As the sole user of Optio’s newly acquired platform in Africa, JSE Investor Services secures a unique advantage in delivering streamlined share plan solutions.

Johannesburg, 1 July 2025: Investec Wealth & Investment International’s share plan services business was partially acquired in 2021 by JSE Investor Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). The 2021 transaction included the licensing and support services for Investec’s share plan administration platform which JSE Investor Services subsequently white-labelled under its business. JSE Investor Services remains South Africa’s largest share plan administrator delivering world class solutions to its clients.

This deal positions JSE Investor Services as the sole user of Optio’s administration software in Africa.  JSE Investor Services will also gain access to Optio’s financial reporting tools, including International Financial Reporting Standard 2 (IFRS 2), the international financial reporting standard governing share-based payment transactions. The reporting tools will enable clients to provide end-to-end administration of their Executive, employee retention, incentive and empowerment schemes. This strategic move further demonstrates JSE Investor Services’ commitment to delivering trusted and market-leading solutions to market participants.

“The collaboration with Optio marks a milestone in our journey as a business as we continue to provide industry-leading services to our clients. By tapping into Optio’s reporting tools we are reaffirming our commitment to innovation and excellence for our clients,” said Carol Crozier, CEO of JSE Investor Services.

The newly acquired share plan platform currently supports more than 60 companies listed on the London Stock Exchange, giving Optio direct access to some of the UK’s largest corporates. In South Africa, the platform remains white-labelled by JSE Investor Services, a leading share registry, custody and investor service provider powering equity programmes for a large share of the country’s listed and unlisted firms. Optio looks forward to continuing and strengthening its long-standing partnership with JSE Investor Services, ensuring uninterrupted service and continued innovation for its clients.

“With this acquisition, we’re expanding our product offering in the UK and South Africa, significantly strengthening our global footprint,” says Christoffer Herheim, CEO and co-founder of Optio Incentives. “We’re also bringing on board the skilled team behind the Investec platform, ensuring continuity, client knowledge, and deep domain expertise from day one.”

JSE Investor Services offers an expansive suite of integrated solutions across share plan administration, registry services, custody and stakeholder engagement. With a strong foundation in technology and regulatory expertise, the business continues to evolve its offerings to meet the dynamic needs of issuers and investors. As the industry landscape evolves, JSE Investor Services remains firmly committed to innovation, operational excellence and client-centricity, reinforcing its position as a trusted leader in investor services across Africa.

ENDS

About the JSE Investor Services

JSE Investor Services is a leading provider of Share Registry, Custody and Investor Services and a subsidiary of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE).

www.jseinvestorservices.co.za

About Optio

Optio Incentives combines software and deep expertise to manage equity compensation plans for global companies. Following the acquisition, the company is trusted by over 500 businesses, with equity plans managed across 100+ countries and 15 stock exchanges. Optio’s unique ability to support organisations as they mature —from scale to the public market—sets it apart from other providers. By simplifying the complexities of employee incentive programs, Optio helps companies stay compliant, manage equity globally, report costs accurately, all while maximizing the benefits of their equity compensation plans. In 2024, Optio also launched a dedicated private equity offering, helping firms streamline, digitize, and scale the handling of equity programs across their portfolio.  Read more on www.optioincentives.com

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