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The Unusual Finance Chat

The Unusual Finance Chat

Written by: Jacques de Villiers and Tinus de Jager
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About this listen

Welcome to The Unusual Finance Chat, your go-to podcast for unpacking South Africa’s insurance industry and broader financial landscape. Hosted by veteran journalist Tinus de Jager and insurance expert Jacques de Villiers, we make sense of complex financial topics and bring you practical insights to navigate your financial journey.

Each week, we dive into:

  • Hot topics in insurance and finance
  • Expert interviews with industry leaders
  • Practical Q&As tackling listener questions
  • Stock market updates and analysis
  • Fun segments, including reviews of shows and eateries


Whether you’re an industry insider or someone trying to better understand your financial options, The Unusual Finance Chat is your companion for smarter financial decisions.


New episodes drop every Friday at 1 PM (CAT). Subscribe now and join us for engaging discussions, actionable advice, and a dash of lighter financial news to end your week on the right note!

© 2026 The Unusual Finance Chat Economics Personal Finance
Episodes
  • Too Much Money, Too Little Growth: The Credit Boom SA Businesses Don’t Fully See

    Too Much Money, Too Little Growth: The Credit Boom SA Businesses Don’t Fully See
    Feb 2 2026

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    South Africa is seeing a surge in available credit — even though economic growth remains weak. Major banks are reporting strong earnings growth, while private credit funds, fintech lenders and other players are aggressively expanding their lending.

    Much of this capital is flowing into SMEs that need quick, flexible funding. But as the market becomes more competitive, loan terms are becoming more complex and repayment structures less transparent, increasing the risk of over-indebtedness.

    In this episode of The Unusual Finance Chat, Gary Palmer, CEO of Paragon Finance, explains:

    • Why there is an oversupply of capital in the market
    • How increased lender competition is changing loan structures
    • Why transparency in lending terms is becoming a major issue
    • The growing responsibility on borrowers to do proper due diligence
    • Why expert financial advice is becoming essential
    • And why crypto is still not a meaningful funding source for most SMEs

    If you run a business, advise one, or are watching South Africa’s credit markets, this conversation is essential listening.

    Find us on your favourite podcast player. The Unusual Finance Chat.
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    14 mins
  • Climate Risk, Compliance Pressure and South Africa’s Financial Crossroads

    Climate Risk, Compliance Pressure and South Africa’s Financial Crossroads
    Nov 28 2025

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    Welcome to The Unusual Finance Chat with me, Tinus de Jager. In today’s episode we look at two themes shaping South Africa’s financial system: the rising pressure on banks and insurers to disclose climate risks, and the growing role of technology in FICA compliance and greylisting reforms. I speak to Kent Davis of Webber Wentzel and Andrew MacPherson of Paragon to unpack what these shifts mean for the sector and the wider economy.

    Find us on your favourite podcast player. The Unusual Finance Chat.
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    20 mins
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