First National Bank (FNB)

First National Bank is one of South Africa’s “big four” banks. It is a division of FirstRand, a large financial services conglomerate, which trades on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE), under the symbol: FSR. FNB is also listed on the Botswana Stock Exchange under the symbol FNBB and is a constituent of the BSE Domestic Company Index.

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First National Bank (FNB) stands as one of the most reputable financial institutions in South Africa, playing a vital role in the country’s economy. As part of the “big four” banks, it operates under the larger FirstRand Group, a prominent player in the financial services sector. In this blog, we’ll take an in-depth look at what makes FNB one of South Africa’s leading banks, its offerings, and why it remains a top choice for individuals and businesses alike.

Overview of First National Bank (FNB)

First National Bank (FNB) has a long history of providing banking services in South Africa. It is one of the three primary divisions of the FirstRand Group, alongside Rand Merchant Bank and Wesbank. The FirstRand Group is listed on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE) under the symbol FSR, making it a well-established and publicly traded entity. FNB’s credibility is further enhanced by its listing on the Botswana Stock Exchange under the symbol FNBB, where it is a component of the BSE Domestic Company Index.

FNB’s Global Reach and Expansion

FNB’s influence goes beyond South Africa, with banking subsidiaries in multiple African countries such as:

  • Botswana
  • Mozambique
  • Namibia
  • Eswatini
  • Tanzania
  • Zambia
  • Ghana
  • Lesotho

FNB has also ventured outside Africa, establishing a presence in India and Guernsey. Additionally, the bank is making strides toward expanding into major African markets like Angola, Nigeria, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. This demonstrates FNB’s ambitious plans to grow its footprint in emerging markets and expand its customer base across the continent.

Key Services Offered by FNB

FNB’s product and service offerings cater to a wide range of customers, from individuals to corporations. Here are some key banking services available:

1. Personal Banking

FNB provides various personal banking services including:

  • Savings and investment accounts: Tailored to help individuals meet their financial goals.
  • Loan products: Such as personal loans, home loans, and vehicle financing.
  • Credit cards: A wide variety of credit options that cater to different financial needs.
  • Insurance products: Including life, health, and travel insurance, giving customers peace of mind.

2. Business Banking

FNB offers a full suite of services for businesses of all sizes. These include:

  • Business loans and credit lines: Helping businesses manage cash flow and expand their operations.
  • Transactional accounts: Offering everyday banking needs for businesses.
  • Merchant services: Facilitating payments and e-commerce solutions to enhance customer transactions.

3. Wealth Management

FNB’s wealth management solutions include:

  • Investment advice and portfolio management: Tailored to help individuals grow and protect their wealth.
  • Estate planning: Ensuring customers’ assets are distributed according to their wishes.

Innovation and Technology at FNB

FNB is known for being a leader in adopting cutting-edge technology in the banking sector. Its digital banking platforms are robust, offering seamless mobile and online banking experiences for both personal and business customers.

FNB Banking App

The FNB app is a standout in the South African banking landscape. It allows users to:

  • Check balances and transaction history.
  • Transfer money instantly using eWallet or traditional bank transfers.
  • Pay bills and purchase airtime or electricity.
  • Apply for loans or open new accounts directly from the app.

The app’s user-friendly interface and functionality have made it popular with tech-savvy customers who prefer managing their finances on the go.

eWallet

FNB’s eWallet is another innovation that sets the bank apart. It allows users to send money instantly to anyone with a mobile phone number, even if the recipient doesn’t have a bank account. The recipient can withdraw the money from an FNB ATM or selected retail stores without needing a bank card.

Overview of Public Universities in South Africa

Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.

University of Pretoria

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
  • Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.

University of Cape Town

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
  • Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.

Stellenbosch University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.

University of the Witwatersrand

  • Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
  • Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.

University of Johannesburg

  • Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
  • Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.

University of the Free State

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.

University of Venda

  • Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
  • Application Period: Usually from May to September.

University of Fort Hare

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
  • Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.

University of the Western Cape

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Generally from May to September.

North-West University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
  • Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.

Rhodes University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
  • Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.

Nelson Mandela University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
  • Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.

Cape Peninsula University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
  • Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.

University of Limpopo

  • Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

University of Zululand

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
  • Application Period: Usually between April and November.

Central University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
  • Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.

Vaal University of Technology

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
  • Application Period: Typically from May to September.

Walter Sisulu University

  • Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
  • Application Period: From April to September.

This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.