South African billionaire Michiel Le Roux gained $1.1 billion from his Capitec Financial institution stake in 2025 as shares of the main retail financial institution climbed sharply on the Johannesburg Inventory Alternate, lifting his long-held stake in Africa’s largest retail lender. The positive aspects got here throughout a yr when traders returned to South African banking shares, because of regular earnings and a firmer rand.
Le Roux, who co-founded Capitec greater than twenty years in the past, owns an 11.36 % stake within the financial institution, equal to about 13.19 million shares. Because the begin of the yr, the worth of that holding has risen by roughly R13.89 billion, or $1.11 billion. The rise displays a powerful run in Capitec’s share worth in addition to the appreciation of the rand in opposition to the U.S. greenback, which boosted returns for traders measuring their positive aspects in greenback phrases.
From startup financial institution to market chief
Capitec Financial institution was based in March 2001 by Le Roux, Jannie Mouton and Riaan Stassen with a easy pitch to prospects: simple banking at a decrease value. What started as a small entrant has grown right into a dominant retail financial institution serving thousands and thousands of South Africans.
Immediately, Capitec operates greater than 850 branches and about 7,400 ATMs nationwide, a attain that has helped it develop into one of many nation’s largest retail banks. That regular growth has translated into confidence amongst shareholders simply because the financial institution continues to publish strong earnings and defend its market place.
Capitec inventory bounce rewards traders
In 2025, Capitec shares rose 33.57 % in rand phrases, climbing from R3,136.55 in the beginning of the yr to R4,189.50. The positive aspects have been amplified by foreign money strikes. Because the rand firmed in opposition to the greenback, Capitec’s shares superior about 50.25 % in greenback phrases, rising from roughly $190.20 in January to about $254.06 later within the yr.
The foreign money shift performed a significant function in boosting the greenback worth of Le Roux’s holding. His stake elevated from R41.38 billion, or about $2.21 billion, to R55.27 billion, or roughly $3.32 billion. That change displays a achieve of R13.89 billion, equal to round $1.11 billion.
For different traders, the rally delivered equally sturdy outcomes. A $100,000 funding in Capitec shares in the beginning of the yr would now be value about $150,360, a achieve of greater than $50,000. In a market usually formed by volatility at house and overseas, Capitec’s efficiency has stood out, reinforcing its place among the many most intently watched banking shares on the JSE.
