Beware of "JSE Investment" scams

The JSE Limited/ Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) is aware of a several scams (on Telegram and WhatsApp) posing as authorised JSE investment schemes and/or using the names(s) of JSE Executives (including our CEO, Leila Fourie).

In these investment scams, potential investors are urged to deposit money into a bank account and promised quick and guaranteed returns on their investment. These types of groups are not authorised by the JSE and the investments referred to are not authorised or endorsed by the JSE or any members of the JSE Executive. The JSE does not recruit investors in this manner.

The only way to invest on the JSE is via an authorised JSE stockbroker. A list of stockbrokers can be found on www.jse.co.za and then click on 'find a stockbroker' and you will find a list of stockbrokers in your area who will help you to open an account and you can begin your investment journey with the JSE.

Should you suspect a false investment scam group, please report these to the JSE at [email protected].

The AELP is an integration initiative launched by the African Securities Exchanges Association (ASEA) in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB) and other stakeholders, to facilitate cross-border trading and investment within African capital markets. The AELP consists of 2 Phases:

Phase 1 – Link up the 7 pilot exchanges; drive capacity building; establish a Project Management Office; develop (and launch) the Order Routing Management System “AELP Link” (hosted by DirectFN); connect 35 brokers to AELP Link trading platform (5 brokers per exchange). 31 brokers have successfully connected to the AELP Link. Botswana Stock Exchange and Ghana Stock Exchange to link up by September 2023.

Phase 2 – Implement a robust sustainability plan, which includes linking an addition 8 exchanges and 40 of their brokers.

Currently, the AELP focuses on African equity markets.

AELP participating exchanges:

  • Bourse Régionale des Valeurs Mobilières (BRVM, integrating  8 West African markets)
  • Casablanca Stock Exchange
  • The Egyptian Exchange
  • JSE
  • Nairobi Securities Exchange
  • Nigerian Exchange
  • Stock Exchange of Mauritius

In April 2020, the procurement for an order-routing technology platform called the AELP Link was established. The AELP Link will enable a stockbroker on one exchange (originating exchange) to channel a client’s buy or sell order to a stockbroker on a second exchange where a target security is listed (host exchange). The system is designed to handle orders on all participating exchanges.

Trade execution will continue to be handled according to the host exchange's law, regulation and practice, with the executing broker responsible for compliance.  

Clearing and settlement will also follow the host market practice. The banks will transfer funds to settle the transactions separately from the order-routing system for stockbrokers, clients’ custodians, or sub-custodians. Securities purchased through the AELP Link, when the JSE is the host exchange, will be held by Strate.

Implementing the AELP Link does not require changing existing JSE rules and directives.

Supporting the free movement of investment in Africa

Other AELP initiatives aims to include making it easier for investors to access research into other AELP markets and increasing knowledge of the African listed securities asset class, including companies, bonds, ETFs and other securities listed on the participating Exchanges. Currently the AELP focuses on the Equities market.

AELP Today

  • On 30 June 2023, ASEA signed an agreement with the African Development Bank of $600,000 grant to expand the AELP network to 15 African exchanges.
  • On 25th March 2023, the AELP Project Manager and ASEA President initiated discussions with PAPSS (Pan-African Payment and Settlement System) to explore potential collaboration to streamline the payments and settlement process for the AELP. An AELP-PAPSS Implementation sub-committee, comprising members from the respective AELP working committees and representatives from the Central Depositories, has since been established.