Quick Facts

• Start investing from as little as R25
• No monthly fees or platform charges
• Access to 750+ local and international investments
• Backed by Investec Bank (FSCA regulated)
• Available on website and mobile app

What Is Investec Clarity?

Investec Clarity is an online trading and investment platform. It launched in 2024 for Investec Private Banking clients. In February 2025, it opened to all South Africans.

The platform allows you to buy and sell shares. You can invest in both local and international markets. You can start with as little as R25.

Clarity is owned by Investec Bank, one of South Africa’s major banks. Investec has been operating since 1974. The bank is regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA).

Who can use Clarity?

• Any South African over 18 years old
• You don’t need to be an Investec bank customer
• You must have a valid South African ID
• You must be employed in South Africa

The platform offers access to over 750 different investments. These include South African shares, American shares, and ETFs (exchange-traded funds).

How Does Clarity Work?

Clarity is a “do-it-yourself” investment platform. You make your own decisions about what to buy and sell. The platform doesn’t give you financial advice.

The basic process:

1. Sign up on the Clarity website or app
2. Complete verification with your ID and documents
3. Add money to your Clarity account
4. Choose which shares or investments to buy
5. Place your order through the app or website
6. Monitor your investments in your account
7. Sell when you want and withdraw your money

You access the platform through the Clarity website (nowclarity.com). You can also download the Clarity app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

Important difference from other platforms:

Clarity uses CFDs (Contracts for Difference). This means you don’t actually own the shares directly. You have a contract that tracks the share price. We explain CFDs in detail later in this guide.

✅ Key Features of Clarity

1. Low Minimum Investment

You can start with just R25. This makes investing accessible to more people. The R25 goes into your account; it’s not a fee.

2. Wide Range of Investments

Over 750 instruments available as of December 2025:

• About 150 South African shares (Shoprite, MTN, Capitec, etc.)
• Over 250 American shares (Apple, Tesla, Microsoft, etc.)
• Selected ETFs including Bitcoin exposure
• European shares and indices

3. Fractional Shares

You can buy portions of expensive shares. For example, if a share costs R5,000, you can buy R25 worth. This is only possible because of the CFD structure.

4. Fast Currency Conversion

You can convert Rands to US Dollars in about 25 seconds. This happens instantly within the platform. You can save money in either Rands or Dollars.

5. Savings Accounts

Clarity offers overnight savings accounts. You can earn interest on cash in your account. Both Rand and Dollar accounts earn competitive rates.

6. Research and Support

Weekly market updates from Investec’s research team. Live chat support available in the app. Market data is delayed by only 15 minutes.

💰 Fees and Costs

Clarity has very low fees compared to other platforms. Here’s exactly what you pay:

Fee Type	Amount
Monthly Account Fee	R0
Platform Fee	R0
Brokerage Commission	0%
Transaction Fee	R0
Trading Cost (Spread)	Up to 0.2%
Minimum First Deposit	R25

How the spread works:

The spread is the difference between the buy and sell price. When you trade, Clarity’s fee is built into this spread. It’s up to 0.2% (that’s 20 cents per R100).

Example:

• You want to buy R1,000 worth of Shoprite shares
• The spread fee would be about R2 (0.2% of R1,000)
• No other fees apply to this transaction

Comparison with other platforms:

Many competitors charge R25 per month platform fees. Some charge brokerage on each trade. Clarity’s zero-fee structure makes it very competitive for regular traders.

Requirements to Sign Up

Who can open a Clarity account?

Basic requirements (everyone must meet these):

• You must be 18 years or older
• Valid South African ID holder
• Born in South Africa
• South African citizen
• Live in South Africa
• Employed in South Africa

Documents you’ll need:

• South African ID document (original or certified copy)
• Proof of address (utility bill, bank statement – not older than 3 months)
• Proof of bank account in your name
• Tax reference number

For Investec Private Banking clients:

If you already bank with Investec Private Bank, signup is simpler. You can link your existing bank account. No paperwork required. The process takes minutes, not days.

FICA requirements:

All investment platforms must follow FICA (Financial Intelligence Centre Act) rules. This is a legal requirement in South Africa. You’ll need to verify your identity and address.

⚠️ Understanding CFDs (Very Important)

Clarity uses CFDs for all its trading. CFD stands for “Contract for Difference”. This is different from owning shares directly.

What is a CFD?

A CFD is an agreement between you and Investec. You agree to exchange the difference in price. The contract tracks the share price movements. You get the same financial result as owning the share.

Key differences from owning real shares:

Owning Real Shares	Owning CFDs
You own part of the company	You have a contract with Investec
You can vote at company meetings	You have no voting rights
Must buy whole shares	Can buy fractions of shares
Receive actual dividends	Receive “manufactured dividends” (same amount)

Why does Clarity use CFDs?

• Allows fractional investing (buying R25 of an expensive share)
• Enables faster trading and currency conversion
• Lower costs than traditional share trading
• Access to international markets more easily

Important point about CFDs on Clarity:

On Clarity, you must fully fund your CFD. This means if you want R1,000 exposure to a share, you pay R1,000. Your risk is the same as owning the actual share.

Some platforms allow leveraged CFDs (borrowing money). Clarity offers this as an optional feature for experienced investors. We strongly advise beginners to avoid leverage.

🚨 Risks You Must Know About

All investing carries risk. You can lose money. Here are the specific risks with Clarity:

1. Market Risk

Share prices go up and down. The value of your investment can fall. You might get back less than you invested. This is true for all investing, not just Clarity.

2. No Share Ownership

You don’t own the actual shares. You have a contract with Investec. If Investec has problems, your investment could be affected. However, Investec is a major regulated bank with strong protections.

3. Leverage Risk (if you use it)

Clarity offers margin trading for experienced investors. This means borrowing money to invest more. This amplifies both gains and losses. You can lose more than your original investment.

4. Currency Risk

If you invest in foreign shares, the Rand/Dollar exchange rate matters. The Rand might weaken or strengthen. This affects your returns when converting back to Rands.

5. Lack of Financial Advice

Clarity is a DIY platform. You make all decisions yourself. There’s no financial adviser to guide you. You’re responsible for your own choices.

6. Technology Risks

Like all online platforms, technical problems can happen. Your internet connection might fail. The platform might have downtime. This could affect your ability to trade.

Tax implications:

CFD trading may have different tax treatment than owning shares. Dividends from CFDs are treated as income, not dividends for tax. Consult a tax professional about your specific situation.

Risk management tips:

• Start with very small amounts (R25-R100) while learning
• Never invest money you need for living expenses
• Avoid leverage until you have significant experience
• Diversify your investments across different shares
• Don’t try to “get rich quick” – this leads to big losses
• Take time to learn and understand before investing more

✅ How to Get Started

Step 1: Visit the website or download the app

• Website: www.nowclarity.com
• Android: Search “NowClarity” on Google Play Store
• iPhone: Search “NowClarity” on Apple App Store

Step 2: Click “Sign Up”

You’ll be asked if you have an Investec Private Banking account. If yes, select “Yes” and link your account. If no, select “No” and continue with the standard signup.

Step 3: Provide your personal information

• Full name
• ID number
• Contact details (phone and email)
• Physical address
• Employment information

Step 4: Complete FICA verification

Upload required documents. This includes ID, proof of address, and proof of bank account. The system will guide you through each document needed.

Step 5: Wait for approval

Clarity will review your application. This usually takes 1-3 business days. You’ll receive an email when your account is approved.

Step 6: Fund your account

Once approved, log in to your account. Choose “Fund Account” or similar option. Transfer money from your bank account. Minimum first deposit is R25.

Step 7: Start investing

Browse available shares and ETFs. Research the companies you’re interested in. Place your first order when you’re ready. Start small while you learn how the platform works.

Customer support:

Clarity offers live chat support through the app. You can also email them through the platform. Help articles are available on their website.

Alternatives to Consider

Clarity isn’t the only investment platform in South Africa. Here are other options to consider:

1. EasyEquities

The most popular investment platform in South Africa. Over 1 million users. Unlike Clarity, you own the actual shares. Monthly fee of R25 (can be waived). Fractional share investing available. Partners with Capitec, Discovery, and others.

2. Satrix

Focus on ETF (index fund) investing. Good for long-term, passive investors. Monthly fee of R50. Owned by Sanlam. More suitable for “set and forget” investing.

3. FNB Shares Zero

If you bank with FNB. No monthly fees for FNB customers. Limited selection compared to Clarity. Good integration with your FNB bank account.

4. Franc

Great for beginners. Uses a robo-advisor to help you choose investments. Charges 1% annual fee. Minimum deposit is higher (R1,000). Good if you want more guidance.

5. Standard Bank Webtrader

For experienced traders. Also uses CFDs. More complex than Clarity. Better for active, experienced traders. Higher minimum deposits.

Platform	Monthly Fee	Minimum	Best For
Clarity	R0	R25	Low-cost, DIY investors
EasyEquities	R25 (waivable)	R25	Beginners, share ownership
Franc	R5 (+ 1% annual)	R1,000	Those wanting guidance

Which platform to choose?

Consider these factors:

• Do you want to own actual shares or are CFDs okay?
• How much can you afford to invest initially?
• Do you want guidance or prefer DIY?
• Which banks do you already use?
• Are you comfortable with technology and apps?

🚨 Scam Warnings – Protect Yourself

Investment scams are increasing rapidly in South Africa in 2025. The FSCA reports millions lost to fraudsters every year. Here’s what to watch out for:

Common investment scams:

1. Fake Investment Platforms

Scammers create fake platforms that look like Clarity or other legitimate services. They steal your money. The app or website disappears.

2. Telegram and WhatsApp Groups

Scammers create investment groups on messaging apps. They promise unrealistic returns (20-30% in days). They often impersonate real companies or executives. They use fake testimonials and celebrity photos.

3. Impersonation Scams

In 2025, scammers are impersonating legitimate companies. They use real company names and logos. They even use fake FSP numbers. Recent cases include fake Clarity, Sanlam, and Alexander Forbes accounts.

4. Deepfake Videos

New threat in 2025: AI-generated videos. Scammers use fake videos of FSCA officials or bank CEOs. These videos promote fake investment schemes. They look very realistic.

5. Cryptocurrency Scams

Scammers ask you to deposit funds into crypto wallets. They promise guaranteed profits from crypto trading. You can’t get your money back. The scammers disappear.

Red flags to watch for:

• Guaranteed returns or “no risk” promises
• Pressure to invest immediately
• Contact through Telegram, WhatsApp, or social media
• Requests for cryptocurrency payments
• Claims they “don’t need an FSCA license”
• Vague information about how the investment works
• Upfront fees before you can withdraw money
• Too-good-to-be-true returns (double your money in days)

How to verify if something is legitimate:

1. Check the FSCA website: www.fsca.co.za
2. Use the FSCA’s FSP search tool online
3. Call the FSCA hotline: 0800 110 443
4. Visit the company’s official website directly (don’t use links from messages)
5. Call the company using numbers from their official website

Investec Clarity’s real contact details (December 2025):

• Official website: www.nowclarity.com
• Support available through the Clarity app
• Part of Investec Bank (FSP 11750)

If you’ve been scammed:

• Report to SAPS (South African Police Service) immediately
• Report to the FSCA: 0800 110 443
• Report to your bank to try stop the payment
• Report to SABRIC (Banking Risk Information Centre)
• Don’t be embarrassed – report it to help others

✅ Your Consumer Rights

Investec Clarity is regulated

Clarity is owned by Investec Bank. Investec is regulated by the FSCA. This means they must follow strict rules. Your money has legal protections.

What regulation means for you:

• Your funds must be kept separate from the company’s money
• The platform must be transparent about fees
• They must handle your information securely
• You have rights if something goes wrong

If you have a complaint:

Step 1: Contact Clarity directly

Use the live chat in the app. Send a message through the platform. Give them a chance to resolve the issue.

Step 2: If not resolved, contact the FSCA

• Phone: 0800 110 443 (toll-free)
• Website: www.fsca.co.za
• Email through their website

Step 3: OMBUD for Financial Services Providers

If the issue isn’t resolved, you can contact the financial ombud. They provide free dispute resolution services.

Important contact numbers:

• FSCA: 0800 110 443
• SABRIC (scam reports): 0860 123 000
• National Consumer Commission: 0860 003 600

Investec Clarity is a legitimate, low-cost investment platform. It’s backed by one of South Africa’s major banks. The zero-fee structure makes it attractive for beginners and regular traders.

Good for: People who want to start investing with small amounts. Those who understand they’re using CFDs, not owning shares directly. DIY investors comfortable making their own decisions.

Not ideal for: Those who want to own actual shares with voting rights. People who need financial advice and guidance. Anyone uncomfortable with technology and apps.

Key advice: Start very small. Invest only money you can afford to lose. Take time to learn and understand how the platform works. Avoid leverage until you have significant experience. Be patient – investing is a long-term activity.

Scam protection: Always access Clarity through the official website (nowclarity.com) or official app. Never respond to investment offers on WhatsApp or Telegram. If someone contacts you claiming to be from Clarity, verify it directly through the official app.

Remember: All investing carries risk. There are no guaranteed returns. Anyone promising guaranteed profits is trying to scam you. Do your own research. Only invest what you can afford to lose.