rails. By incorporating blockchain-based settlement layers, Nedbank aims to offer faster and more transparent financial services while remaining fully compliant with local and international regulatory frameworks.

Simon Marland, Managing Executive for Automation, Blockchain and Analytics at Nedbank, said:

By leveraging Crypto.com’s blockchain capabilities, Nedbank is building the foundation for a more resilient, inclusive, and future-ready financial ecosystem, one where African businesses can transact seamlessly and securely on a global scale.

The partnership will initially roll out services for retail customers before expanding to corporate clients over the next twelve months. Daily net settlement between Nedbank and Crypto.com will help ensure operational stability while maintaining regulatory oversight. If successful, the collaboration could position Nedbank as a major gateway for regulated blockchain finance in Africa.

Karl Mohan, EVP, Financial Services and GM, International of Crypto.com, added:

Africa represents one of the most dynamic frontiers for digital finance, and by working with a trusted institution like Nedbank, we can jointly enable secure, compliant, and efficient access to digital assets for businesses and individuals alike.

Beyond payment efficiency, the initiative also aligns with the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to boost intra-African trade and economic integration. A reliable digital settlement network could play a critical role in enabling businesses across the continent to transact more seamlessly.

Ultimately, Nedbank’s strategy signals that blockchain is moving from experimentation to practical infrastructure in emerging markets, where financial innovation often solves real-world inefficiencies faster than legacy systems can.

• What does the Nedbank– Crypto.com partnership aim to achieve?
The collaboration seeks to introduce blockchain-based payment and settlement systems that enable faster, cheaper cross-border transactions across Africa.

• Where will the rollout begin?
The initial phase will launch in South Africa, starting with retail customers before expanding to businesses and corporate clients across the continent.

• How will this affect African businesses?
Companies will gain access to digital dollar liquidity through USDC, helping them conduct trade, manage treasury operations, and reduce foreign exchange risks.

• Why is this important for Africa’s financial future?
Blockchain infrastructure could significantly improve cross-border trade efficiency within Africa, especially as the AfCFTA pushes for deeper economic integration among member nations.

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