South Africa’s Jonathan Jawno makes $4 million from Transaction Capital stake

Feyisayo Ajayi -
Key Points
  • Jonathan Jawno’s stake in Transaction Capital has risen by $4.01 million, pushing its value closer to $20 million fortune in the past 28 days. 
  • Transaction Capital’s share price surged 26.67% on the JSE, elevating the company's market cap above $135 million.
  • The firm is streamlining operations by selling Nutun Holdings for up to $28.2 million, focusing on lending and risk services in key markets.

South African multimillionaire Jonathan Jawno has bolstered his standing among the nation’s top business leaders, with his 14.09 percent stake in Transaction Capital growing by $4.01 million over the past 28 days.

Transaction Capital's shares surged 26.67 percent, rising from R2.4 ($0.136) on Sept. 23 to R3.04 ($0.173). As a result, Jawno's family trust—Pilatucom—saw its holding increase from R265.2 million ($15.05 million) to R335.92 million ($19.07 million).

Jawno, a co-founder of the financial services group, jointly owns Pilatucom with partners Michael Mendelowitz and Roberto Rossi. The stake has benefited from the recent stock rally, marking a notable recovery for the company amid a challenging market environment.

Stock recovery offers relief despite year-to-date losses

Although the recent surge boosted investor confidence, Transaction Capital shares remain down 57.28 percent year-to-date. A $100,000 investment at the start of the year would now be worth just $42,718.

The company has moved to streamline operations, announcing the sale of non-core assets like Nutun Holdings to Q Link Holdings for up to R510 million ($28.2 million). Transaction Capital continues to focus on asset-backed lending and risk services in South Africa and Australia.

Jonathan Jawno’s leadership fuels Transaction Capital’s growth

Jonathan Jawno has guided Transaction Capital from a niche lender to a key player in global finance, driving growth in South Africa. Since co-founding the firm in 2002, he has transformed it from an asset-backed lender into a recognized financial services company.

With the company’s market cap rebounding toward $140 million, Jawno’s wealth is rising, reflecting renewed investor confidence and cementing his status as a leading figure in South Africa’s business landscape.