EasyEquities has been named most innovative concept at the Accenture Innovation Index 2015. The Index measures, recognises and rewards innovation businesses across South Africa, and attracts brands from a wide variety of sectors. This year’s finalists came from the finance, mining, sanitation, technology and clothing industries, among others.
EasyEquities took the honours for its innovative approach to investment, which makes buying shares on the JSE affordable, easy and flexible.
One of the most innovative components of the product is the introduction of fractional share rights, which give investors the opportunity to purchase a “share of a share”. This is particularly beneficial for investors who are interested in high-price shares such as Naspers (selling for around R1900 per share), but who can’t afford the share price.
“Our objective was to make investing available to all South Africans, no matter how much – or little – they have to put away,” says Charles Savage, CEO of EasyEquities holding company Purple Group. “Fractional share rights help us to do that, as well as our unique fee structuring model, which makes us the most affordable investment platform in South Africa.”
Purple Group itself is a listed company and will be announcing its half-year results during March.
“EasyEquities has been a hugely successful,” says Charles. “Since going live last year we’ve already educated thousands of ordinary South Africans around the concept of investment. Many of these people have since become passionate and active investors on the JSE. For us, that’s the big prize – getting people who never thought they would be part owners of listed companies more involved in the SA economy. People pick brands they love and know and secure their long-term financial well-being.”
Mark Barnes, Chairman of Purple Group congratulated Charles and his team on the award, the hard work and thinking that went into the development of the EasyEquities platform.
“It’s heartening to see a single product that empowers so many South Africans to participate actively in the stock market and gain the pride of greater financial freedom.”
More about the awards: https://www.accentureinnovation.co.za
More about EasyEquities: http://youtu.be/C2vUSCQ3PzQ
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