Milbank LLP is pleased to announce that the Optasia initial public offering has been named “Equity Capital Markets Deal of the Year” at the IFLR Africa Awards 2026.
The firm advised Channel VAS Investments Limited (trading as Optasia) on its landmark IPO and Johannesburg Stock Exchange listing, which priced at the top of the range and raised approximately ZAR 6.5 billion, valuing the company at around ZAR 23.5 billion. The transaction marked Africa’s largest IPO of 2025 and the largest fintech IPO in the EMEA region since 2021, underscoring its significance in the African capital markets landscape. Milbank also advised Optasia’s shareholders on the concurrent sale of a 20.1% stake to FirstRand Limited.
The IFLR Africa Awards recognize the most legally innovative and impactful transactions across the region. This award highlights Milbank’s market‑leading expertise in complex, cross‑border capital markets matters and the firm’s continued commitment to supporting clients across Africa and other emerging markets.
The Milbank team was led by Corporate Finance and Securities partner David Dixter, with support from associates Harshil Bansal and Panos Tsezos, alongside colleagues across the firm’s Tax and Alternative Investments practices.
