Running Africa’s largest stock exchange during a pandemic and a ratings downgrade with Dr Leila Fourie

Podcast host Desné Masie was delighted to welcome our special guest for Episode 11, Dr Leila Fourie, CEO of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). Dr Fourie took the helm at the exchange around six months ago during an already tough time in the global economy. Economic headwinds for the exchange have only been amplified in 2020 with the Covid-19 global pandemic and the ratings downgrade of South Africa’s sovereign debt to below investment grade. 

 

We caught up with Leila to discuss how these developments have affected capital raising and listings, and what her vision is for the exchange beyond the crisis management around the pandemic. Under Fourie, who is a champion of sustainable finance and corporate responsibility, the JSE has been actively pursuing a social impact and green agenda. Yet she remains upbeat about the opportunities for the exchange beyond the pandemic, particularly in Asia.