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JSE · South Africa

Best Stockbrokers in South Africa

The JSE is Africa's deepest and most liquid stock market, and the friendliest market on the continent for foreign retail investors to set up from abroad. EasyEquities has made JSE access trivially simple from the US, UK, and EU; traditional brokers continue to dominate for institutional money.

Regulator: Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA)
Depository: Strate (Central Securities Depository)

5 regulated brokers covering JSE

Every broker listed below is licensed by Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). We do not rank them — order is informational only. Always verify current licensing on the regulator's website before opening an account.

EasyEquities

Fintech App

Cape Town–based fintech broker that explicitly welcomes foreign nationals. Online account opening with passport, no SA ID required. Supports ZAR, USD, GBP, EUR, and AUD funding wallets.

Best for:
Diaspora and global retail investors wanting fast, online JSE access
Mobile app:
Yes
Access:
Foreign investors welcome
Funding:
Funds via SWIFT or local payment rails depending on currency wallet.
Visit EasyEquities →

Standard Bank Online Share Trading (OST)

Bank-Affiliated

Long-established bank-affiliated broker offering JSE equities, ETFs, derivatives, and international markets. Strong research desk.

Best for:
Existing Standard Bank clients and investors wanting research-led trading
Mobile app:
Yes
Access:
Foreign investors welcome
Visit Standard Bank Online Share Trading (OST) →

Investec Securities

Traditional Broker

Premium private banking and wealth management with full JSE brokerage. Higher account minimums than retail platforms.

Best for:
High-net-worth investors and relationship-managed portfolios
Mobile app:
Yes
Access:
Foreign investors welcome
Visit Investec Securities →

PSG Wealth

Traditional Broker

Independent South African wealth manager offering JSE equities, retirement annuities, and discretionary portfolio management.

Best for:
Long-term wealth-management clients
Mobile app:
No
Access:
Foreign investors welcome
Visit PSG Wealth →

Sasfin Securities

Traditional Broker

Boutique stockbroker offering JSE access, ETFs, and equity research. Personalised execution and advisory.

Best for:
Mid-tier investors wanting boutique service
Mobile app:
No
Access:
Foreign investors welcome
Visit Sasfin Securities →

How to open an account on the JSE

  1. 1

    Open with EasyEquities (fastest)

    Sign up online with your passport, proof of address, and tax residency declaration. Approval typically within 1–3 business days. Choose your currency wallet (ZAR, USD, GBP, EUR, or AUD).

  2. 2

    Or open with a traditional broker

    Standard Bank OST, Investec Securities, PSG Wealth, and Sasfin all serve non-residents but have higher account minimums and more paperwork. Use them if you want a relationship-managed institutional experience.

  3. 3

    Submit tax-residency self-certification

    Required at account opening. Determines whether you receive the US–South Africa treaty 15% withholding-tax rate on dividends instead of the 20% domestic rate.

  4. 4

    Fund and trade

    Wire dollars (or other supported currency) from your home bank, hold in your USD wallet or convert to ZAR, and trade JSE-listed equities and ETFs.

KYC documents you'll need

  • Valid passport
  • Proof of address — utility bill or bank statement, recent
  • Tax residency self-certification (US W-9 or equivalent)
  • Source-of-funds declaration for larger transfers

Fees and tax

Dividend withholding tax — domestic20%
Dividend withholding tax — US treaty rate15%
Capital gains tax — non-residents on listed sharesGenerally exempt
EasyEquities commission0.25% per trade (min ZAR 0.50)
Traditional broker commission0.5% – 1.5%

Fees and tax rates are indicative and change. Verify current rates with your broker and the latest Finance Act before transacting.

Frequently asked questions

Is JSE the easiest African exchange for foreign investors?

Yes, by a wide margin. EasyEquities accepts passport-based onboarding, USD/GBP/EUR funding wallets, and most retail trading can be done online within a week of signing up.

What's the minimum to invest on the JSE through EasyEquities?

EasyEquities supports fractional shares and accounts open with no minimum. You can start with as little as ZAR 10.

Do I need to file South African tax if I'm a non-resident?

Non-residents are generally exempt from South African capital gains tax on listed shares. Dividends are withheld at source. You typically only need to file SARS returns if you have local South African income or property.

Can US-based investors get the treaty 15% dividend withholding rate?

Yes. File the treaty-rate declaration with your broker at account opening. If you don't, the broker withholds 20% and you'd have to reclaim the 5% difference from SARS.

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