How to start a business in South Africa from the UK
Essential tips for launching a business in South Africa, including regulations and opportunities for growth in the market.
Chief Financial Officers will find that their responsibilities are only expanding, as the financial challenges of the 21st century continue to evolve. CFOs must adapt to contemporary conflicts and it is collaboration with other like-minded leaders where so much of that work can be done.
But there is also an opportunity to learn and grow, from experts outside of your respective field. These events, conferences and webinars are therefore designed to not only add key contacts to your professional roster and increase your own reputation, but also to gather knowledge on the problems and solutions that you may be facing in the coming years.
One of the smartest solutions you can turn to, as a CFO, is a Wise Business account - especially if you're running a global business. With Wise business, you can effortlessly manage your business finances across 40+ currencies, including GBP, USD and EUR - all with low and transparent fees.
💡 Learn more about Wise Business
Date: 3rd September, 2026
Location: London, United Kingdom
Price: £295.00
While there will be another World Finance Forum in London in Spring 2027, you'll first want to check out Autumn's offering. With 75 expert speakers, 400 CFOs and finance leaders and 28 tech providers attending, this will be a hub of discussion as the industry takes a bold step forward.
The World Finance Forum is basing its structure around five core themes: AI & Automation, ESG Value Perception, Finance Workforce, Strategic FP&A and Economic Volatility. With seven CPD credits on offer, this is an education-led experience, with practical case studies across four distinct stages.
Head to the World Finance Forum website to learn more about this year's speakers and secure standard, executive and VIP tickets.¹
Date: Thursday 10th September 2pm - 3pm BST [3pm - 4pm CEST].
Location: online
Join us to learn how Wise Business can help you save time and money on international payments with a product walkthrough and a live Q&A. For UK and EU businesses.
Date: 19th - 20th October, 2026
Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands
Price: Invite Only
The invite-only event of the year rolls around this October, as the CFO Europe Exchange brings together the continent's high-flying finance executives for a discussion about sustainability, volatility and how to maintain stability.
With speakers like Latifa Azarkan, CFO for Just Eat, and Christian Brumm, Head of Finance Operational Excellence for Zalando, these voices provide diverse insights into the pressures facing the industry.
Head to the Future of Finance Exchange website to register for your exclusive invitation.²
Date: 19th - 20th November, 2026
Location: Prague, Czechia
Price: From €899
CFO Forum Europe celebrates the European community and those leaders who are at the forefront of change. The theme this year is strategic decision-making, with the private leadership conference hosting CFOs, financial executives and regulators.
With up to 200 attendees and top voices from international companies, this is an outward-looking conference that hears opinions from all sides. This is a space to identify new opportunities and grow your network. Prior speakers have included Ryanair Group CFO Neil Sorahan and Dell Executive Leader of Finance Wade Baze.
With tickets starting at €899 for individual finance leaders, but a range of other packages available, visit the official CFO Forum website for full ticket listings.³
Date: 1st - 3rd December, 2026
Location: London, United Kingdom
Price: £629
Hosted as both an in-person and virtual event, the Financial Times Banking Summit is a major milestone in the UK financial calendar.
With more than 1,000 attendees, 150 speakers across seven stages and 75 sessions, the agenda is packed full of meaningful discussion around the future of banking and financial services. Major banking CFOs are on hand as attendees connect, engage and action future plans based on the experience.
With a Banker Group Pass, Supplier Pass and virtual-only pass available, head to the Financial Times website to register for your tailored ticket.⁴
Date: Ongoing
Location: Worldwide
Price: Free (invitation required)
Finance Alliance is an organisation dedicated to the development of an international finance community, hosting events, seminars and training sessions worldwide. The Finance Alliance has specifically set up the CFO World Summit Series which takes place throughout the year.
Whether it's in London in November 2026 or San Jose in February 2027, the World Summit Series visits major financial hubs, as invite-only events focus on breaking bottlenecks within finance teams while leaders share best practices and common challenges. Finance Alliance also hosts FP&A Summits throughout the year.
For more information on how to apply for a free invitation, or to attend the World Summit Series as a vendor, visit the Finance Alliance website.⁵
Date: Ongoing
Location: Online
Price: Free
CFO Connect prides itself on bringing finance leaders together throughout Europe. While it has hosted in-person events in the past, it also offers a range of virtual meetings led by experienced industry professionals.
With more than 11,500 members and growing, this is a significant community to be part of. Discussions such as "Steal this Playbook: How Spendesk Used Spendesk to Reach Profitability" and "AI & Financial Modeling: Opportunity, Risk, and the Future of Model Building" are just some of the virtual meetings on offer.
Head to the CFO Connect website to register, access prior sessions and sign up for future events.⁶
Date: Ongoing
Location: Online
Price: Free
GENCFO is a well-respected platform that champions the growth and evolution of CFOs, with a forward-thinking approach to progressive finance. The team has put together a series of webinars designed to support finance professionals across multiple sectors.
Previous topics have included "Don't Fudge The Budget: Using the Spring Statement as a Strategy Catalyst" and "2026: A Year To Rewrite Your Finance DNA". These sessions are practical, relevant and typically hosted by founder Chris Argent.
For more information about upcoming events and registration details, visit the official GENCFO website.⁷
Date: Ongoing
Location: Online
Price: Free
Gartner hosts various finance conferences throughout the year aimed at professionals across a range of industries. However, if you cannot attend one of the in-person events, the Gartner Finance Webinar Series provides an excellent alternative.
With CFO-specific content alongside episodes focused on finance, technology and leadership strategy, these webinars are expert-led and community driven.
Those interested can visit the Gartner website to secure a place on upcoming webinars or access previous sessions on demand.⁸
Date: 10th - 11th May, 2027
Location: London, United Kingdom
Price: From €3,400 + VAT
Gartner, known as a leading international research firm, hosts its annual Finance Symposium, which also includes a CFO Summit and an extensive finance technology exhibition.
The event focuses on helping finance leaders better manage risk, improve efficiencies and drive profitability. Key themes include AI in finance, leadership effectiveness and finance data and analytics.
Head to the Gartner website to learn more about available passes and pricing options.⁹
Date: 14th - 16th June, 2027
Location: Boston, United States
Price: From $795
The CFO Leadership Conference is returning for 2027, helping attendees tackle important leadership challenges through peer-tested strategies and real-world best practice.
Previous editions have featured speakers such as Savannah Bananas CFO Tim Naddy and Hasbro CFO and COO Gina Goetter, alongside sessions covering sustained growth, mentorship and organisational leadership.
Taking inspiration from industry experts and learning from like-minded peers, the CFO Leadership Conference remains a valuable networking and professional development opportunity.
Head to the CFO Leadership Conference website to book your place, with members receiving discounted rates.¹⁰
These events could be critical additions to your calendar that will help you on your journey. Throughout, you'll discover new ways to encourage growth within your business while keeping up to speed with regulation and international compliance. However, there is also a tool that can help your business grow internationally while keeping your finances under control.
Wise Business is a versatile platform that supports entrepreneurial ambition. With mid-market exchange rates and low, transparent fees*, you'll be able to move money internationally while maintaining visibility over outgoing finances. What's more, Wise Business offers a variety of other features, including convenient batch employee payments, spending controls and multi-user account access for a more customised experience.
With Wise Business, you can:
Make the wise choice when selecting a business account for your domestic and global needs.
Be Smart, Get Wise.
Investments can fluctuate, and your capital is at risk. Interest is offered by Wise Assets UK Ltd, a subsidiary of Wise Payments Ltd. Wise Assets UK Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority with registration number 839689. When facilitating access to Wise investment products, Wise Payments Ltd acts as an Introducer Appointed Representative of Wise Assets UK Ltd. Please be aware that we do not offer investment advice, and you may be liable for taxes on any earnings. If you're uncertain, we urge you to seek professional advice. To find out more about the Funds, visit our website.
Disclaimer: The UK Wise Business pricing structure is changed on 26/11/2025. Receiving money, direct debits and getting paid features are not available with the Essential Plan which you can open for free. Pay a one-time set up fee of £50 to unlock Advanced features including account details to receive payments in 22+ currencies or 8+ currencies for non-swift payments. You’ll also get access to our invoice generating tool, payment links, QR codes and the ability to set up direct debits all within one account. Please check our website for the latest pricing information.
Sources Used:
Sources Last Checked: 18/06/2026
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
This publication is provided for general information purposes and does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from Wise Payments Limited or its subsidiaries and its affiliates, and it is not intended as a substitute for obtaining advice from a financial advisor or any other professional.
We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether expressed or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date.
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