Last Updated on November 18, 2022
Building a career in the banking industry is the desire of many, due to numerous reasons. It is open to all, bankers are well-respected and seen as prestigious individuals, bank employees are provided with lots of exposure due to the nature of the job, they undergo regular training for self-development and above all other reasons, and the banking industry is one of the industries that pay highest.
Table of Contents
Salaries of Bankers in South Africa
We have received numerous requests from our audience yearning for reliable information as to how much bankers earn in South Africa. It is important to know that the pay of bankers varies considerably for so many reasons.
The amount paid to bankers in South Africa varies based on the position occupied, qualification, years of experience, and status of employment. An entry-level banker does not earn the same as a banker in a managerial position. Furthermore, salaries differ drastically between different banks and banking jobs.
According to salaryexplorer.com survey, a person working in banking in South Africa typically earns around 33,900 ZAR per month. Salaries range from 10,700 ZAR (lowest average) to 69,500 ZAR (highest average, the actual maximum salary is higher).
This is the average monthly salary including housing, transport, and other benefits. Salaries vary drastically between different banking careers.
Be it as it may, for individuals considering a banking career in South Africa, below are the top 10 highest-paying banks in South Africa.
Highest Paying Banks in South Africa
The banking industry in South Africa is second to none in the Continent. The industry is well-groomed and developed and about four of its leading banks are among the top ten biggest banks in Africa, and they have been leading the pack for quite a while now.
Below is a list of the biggest and highest banks in South Africa:
1. Standard Bank Group
The South African bank ranks the biggest in South Africa and even in Africa as a whole. It has a tier 1 capital of $9.8 billion. The bank stands out on many grounds. It is the top-earning institution, bringing in a total income of about R100 million. The bank has continues to soar above others over the tears. It serves about 8.1 million customers and has the highest number of employees. The bank is also considered one of the largest banks in Africa.
2. FirstRand
FirstRand is the second biggest bank in South Africa. It has a Tier 1 capital of $8.2 billion. Considering just headline earnings as a criterion for judgment, FirstRand will most likely come first among banks in South Africa with an earning of R27.89 billion for the 2019 financial year. But it emerged second on the basis of the combination of yardsticks.
3. ABSA Group
Absa is the third biggest bank in both South Africa and the African continent, although this last financial year was not too much of a good year in that it faced a double-digit fall in its Tier 1 capital position. It fell from 170th position to 184th position in the global ranking, and now has a Tier 1 capital of $6.8 billion.
Before becoming Absa Bank, this bank was initially an entirely different banking institution. In the first instance, it was referred to as the Barclays Africa Bank. Right from its inception, the bank has provided its clients a wide range of banking services, which include personal accounts, corporate accounts, investment banking, assurance, and several types of card services.
ALSO READ: Top 10 Highest Paying Jobs in South Africa 2022
Absa Bank’s financial success had led it to acquire several financial institutions within many African countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, to name a few. In addition, it has offices in countries such as Nigeria and Namibia. From 2018 till date, the bank has successfully opened several offices within England and the United States.
4. Nedbank Group
The Nedbank Group ranks fourth in South Africa, fourth in Africa, and 240th in the world, on the basis of its Tier 1 capital which is about $5.1 billion.
5. Capitec
Capitec runs on a market capitalization of R114.8 billion. With this, it ranks fifth biggest in the South African banking industry. Although on the basis of its market capitalization, it qualifies to be in third place. Meanwhile, only two years ago, the bank was in the fifth position on the basis of its market capitalization. Also, in terms of share price, Capitec remains one of the biggest with its 2018 R1,000 per share price.
6. Investec Bank
Investec Bank is a financial institution that offers its clients both banking and wealth management services within South Africa. In addition, Investec Bank offers other financial services to its clients in international countries within Asia and Europe.
Investec Bank began operations in 1974 with its headquarters in Sandton. Since then, the bank has been at the forefront of providing individual services, investment banking, and corporate services. In addition, Investec Bank provides custom banking services to specific private clients.
Investec Bank has a total workforce of almost 10,000 staff. The bank averages an annual income that is close to R11 billion. Likewise, it has a total asset of over R11 trillion.
7. African Bank Limited
The current African Bank Limited or ABL is a bank that came into existence in 2016 after a restructuring effort. The restructuring of the bank was because of the curatorship by the country’s apex bank, which forced several changes to its operations. Initially, the bank was opened in 1975 and was related to the African Bank Investment Limited.
The bank has its head office in Midrand, South Africa. African Bank Limited is heavily involved in retail banking in the country. Also, the bank has several branches all across the country. It offers several banking services such as savings accounts, current accounts, and more through its fully evolved digital services.
8. Grindrod Bank
Grindrod Bank is considered a South African bank that operates as a commercial financial institution. This bank began its operations in 1994. In 2004, the bank was incorporated as a financial institution that is related to the mother company Grindrod Financial Group. Two years after its incorporation, Grindrod Bank purchased all shares of Marriot Merchant Bank.
In general, Grindrod Bank provides its services to high-earning clients. With its head office in Durban, Grindrod Bank has several branches within Cape Town, Pretoria, Johannesburg, and other provinces within South Africa. The bank has a staff base of over 6,000 employees. Also, Grindrod Bank has a total asset of over R30 billion.
9. Mercantile Bank
Mercantile Bank operates as a commercial bank, which has been in operation since 1965. Its head office in Sandton, offers its clients individual banking corporate services, retail services, brokerage, and asset management to name a few. Mercantile Bank operates as a subsidiary of a Portuguese financial institution.
Mercantile Bank has over 1000 workers across several branches within South Africa. The bank has a total average net income of over R200 million and a total asset of over R10 billion.
10. Bidvest Bank
Bidvest Bank is a type of bank that provides specialized banking services to specific clients. In particular, the bank provides insurance services, car purchase financing, retail banking services, and foreign exchange to local businesses.
Bidvest Bank began its operation in 1946, and it is owned by Bidvest Group, which is an international financial institution. The bank has a total asset of over R9 billion and a yearly average net profit of over R300 million. At the moment, Bidvest Bank employs directly and indirectly over 100,000 staff.
This is the list of highest paying banks in South Africa. However, it doesn’t include all banks. We have selected the 10 best financial institutions, but you can search for other places to work for and enjoy earning a good salary.
We believe this article has been helpful, if yes, don’t hesitate to like, comment and share.