Curve Financial Services, a new start-up services company offering free banking and an e-commerce platform throughout Africa, is the latest tenant to move into the Grosvenor Square sectional title office development in Century City.

Four of the five free-standing blocks in the development have been fully let or sold with only a few units remaining, says Jason Elley of the developer, Rabie Property Group.

“There is strong interest in the remaining units which vary in size from 125 square metres to 200 square meters, particularly now that potential tenants and owners can see the high quality of the development that is available.”

Brad Gray, Acting Chief Financial Officer and MD of Customer Services for Curve Financial Services, which has taken two units in the remaining block, says the group was formed recently through the merger of three IT companies providing managed services, security and systems development as well as the recruitment of  key experienced banking,  financial services and digital marketing staff.

“There are 800 million people unbanked on this continent that can’t afford bank costs and we want to provide them with the first true  online banking service.

“This will be made possible by the cross subsidization of this service by an on-line mall which in turn will also provide a free e-commerce platform to businesses and individuals with a percentage of sales going to cover the hard costs of both services.”

Gray says what sets their e-commerce platform apart is that Curve will allow people to  make secure payments in an online economy with Curve ensuring both sides are happy - the buyer and the seller.

“Curve allows you to check someone has actually paid you what they said they did, and hold it for you until you deliver the goods. There is no risk to client and no barrier to entry,” he said.

He said the group, which employs around 50 staff, currently has four offices – Cape Town, Johannesburg, London and Seattle.