Tyme Group accelerates its global ambitions with a powerful new partnership with Visa, unlocking wider access and innovation across its international markets. Picture Credits: Startup Mag South Africa
By Thulane Madalane
South Africa – The Tyme Group, parent company of TymeBank, has signed a major multi-year, multi-market partnership with Visa that will strengthen its presence across South Africa, the Philippines and Vietnam. The agreement marks a significant step in the group’s international growth strategy as it aims to drive financial inclusion and digital payment innovation in key emerging markets.
TymeBank, launched in 2019, is South Africa’s first fully digital bank to become profitable. The bank now holds R7 billion in customer deposits, operates 1,000 kiosks and 15,000 retail points, and serves 11 million customers — making it the country’s third-largest bank by customer base.
Although founded in South Africa, the Tyme Group moved its headquarters to Singapore and has expanded rapidly across Asia. It entered the Philippines in 2022 and runs its technology and product development hub in Vietnam, where it plans to launch a new bank. Across all operations, the group now serves 20 million customers.
The new partnership with Visa will support Tyme Group’s expansion in all three markets. Visa will provide enhanced card-issuance programmes, marketing support, product development expertise, infrastructure improvements and data-driven financial services. The goal is to deliver secure, seamless and innovative payment solutions to more consumers and small businesses.
Lineshree Moodley, Visa’s Country Manager for South Africa, said the deal underscores a shared mission.
“This partnership reflects our ambition to accelerate digital adoption, broaden financial inclusion and bring innovative, low-cost banking solutions to millions. We’re making digital payments more inclusive, secure and effortless for all South Africans.”
Tyme Group CEO Coenraad Jonker added that the partnership marks an important milestone in the company’s journey.
“We’re excited to deepen our impact in South Africa, the Philippines and Vietnam, empowering consumers and small businesses through secure, accessible and innovative payment experiences.”
The bank is also preparing for major changes in the coming years. In the first half of 2026, TymeBank will rebrand to GoTyme, aligning with the group’s brand in the Philippines. South African customers will soon be able to apply for Smart IDs and passports at TymeBank kiosks, following the bank’s integration into Home Affairs’ expanded digital service rollout.
Leadership changes are also on the horizon. Chief Commercial Officer Cheslyn Jacobs will take over as CEO in 2026, replacing Karl Westvig, who will transition into an advisory role. The Prudential Authority has already approved Jacobs’ appointment. A long-time member of the Tyme team, Jacobs joined in 2012 and played a central role in building the bank’s sales, distribution and customer service operations.
The Tyme Group’s latest partnership with Visa signals its commitment to scaling world-class digital banking across multiple continents — and further strengthens its position as a fast-growing player in global financial services.
