Mobile app that helps you trade on the JSE

Fintech has made investing in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange's top 40 blue-chip stocks as easy as a tap on your smartphone. The investment app, Stash, has been gaining popularity among young South Africans looking to grow their savings effortlessly. Juan Labuschagne, Head of Development at Stash, recently sat down with CNBC Africa to shed light on how the app is revolutionizing the way people approach investing. Stash's premise is simple: take the spare change from your daily transactions and automatically invest it in the JSE's top 40, offering users the opportunity to start building their investment portfolio effortlessly. Labuschagne highlighted the ease of the app, emphasizing how making a purchase rounds up the transaction to the nearest amount, with the spare change automatically directed to the user's Stash account. This user-friendly approach aims to eliminate the barriers that typically deter individuals from investing, such as lengthy application processes and complex investment choices, making saving and investing an intuitive part of everyday life. Since its launch in April, Stash has seen approximately 12,000 young users embrace the concept, with an average monthly investment of 175 South African Rand. Labuschagne noted that this consistent saving could yield substantial returns over time, providing users with a financial cushion for future expenses like rent deposits. By offering exposure to the top 40 blue-chip stocks on the JSE, users benefit from dividends and zero fees, making it an attractive option for rookie investors. The app's simplicity is further reflected in its customer support approach, modeled after popular convenience services like Uber. Users can easily access FAQs within the app and receive prompt responses to inquiries, ensuring a seamless experience for those new to the world of investing. Stash's strategic partnership with major banks allows for automatic tracking of transactions through SMS notifications, eliminating the need for users to input sensitive banking details. In addressing potential risks, Labuschagne acknowledged the inherent market volatility but emphasized Stash's strategy of averaging out highs and lows through regular, small investments. This approach, akin to round cost averaging, aims to mitigate the impact of market fluctuations on users' portfolios, promoting a sense of financial stability. Labuschagne clarified that Stash operates as a marketing initiative rather than a profit-driven venture, with the primary goal of introducing young investors to the world of finance through a user-centric platform. The app's accessibility and low barriers to entry position it as a tool for financial empowerment, encouraging long-term savings habits among the younger demographic. As Stash continues to gain traction in South Africa's financial landscape, it serves as a testament to the transformative power of fintech in democratizing investment opportunities for individuals from all walks of life. With Stash, the path to financial security and wealth creation is just a tap away.