End of an Era: TymeBank Rebrands as Digital Giant Evolves Beyond Banking
In a move that signals a new chapter for one of South Africa’s most disruptive financial forces, TymeBank, the digital bank backed by billionaire Patrice Motsepe, has announced a comprehensive rebranding and strategic expansion. The bank, which rocketed to over 10 million customers, will change its name to GoTyme in the first half of 2026, aligning with its successful international sibling in the Philippines. This shift is more than a cosmetic change; it heralds a significant evolution for a institution that has redefined banking in South Africa.
The transformation comes on the heels of a period of unprecedented growth for the digital bank. After a soft launch in 2018, TymeBank has not only become a household name but also achieved a critical milestone by becoming profitable for the first time in late 2023. This achievement, reached ahead of expectations, cemented its position as the first profitable digital bank in the country. The bank’s model, which eschews traditional branches in favor of a digital app and a vast network of kiosks in Pick n Pay and Foschini Group stores, has proven wildly successful, often claiming the title of the fastest-growing digital bank in South Africa.
A Global Brand Takes Shape: The Rise of GoTyme
The decision to rebrand from TymeBank to GoTyme is a strategic move to reflect the organization’s maturity and its ambitions to cater to a broader economic spectrum. According to a report from BusinessTech, the change will follow the branding already established by its successful operation in the Philippines, GoTymeBank. This consolidation under a single, global brand identity underscores the Tyme Group’s international reach, which now includes markets in Vietnam and the Philippines.
“TymeBank said that it is evolving its brand to reflect its growth, maturity and focus on customers across a wider economic spectrum,” the publication noted. The move, while confirmed, still requires internal and regulatory approvals, with further details expected closer to the 2026 launch.
This rebranding is a testament to the institution’s remarkable journey. By the end of 2024, the bank’s valuation had soared to an impressive $1.5 billion (R26 billion) following a successful capital raise from both existing and new investors. This valuation is a clear indicator of the immense confidence the market has in the TymeBank model and its future trajectory. The latest developments in the South African banking sector continue to draw significant attention, with many analysts watching this digital pioneer closely for insights into the future of finance. For more on the evolving financial landscape, see the latest reports on South Africa news platforms.
Strategic Partnerships and Expanding the Financial Ecosystem
Beyond the name change, TymeBank is aggressively expanding its service offering through a landmark partnership with financial services giant Sanlam. The collaboration will see the digital bank venture into the lucrative but competitive unsecured personal loans market. The plan involves TymeBank acquiring a 50% stake in Sanlam’s retail-credit loan book, and the two firms will establish a new operating company dedicated to offering credit products.
“Sanlam Personal Loans (SPL) already offers personal loans of between R5,000 and R300,000 to qualifying individuals on repayment terms of 1 to 6 years at a fixed interest rate,” with its loan book value currently standing at a substantial R5 billion.
This foray into unsecured loans—a high-risk, high-reward sector currently dominated by Capitec, with African Bank and Old Mutual as key players—represents a significant diversification for TymeBank. The loans will be bundled with credit life cover, providing a comprehensive product to customers. The connection between Sanlam and TymeBank is already strong, as Sanlam Life acquired a 25% interest in African Rainbow Capital Financial Services Holdings (ARC FSH), the primary shareholder of TymeBank. ARC FSH is jointly owned by Patrice Motsepe’s African Rainbow Capital (ARC).
In another unexpected but strategic move, TymeBank is also partnering with the Department of Home Affairs to offer Smart ID and passport services. This initiative, announced by Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, aims to leverage bank branches to extend essential government services to more citizens. TymeBank’s approach, however, will be unique. Instead of using standard branches, the bank will utilize its extensive network of over 1,450 kiosks located within Pick n Pay, Boxer, and Foschini Group stores.
“TymeBank will push the services through its kiosks… instead of via standard branches,” with a pilot program starting in Johannesburg before a national rollout. This innovative approach leverages the bank’s core strength—its physical retail footprint—to deliver a convenience that transcends traditional banking.
This service is particularly notable given that TymeBank had a public disagreement with Minister Schreiber earlier this year, making this partnership a clear example of pragmatic collaboration for public benefit. The ability to apply for a Smart ID or passport while doing weekly grocery shopping is a powerful value proposition that further embeds TymeBank into the daily lives of its customers.
The convergence of these strategic initiatives—the rebranding, the entry into personal loans, and the partnership with Home Affairs—paints a picture of a company rapidly evolving from a simple digital bank into a multifaceted financial and lifestyle platform. As detailed in the original BusinessTech analysis, the growth of TymeBank is a central narrative in the story of modern South African finance, demonstrating how technology and strategic partnerships can be leveraged to serve a mass market effectively. The upcoming changes are poised to solidify its position even further, making the TymeBank name, soon to be GoTyme, synonymous with accessible, innovative services for millions. As the report concludes, the bank’s trajectory from a disruptive startup to a profitable, expanding giant marks a true “end of an era” for the old way of banking, and the beginning of a new, dynamic chapter. All of these strategic moves are carefully orchestrated steps leading towards the bank’s ultimate goal: a hotly anticipated public listing. Although TymeBank is not yet listed on any exchange, it is targeting a public listing in 2028, with plans for a primary listing in New York and a secondary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE), a move that will undoubtedly place it on the global financial stage.
