PRESS RELEASE
MicroFinance South Africa Launches Bold New Rebrand – CASA
Body remains committed to pioneering a new era for responsible credit
(Johannesburg, South Africa | 27 October 2025) South Africa’s largest representative body for over 1 800 non-bank credit providers, MicroFinance South Africa, has rebranded to the Credit Association of South Africa (CASA), announcing this brand shift to members, industry stakeholders and partners at its 2025 Annual General Meeting in Johannesburg.
“The launch of CASA is another significant step forward to make credit a force for dignity, inclusion, and growth,” explains Leonie van Pletzen, CEO of CASA. “This comes after nearly three decades of progress, partnership, and purpose, and is our renewed commitment to serving the entire credit industry.”
“At the heart of CASA are our values that have always guided us,” she continues. ”Integrity, accountability, and inclusiveness, ensuring that every decision we make builds trust, upholds responsibility, and uplifts every voice within the sector.”
Founded in 1996, first known as Association for Microlenders, and then Microfinance South Africa (MFSA), the association became the trusted voice for credit providers. While its purpose remains unchanged to enable ethical credit providers to provide regulated credit and grow the South African economy, its focus is evolving.
“We are expanding our footprint, presence, and influence across our country, always keeping people and purpose at the centre,” says van Pletzen. “When credit works responsibly, our local economy can flourish by providing access to developmental credit for consumers that is regulated, thus keeping them from turning to the illegal credit market.”
From its microfinance roots, South Africa’s credit industry has become a dynamic ecosystem of innovation. Supported by technology, data, and forward-thinking service providers, it now drives access, inclusion, and opportunity nationwide. CASA brings together every part of the credit ecosystem, from community lenders to national players, united by a shared belief that responsible credit can transform lives and strengthen our economy.
According to van Pletzen, most of the leading service providers in the sector are Associate Members of CASA, offering critical solutions such as loan administration systems, payment platforms, insurance and credit life cover, credit bureau data, document verification, and legal or compliance services.
“These partnerships strengthen our members’ businesses and help advance a sustainable, responsible credit industry,” she states. “We will continue to equip our members with the tools, knowledge, and influence they need to succeed.”
Van Pletzen lists the ways in which the association will lead industry transformation:
1. Representing members through strong advocacy with regulators, policymakers, and stakeholders;
2. Creating platforms for collaboration, dialogue, and networking across the credit value chain;
3. Providing guidance on regulatory and compliance matters to help members navigate evolving requirements;
4. Building capacity through training, workshops, and practical resources;
5. Delivering insights and thought leadership to inform decision-making and shape the future of credit;
6. Promoting trust and upholding the reputation of responsible credit provision.
“We are driving transformation by supporting the development of a new generation of diversified, inclusive, and innovative credit providers that reflect South Africa’s evolving market needs,” reports van Pletzen. “We are advancing financial inclusion by promoting access to safe, affordable, and formal financial services for all South Africans, particularly those underserved by traditional institutions.”
“Together, we aim to help expand financial access and create pathways for economic participation for all South Africans, especially for those who are financially vulnerable,” concludes van Pletzen.
Ends
About the Credit Association of South Africa (CASA)
CASA is South Africa’s leading association representing responsible and professional non-bank credit providers. CASA exists to enable credit providers to thrive and to build a sustainable credit industry that supports economic growth and financial inclusion across South Africa.
CASA brings together ethical and professional credit providers to build a fair, sustainable, and inclusive credit industry and reflecting a broader mandate and renewed purpose to serve the entire credit industry.
It is a member-based, non-profit association governed by an Annual General Meeting, an elected Board, and specialised Board Committees. CASA is registered as a Section 21 Company (1996/001116/08), with MVB Auditors as our auditors and Nedbank as its official banking partner.
About Leonie van Pletzen
Leonie van Pletzen is the Chief Executive Officer of the Credit Association of South Africa (CASA), a leading voice for the microfinance sector in South Africa. With nearly 15 years of experience in the industry, Leonie is recognised as a passionate advocate for ethical lending, financial inclusion, and regulatory reform. She brings a wealth of expertise in industry advocacy, corporate governance, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable development.
Leonie has played a key role in shaping policy dialogue between government, regulators, and the private sector, and is an active contributor on various national committees, including the National Credit Regulator’s Credit Industry Forum and the Banking Sector Education and Training Authority. Her leadership is defined by a commitment to protecting vulnerable consumers while ensuring the long-term sustainability of responsible credit provision in South Africa.
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