Together, we've made history
The launch of CASA – the Credit Association of South Africa - results from our hard work promoting responsible credit practices and growing our industry. This marks a defining chapter in the story we have written together over many years.
1996
Founded in 1996, first known as Association for Microlenders (MLA), and then Microfinance South Africa (MFSA), we began as a trusted voice for microfinance providers. Over nearly three decades, we grew into South Africa’s largest representative body for non-bank credit providers.
1996 to 2025
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.
2025
In 2025, we evolved into the Credit Association of South Africa (CASA), reflecting a broader mandate and renewed purpose: to serve the entire credit industry.
2026
In 2026, the Credit Association of South Africa (CASA) celebrates 30 years of leadership, advocacy, and commitment to responsible credit.
While we honour and value the foundation built under MFSA, the transition to CASA reflects a broader mandate and a stronger vision for the future. The industry has evolved, our members have diversified, and the needs of responsible credit providers have grown. CASA was created to meet those needs.
CEO Message:
When we look back at the journey of this industry,
we see resilience.
We see innovation.
And we see people — visionaries — who believed that access to credit could unlock the promise of South Africa.
When South Africa’s economy is under pressure, one truth remains:
responsible access to credit keeps it moving.
Our members — the largest and most sophisticated non-bank credit providers in the country — are not just lenders.
You are the architects of opportunity.
The innovators who’ve redefined what responsible, data-driven, and inclusive credit looks like in a modern economy.
When I look at the story of this industry, I see the courage of small credit providers — those who kept lending when the odds were against them, who served the townships, the farms, the small businesses, and believed in people when no one else did.
You are the heartbeat of this industry.
And as we become CASA, I want you to know this: you still have a home here.
Policy makers:
Over the years, the story of credit in South Africa has been written by many hands —
regulators, policymakers, and the industry itself — all working toward a common goal:
to ensure that credit uplifts.
Consumer message:
Every South African knows what it means to need a helping hand - a chance to study, to start a business, or to simply make it through the month.
That’s where responsible credit comes in.
At CASA — the Credit Association of South Africa —
we believe that access to fair and honest credit can change lives.
we believe that access to fair and responsible credit can change lives.
