Optimo Capital appoints former RBI CEO as independent director

The financial company Optimo Capital, based in Bangalore, announced on Thursday the appointment of Shrimohan Yadav, the former Chief General Manager of the RBI, as an independent director to its board of directors.

According to the company's statement, in this role, he will advise the board of directors on matters of governance, risk, and regulation, and will participate in several important board committees.

Previously, Yadav held the position of Chief General Manager in the regulatory department, where he oversaw the licensing and ownership of private banks, small financial banks, and payment banks, as well as the processes of bank acquisition, restructuring, and management.

The company also reported that he currently serves as an independent director on the boards of leading small financial banks and NBFCs, and advises prominent firms in the financial services sector.

As Optimo aims to reach a target of ₹1,200 crore in assets under management, increasing from the current figure of ₹441 crore by the end of March 2027, Yadav's extensive experience will play a crucial role in ensuring the alignment of institutional structures, risk discipline, and board oversight with the company's growth pace.

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uzdaily.uzSeptember 22, 12:10

Visa appoints Salima Gutieva as Regional Manager for Central Asia

Visa has announced the appointment of Salima Gutieva to the position of Vice President and Regional Manager for Central Asia. According to Visa's statement, she will officially start her duties on December 1, 2026, replacing Sanjar Suleymanov.

In her new role, Gutieva will be responsible for developing digital payments in the region, promoting technological solutions, expanding cooperation with banks and merchants, and creating new opportunities for cardholders.

Gutieva has over twenty years of experience working at Visa. During this time, she held senior positions in sales and business development across the markets of Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA).

Since 2022, Gutieva has headed Visa's business in the United Arab Emirates as Vice President and Regional Manager. In this capacity, she was responsible for market development and interaction with clients and government partners to meet the growing demand for convenient and secure digital payments.

Sergey Martynchuk, Senior Vice President and Regional Manager for Visa in Ukraine, Moldova, Southeast Europe, Central Asia, and the Caucasus, noted Gutieva's extensive experience and deep understanding of market needs.

He also thanked Sanjar Suleymanov for his contribution to the development of the digital economy of Central Asian countries and the implementation of projects aimed at strengthening cashless payments in the region. Martynchuk emphasized that Central Asia remains a strategically important and rapidly developing region for Visa, while the company's priorities, investments, and commitments to customers remain unchanged.

Salima Gutieva expressed her honor in leading the Visa team in Central Asia. She highlighted the dynamic development of the region in digital payments and the financial sector, and stressed her intention to continue implementing innovations, developing payment infrastructure, and creating solutions for faster, more convenient, and safer transactions.

iol.co.zaSeptember 10, 16:05

African Bank appoints Keketso Motsoane as Head of Business and Commercial Division

African Bank has appointed Keketso Motsoane as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of its business and commercial division. This move follows Motsoane's more than twenty years of experience in the banking sector.

Previously, Motsoane held the position of Managing Executive Director at Absa Business Banking's Commercial Growth division. He joins African Bank with extensive experience across various areas of banking, including retail banking, private wealth, operations, customer service, and distribution.

Motsoane's appointment comes amid African Bank's drive to expand its business and commercial operations and strengthen its focus on small and medium-sized enterprises. This occurred shortly after the bank appointed Zweli Manyathi as permanent Group CEO at the end of August.

Focus on Small Enterprises

Manyathi noted that Motsoane's appointment will support the bank's efforts to expand its offering for business and commerce, particularly in supporting small and medium-sized businesses. Manyathi emphasized that the business and commercial segment holds a special place in African Bank's history.

He added that the creation of this division marked the bank's adoption of its original mandate—to support the aspirations of underserved entrepreneurs, as well as micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises.

For his part, Motsoane pointed out that many South African micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises face difficulties in obtaining adequate financial assistance, despite significant potential for stimulating economic growth and job creation. He expressed his readiness to build a highly effective, customer-centric business that will bring value to clients and contribute to the next chapter of African Bank's growth.

Potential Reductions

Both Manyathi and Motsoane face significant challenges as African Bank experiences growing pressure to cut costs after reporting a loss of R624 million over the six months ending March 2026. It is also reported that the bank is considering a Section 189A restructuring process, which could affect 1200 employees and potentially 90 branches. Trade unions are strongly opposing this process and urging the bank to consider alternative options.