Less than a year after launching, Swyft Markets is already setting its sights beyond South Africa.
Speaking with Finance Magnates at the Finance Magnates Africa Summit, Chief Executive Officer Janeal Delport explained how years of industry experience helped shape the company's vision, why client trust remains its biggest priority, and how recent market demand has accelerated its international plans.
Building on Years of Industry Experience
Although Swyft Markets officially launched in February, the company was built on nearly a decade of experience gained across South Africa's online trading industry.
Delport explained that the goal was to combine the best parts of the industry while addressing areas where brokers often fall short.
"Swyft Markets is a culmination of that decade of experience, bridging the gap between what clients want, what we can offer, and what regulation expects from us."
Rather than focusing only on products, the company aims to balance customer expectations with responsible business practices and regulatory standards.
Trust Starts With People
Trust remains one of the biggest factors when traders choose a broker, especially in competitive markets.
According to Delport, Swyft Markets believes its strongest asset is its team. Many employees have established reputations within the industry, helping create confidence with both clients and business partners.
The company also places strong emphasis on treating every client fairly, regardless of account size.
"We will treat a million-dollar investor the same as a client making a $10 deposit."
Delport said this approach forms the foundation of the company's long-term relationships and brand reputation.
▶ Watch the full Finance Magnates Executive Interview to hear the complete conversation.
Industry Events Are Creating New Opportunities
The Finance Magnates Africa Summit exceeded the company's expectations.
Initially attending with modest goals, Swyft Markets quickly found itself meeting payment providers, technology firms, and service partners that could support future growth.
Many of those conversations were opportunities the company had not originally planned for.
The experience has already influenced its strategy, with greater focus now being placed on affiliate partners, introducing brokers, and technology providers that can support expansion into additional jurisdictions.
Technology Built for Future Growth
Technology also plays an important role in Swyft Markets' strategy.
Rather than waiting for demand before supporting additional trading platforms, the broker chose to build its infrastructure early. The company supports multiple trading platforms and has partnered with an established liquidity provider to ensure it can scale as its client base grows.
Delport said this approach allows traders to move between platforms with minimal disruption while giving the company room to grow without major infrastructure changes later.
Regulation Can Strengthen the Industry
South Africa's regulatory environment continues to change, particularly around financial education and consumer protection.
Rather than viewing new rules as a barrier, Delport believes brokers should adapt their business models to protect clients while remaining competitive.
He also highlighted the importance of understanding the realities of the local market, where many traders begin with smaller deposits but trade consistently over time.
"Regulation can be good. It's about how quickly you adapt while making decisions that impact clients as little as possible."
Delport added that long-term success depends on maintaining compliance without losing sight of client needs.
Looking Beyond South Africa
One of the biggest changes following the summit has been Swyft Markets' international outlook.
Originally focused on becoming one of South Africa's leading brokers, the company is now preparing for licensing in additional jurisdictions after receiving strong interest from international partners.
Despite those ambitions, Delport said growth will remain measured.
Rather than expanding as quickly as possible, the company intends to prioritise operational quality and client confidence before entering new markets.
"We would rather grow slower than our competitors than have to make a U-turn and lose the confidence of our clients."
With new partnerships already taking shape, Swyft Markets appears ready to take its next steps beyond its home market.
Watch the Full Executive Interview
Janeal Delport shares additional insights into Swyft Markets' growth plans, technology strategy, regulation, partnerships, and the future of online trading in Africa.
▶ Watch the full Finance Magnates Executive Interview to hear the complete conversation.
