The Monocle Banking Podcast

Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, markets, and societies - but what does it reveal about us?

Michael Avery sat down with Nic Andrew, Managing Director at Nedgroup Investments, to explore the intersection of AI, human behaviour, and decision-making. Their conversation unpacked how AI is influencing investment strategies, transforming the future of work, and reshaping traditional approaches to learning and career development. They also examined the growing importance of trust, governance, and critical thinking as AI becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life.

What does it take to build a world-class agricultural export industry from the heart of the Karoo?

This week Michael Avery was joined by David Muller, CEO of Prieska Pistachio Company, to explore how a once-abandoned pistachio farming venture is being transformed into a premium South African success story. Their conversation unpacked the persistence required to overcome complex farming challenges, and why South African farmers continue to compete on the global stage through innovation and resilience.

David also shared insights into the growing global demand for pistachios, South Africa's unique competitive advantages in the sector, and what it takes to attract the patient capital needed to build a world-class agricultural venture.

For a thought-provoking conversation unpacking South Africa’s 2026 Tax Freedom Day, Michael Avery was joined by Dr Richard Grant, Professor of Finance & Economics at Cumberland University and Senior Consultant for the Free Market Foundation.

The discussion explored the relationship between taxation, government spending, and economic growth in South Africa, while examining how policy choices, public investment, and trust in institutions shape the country’s long-term fiscal and economic future. The conversation also considered what conditions are needed to support productivity, expand opportunity, and create sustainable growth.

As AI rapidly reshapes the financial sector, the question is no longer whether regulators should respond - but whether they can keep pace. Michael Avery was joined by Fundi Tshazibana, Deputy Governor of the South African Reserve Bank and CEO of the Prudential Authority, for a timely conversation examining how the industry is navigating the accelerating rise of generative AI.

The discussion explored the growing complexity AI introduces to financial supervision, the risks posed by increasingly powerful frontier models, and the vulnerabilities they could expose across banking systems and critical infrastructure. It also offered a clear look at how South Africa is approaching oversight, innovation, and risk in an AI-driven future.

As the agricultural sector gathers at NAMPO this week, Michael Avery was joined by Eric Enslin, CEO of FNB Private Bank, for a conversation exploring the growing complexity of modern agriculture.

They unpacked the financial, structural, and generational challenges facing South African farming families today. The discussion also highlighted the increasingly important role of integrated banking and advisory support in helping farming businesses navigate uncertainty, protect legacy, and build sustainable futures for generations to come.