South Africa’s fastest-growing digital bank, TymeBank, is set to undergo a major transformation in 2026, including a rebrand to GoTyme, an expansion into new services, and a landmark partnership with Sanlam.
The bank, which recently crossed the 10 million customer mark, confirmed that it would change its name to GoTyme in the first half of 2026, aligning with its international brand used in the Philippines under GoTymeBank.
The rebrand is still subject to internal and regulatory approvals.
A Rebrand Rooted in Global Expansion
The Tyme Group, headquartered in South Africa, has expanded internationally, now offering services in Vietnam and the Philippines, and achieving a valuation of $1.5 billion (R26 billion) by the end of 2024.
While the GoTyme name is already in use abroad, this is the first time the South African arm will align its branding, signaling a new phase in its evolution from local disruptor to global digital banking player.
TymeBank was launched publicly in 2018, relying on retail partners Pick n Pay, Boxer and Foschini Group stores rather than physical branches.
It was the first digital bank in SA to reach profitability, achieving that milestone in late 2023.
Strategic Deal With Sanlam to Expand Credit Offerings
As part of its growth plans, TymeBank has partnered with financial giant Sanlam to offer unsecured personal loans bundled with credit life cover.
The two companies will establish a joint operating company, and TymeBank will acquire 50% of Sanlam’s retail credit loan book, valued at around R5 billion.
Sanlam Personal Loans (SPL) currently offers loans of R5 000 to R300 000 at fixed interest rates over 1 to 6 years.
The unsecured lending market is competitive, with Capitec, African Bank, and Old Mutual among the main players.
This move marks TymeBank’s strategic entry into a high-growth, high-risk segment of the financial services industry.
Smart ID and Passport Services in Retail Stores
In another bold move, TymeBank will roll out Smart ID and passport services in partnership with the Department of Home Affairs – but with a unique twist.
Instead of using traditional bank branches like FNB, Absa, and Standard Bank, TymeBank will leverage its 1 450 in-store kiosks in Pick n Pay, Boxer, and Foschini Group stores.
The rollout will begin with a pilot phase in Johannesburg, before expanding nationally.
This comes after a public disagreement between TymeBank and Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber, which has since been resolved in favour of collaboration.
IPO on the Horizon
TymeBank is also preparing for a public listing, expected in 2028, with plans for a primary listing on the New York Stock Exchange and a secondary listing on the JSE.
The anticipated IPO follows strong investment interest, with the bank raising capital from existing and new investors throughout 2024.
TymeBank is 45% owned by African Rainbow Capital Financial Services Holdings (ARC FSH), which is controlled by billionaire Patrice Motsepe’s investment vehicles.
What Comes Next
As TymeBank prepares to rebrand, expand its credit offerings, and roll out national identity services, it is positioning itself as one of the most innovative financial institutions in South Africa.
The transformation into GoTyme will mark the beginning of a more mature, global-facing era for the digital bank that started as a disruptor – and now looks to become a household name, both at home and abroad.
