Capital.com has officially launched operations in South Africa after obtaining two local licences: an Over-the-Counter Derivatives Provider (ODP) licence and a Category 1 Financial Services Provider (FSP) authorisation. The ODP licence allows the broker to operate as a market maker in the country, while the lower-tier FSP licence covers marketing and promotional activities.
The move forms part of Capital.com’s broader global expansion strategy. The broker has applied for regulatory licences in Japan and Turkey and has hired local chief executives in Brazil and Chile, signalling forthcoming expansion into those markets. In addition, it appears to be establishing local presences in Bahrain and Azerbaijan. Job postings also indicate that the company is seeking to secure a licence in Singapore.
South Africa becomes Capital.com’s second location in continental Africa, following the recent receipt of a local licence in Kenya. Beyond these markets, the brokerage is already regulated in the UK, Cyprus, Australia, the Bahamas, and the UAE, reflecting a growing international regulatory footprint.
Leadership and Local Strategy in South Africa
To lead its South African operations, Capital.com has appointed Travis Robson as its local CEO. Robson, who appears to have joined the broker last year, previously oversaw Trive's operations as CEO for Africa and the Middle East. He also spent a long period at IG, leaving the firm as CEO of its UAE operations.
Commenting on the South African launch, Robson said: “Our role is to ensure clients engage with markets within a framework that is governed, supervised, and designed to prioritise clarity around risk.” Capital.com emphasised that it plans to onboard South African clients locally, although it has not provided a specific timeline for this process.
Context in the South African Market
The broker’s entry into South Africa comes against the backdrop of changing competitive dynamics in the local market. IG Group wrapped up its operations in South Africa last year and subsequently closed its local presence. Capital.com’s new licences and leadership appointment position the firm to serve South African clients under a regulated framework as it continues its ongoing global expansion.
