After months of planning the Finance Magnates Africa Summit (FMAS:23) finally kicked off last night with its luxurious Networking Blitz Party in Johannesburg, South Africa. The networking event with a twist was a huge success that saw attendees from all over the world arrive and mingle in Africa at the prestigious Sandton Convention Centre.

Today represents the start of the two-day event, highlighted by a curated content stream for attendees that showcases all of the talent and brands at the event. FMAS:23 has managed to attract top-level leaders from across the globe, providing an unrivaled opportunity to network with and learn from the best.

"I've seen my fair share of conferences, but this is truly impressive," said Michael Greenberg, the Founder and CEO of Finance Magnates.

"South Africa is an important hub for our growth strategy, and it is clear that the African market is booming. The feeling on the floor and in the speaker hall is fantastic, and the local community has waited for such an event, and we are grateful for the feedback by traders, industry participants and government officials that we worked with."

Whether you're looking to make new connections or seek out potential partners, this is the place to be. FMAS:23 will also be attracting some of the top speakers and influencers in the industry. The following sessions, panels, and workshops are on offer throughout today:

Day 1 Agenda – May 9, 2023

9:45 - 10:00 Opening Keynote by Gauteng Department of Economic Development

10:10 - 10:30 Fintech & Regulation in Africa Fireside Chat with FSCA

10:40 - 11:20 Industry Leaders Talk Opportunities for All

11:30 - 11:50 Bryan Habana Talks Agility in Sports & Trading Fireside Chat by markets.com

12:00 – 12:40 Fintech in Africa: Opportunities in Financial Services

12:50 - 13:10 Market Logic: A Rational Approach to Trading with Technical Analysis Workshop

13:45 - 14:05 Online Trading in Africa Workshop

14:15 - 14:55 The Global Economy, African View: Facing Financial Distress

15:05 - 15:45 Market Opportunities: Where's the Alpha in Q2?

15:55 - 16:25 Fintech Security

These sessions are your chance to learn from the best and gain a competitive edge. Make sure to attend as many of these as you can to learn from leading experts and thought leaders across four industry verticals.

This includes online trading, digital assets & blockchain, fintech, and payments space. FMevents has worked tirelessly to bring you the biggest and best event anywhere in Africa.

With all the luxury of Sandton and South Africa on display, today’s event is just the first in a two-day adventure that will set the stage for the rest of 2023 and beyond.

Want to visit the booths? The exhibitors are ready.

The industry leaders have taken the stage in Africa. The panel discussions are ongoing. Don't miss them.

The speaker halls are packed.

Let's do business, the African way: work and have fun, together.

Are you feeling lucky?

Shaun Murison, Senior Market Analyst at IG Africa, took the stage.

Many popular faces are on the floor.

Byran Habana, Rugby champion and Markets.com Brand Ambassador talked about agility in sports and trading during a fireside chat with Solomon Gouden, the Managing Director at Markets.com and Finalto South Africa. Habana also shared his experience with applying his sports skills to business, finance and trading.

At the Centre Stage, experts discuss Fintech in Africa: Opportunities in Financial Services.

Ref Wayne, author and forex specialist well known as the pioneer of forex trading in South Africa, takes a workshop on online trading in Africa.

HFM organizes raffle draw.

Winners of the Dream Ride have been announced.

A happy winner poses for the camera.

Another winner of the Dream Ride.

Back to the Centre Stage, experts speak on 'The Global Economy, African View: Facing Financial Distress'.

How far will central banks go with interest rate hikes? How should you prepare, and which sectors should you look to for diversification of your portfolio? Experts discussed these and more at the 'Markets Opportunities: Where's the Alpha in Q2?' session.

Who Takes Home the Titles? Winners Are Unveiled

To cap the Finance Magnates Africa Summit 2023 event for today, winners of the Financial Achievements in Markets Excellency Awards are being unveiled.

1. Best Multi-Asset Broker in Africa Award goes to Fxview!

2. Best Forex Spreads in Africa Award goes to AAAFx!

3. Best IB/Affliate Program in Africa Award goes to BDSwiss!

4. Best CFD Broker in Africa Award goes to FP Markets (First Prudential Markets)!

5. Best Over-the-Counter (OTC) in Africa Award goes to IFX Brokers!

6. Most Innovative Broker in Africa Award goes to Kwakol!

7. Best Partner Programme in Africa Award goes to Tickmill!

8. Best Trading Experience/Fastest Execution Broker in Africa Award goes to TradingPro!

9. Best Customer Service Award in Africa goes to XM!

10. Best ECN/STOP Broker in Africa/Most Trusted Broker in Africa goes to TDMarkets!

11. Fastest Growing Broker in Africa Award goes to YaMarkets!

12. The Best Wealth Management Platform in Africa Award goes to ZuluTrade!

And That's a Wrap

Day 2 of the Finance Magnates Africa Summit 2023 ends with the award ceremony. The day featured live sessions, fireside chats, workshops and the unveiling of the Dream Rider winners.

The final day tomorrow promises more exciting discussions and networking opportunities. There will also be the Sunset Session Closing Drinks.

Don't miss out!