How to Buy Nedbank Shares
Nedbank Group is one of South Africa’s four largest banks and one of the most actively traded financial stocks on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. This guide covers everything you need to know about how to buy Nedbank shares in South Africa, including the company’s latest financial performance, the step-by-step process for getting started, what to expect in terms of fees, and the key risks to understand before you invest.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company | Nedbank Group Limited |
| JSE Code | NED |
| Industry | Banking and Financial Services |
| Sector | Financials |
| Exchange | Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) |
| Secondary Listings | Namibian Stock Exchange, A2X |
| JSE Listed Since | 1969 |
| Headquarters | Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Financial Year End | December |
Quick Answer: How to Buy Nedbank Shares
To buy Nedbank shares in South Africa, open an account with Easy Equities, complete your identity verification, deposit funds, search for Nedbank using the JSE ticker NED, and place your order. Through Easy Equities you can invest any rand amount using fractional shares with no minimum required.
About Nedbank Group
Nedbank Group, with assets of more than R1.3 trillion, is one of the largest financial services groups in Africa, offering wholesale and retail banking, as well as insurance, asset management and wealth management services and solutions to more than 7.3 million active clients.
The group’s ordinary shares have been listed on the JSE since 1969. That makes Nedbank one of the longest-listed financial institutions on the exchange, with a track record spanning more than five decades of public market participation.
Nedbank Group Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides various wholesale and retail banking services in South Africa and internationally. The company operates through Nedbank Corporate and Investment Banking, Nedbank Retail and Business Banking, Nedbank Wealth, Nedbank Africa Regions, and Centre segments.
The company also provides a comprehensive range of additional financial services. It provides life and non-life insurance, including simple risk, funeral, vehicle, personal-accident, credit life and investment solutions, as well as asset management, local and international unit trusts, cash management and multimanagement solutions, trust and estate planning, stockbroking, and financial planning wealth management services.
In South Africa, Nedbank has a strong franchise that contributes 90% of the group’s R1.3 trillion in assets and 80% of the group’s R15.7 billion headline earnings.
Nedbank Group Limited was founded on November 9, 1966 and operates in the Financials sector, specifically the Banking industry. Nedbank Group contracts an estimated total number of 28,697 employees.
Nedbank Share Price Overview
The current share price of Nedbank Group Limited (NED) is ZAR 263.58. NED closed its last trading day on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 264.75 ZAR per share on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, recording a 1.5% gain over its previous closing price of 260.96 ZAR.
NED reached its all-time high on February 27, 2026, with a price of 31,839 ZAC. This record high reflected strong momentum in the stock that built throughout late 2025 and into early 2026.
Nedbank Group is the 42nd most traded stock on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange over the past three months. NED has traded a total volume of 120 million shares in 486,325 deals valued at ZAR 33.4 billion over the period, averaging a volume of 1.91 million shares valued at ZAR 530 million per session.
Share prices change throughout each trading day and should always be checked on your Easy Equities account or the JSE directly before placing an order.
Why Invest in Nedbank Shares?
Solid Full Year 2025 Financial Performance
Nedbank Group reported a 2% increase in headline earnings for 2025, reaching R17.2 billion, driven by improved credit quality and lower impairment charges.
Nedbank Group’s diluted headline earnings per share (HEPS) increased by 3%, headline earnings increased by 2% to R17.2 billion, and return on equity, at 15.4%, remained above the group’s 2025 cost of equity.
Headline earnings rose from R16.9 billion in 2024, driven primarily by an 18% reduction in impairment charges to R6.6 billion. This reflected better credit origination practices and lower loss ratios, with the credit loss ratio improving to 68 basis points from 87 basis points the previous year.
Strong Balance Sheet and Growing Advances
The group’s balance sheet is very strong. CET1 and tier 1 capital ratios, as well as liquidity ratios are well above board-approved target ranges and SARB minimum requirements.
Gross banking advances grew 6% and deposit balances grew 11% for the full year. These are solid metrics for a bank operating in a challenging South African economic environment.
Consistent and High-Yielding Dividends
Nedbank is one of the higher-yielding dividend stocks available on the JSE, making it particularly attractive to income-focused investors.
The group’s dividend policy is for the board to declare dividends within its board-approved dividend cover range of 1.75 to 2.25 times, subject to the company meeting the solvency and liquidity requirements in terms of the SA Companies Act. For the 12 months ended 31 December 2025, Nedbank declared a final dividend of 1,104 cents per share, with a payment date of 13 April 2026.
The total dividend for the year was ZAR 21.32 per share, with a dividend yield of around 7%.
Having distributed dividends for at least 10 years, Nedbank Group has a long history of paying out a part of its earnings to shareholders. Nedbank Group’s payout ratio of 61% is a good sign as this means that earnings decently cover dividends.
Transformative Strategic Decisions in 2025
2025 was a transformative year in which Nedbank made bold and swift strategic decisions. The group successfully restructured its Retail and Business Banking and Nedbank Wealth Clusters into a more focused, client-centred organisational design, and created the Personal and Private Banking and Business and Commercial Banking clusters.
The purchase of fintech iKhokha for about R1.605 billion adds exposure to small-business payments and merchant services, aligning with the growth in digital payments as cash usage declines across Africa.
East African Expansion
The acquisition of about 66% of Kenya’s NCBA Group for an estimated R13.9 billion signifies a strategic move by Nedbank to focus on Southern Africa and East Africa, enhancing its regional presence.
Nedbank plans to acquire a controlling stake in NCBA Group Plc, reinforcing its focus on East African markets amid a strategic reset away from West Africa.
Digital Growth Momentum
Nedbank Money app active clients increased by 10% to 2.8 million, while transaction volumes increased by 16% and transaction values increased by 14%. Nedbank Money App users in Africa reported a 17% increase in app usage.
Client satisfaction metrics remained at the top end of the peer group, while the value of the Nedbank brand increased by 20% to R20 billion.
Medium-Term ROE Targets
The return on equity in 2026 will likely be above 15%, heading towards 2025 levels, and above an improved cost of equity of 14%. Return on equity is expected to build in the medium term to around 17%, supported by stronger revenue growth and a well-managed expense base.
How to Buy Nedbank Shares on Easy Equities
The most accessible and practical way for South Africans to invest in Nedbank shares is through Easy Equities. The platform allows you to buy NED shares directly on the JSE using any rand amount, with no minimum share quantity required thanks to fractional share investing.
Read our full guide on how to buy shares on Easy Equities for a complete platform walkthrough.
Step 1: Open an Account with Easy Equities
Visit the Easy Equities website or download the mobile app. Click on the sign-up option and enter your personal details including your full name, email address, and date of birth. Create a secure password to complete the initial registration.
Step 2: Verify Your Identity
Easy Equities is a regulated Financial Service Provider and must verify your identity before you can deposit or trade. You will need to upload the following:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| South African ID, Passport, or Driver’s License | Identity verification |
| Proof of Residential Address (bank statement or utility bill) | Address confirmation |
Verification is fully digital and typically completed within minutes.
Step 3: Deposit Funds
Once your account is verified, add money using one of the supported payment methods:
| Payment Method | Availability |
|---|---|
| EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) | Available |
| Capitec Pay | Available |
| Instant EFT | Available |
| Apple Pay | Available |
| Google Pay | Available |
Easy Equities has no minimum deposit requirement. You can start investing in Nedbank shares from as little as R5 using fractional share investing.
Step 4: Search for Nedbank (NED)
Once your account is funded, use the search bar in the app or on the website to find Nedbank. Type “Nedbank” or the JSE ticker “NED” and the stock will appear in your results. Make sure you are selecting the JSE-listed NED ordinary share to invest in rands.
Step 5: Enter Your Investment Amount and Place Your Order
Easy Equities uses a rand-based model, meaning you enter how much money you want to invest rather than specifying a number of shares. This means any South African investor can access Nedbank shares regardless of the current share price.
Review your order details, confirm the applicable fees, and submit. Your Nedbank shares will appear in your Easy Equities portfolio and can be monitored from your dashboard at any time.
Requirements to Buy Nedbank Shares
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | 18 years or older |
| South African ID or Passport | Required for FICA verification |
| Proof of Residential Address | Bank statement or utility bill |
| South African Bank Account | Required for deposits and withdrawals |
| Minimum Investment | From R5 via Easy Equities fractional shares |
| Platform | Easy Equities (ZAR account) |
Fees and Costs
Easy Equities maintains a transparent, straightforward fee structure with no hidden charges and no ongoing platform fees.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Brokerage Commission | 0.25% per trade |
| Clearing Fee | 0.31% per trade |
| VAT | Applied to fees |
| Monthly Platform Fee | None |
| Inactivity Fee | None |
| Withdrawal Fee | None |
| Deposit Fee | None |
For a long-term investor in Nedbank shares, the total cost per trade works out to approximately 0.56% of the trade value before VAT. There are no ongoing fees for simply holding shares in your portfolio.
Nedbank Key Financial Metrics at a Glance (FY 2025)
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Headline Earnings | R17.2 billion (up 2%) |
| Diluted HEPS | 3,628 cents (up 3%) |
| Return on Equity (ROE) | 15.4% |
| Gross Banking Advances Growth | 6% |
| Deposit Balances Growth | 11% |
| Credit Loss Ratio | 68 basis points (improved from 87 bps) |
| Net Interest Income Growth | 3% |
| Non-Interest Revenue Growth | 4% |
| Total Dividend (FY 2025) | ZAR 21.32 per share |
| Dividend Yield | Approximately 7% |
| Active Nedbank Money App Clients | 2.8 million |
Pros and Cons of Investing in Nedbank Shares
Pros
- Nedbank Group is one of South Africa’s four largest banks, with Nedbank Ltd as the Group’s principal banking subsidiary. This dominant market position provides a stable competitive foundation
- The final dividend declared was 1,104 cents per share for the 12 months ended 31 December 2025, payable on 13 April 2026, reflecting strong balance sheet confidence
- The total dividend for the year was ZAR 21.32 per share, with a dividend yield of around 7%, making it one of the higher-yielding banking stocks on the JSE
- Nedbank Money app active clients increased by 10% to 2.8 million, while transaction volumes increased by 16%, demonstrating strong digital adoption momentum
- The group’s ordinary shares have been listed on the JSE since 1969, giving it one of the longest track records of any JSE-listed financial institution
- Nedbank Group is the 42nd most traded stock on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, having traded a total volume of 120 million shares in 486,325 deals valued at ZAR 33.4 billion over a three-month period, providing strong liquidity for investors
- Accessible through Easy Equities from as little as R5 via fractional shares
Cons
- Headline earnings increased by only 2%, with diluted HEPS growing by 3%, which was considered unsatisfactory10Â by some analysts and the management team itself
- Heavy reliance on a challenging domestic market and rising regulatory costs threaten profitability and heighten exposure to demographic and economic headwinds
- Nedbank Group experienced pressure on margins due to lower interest rates, with a 24 basis point decline in net interest margin
- Profit after tax declined significantly to around R9.4 billion, influenced by the Ecobank disposal and a one-off settlement related to Transnet
- The bank expects wholesale impairments to normalise in 2026 and associate income from Ecobank to fall away, which will create some headwinds for earnings growth in the near term
- Weak digital transformation and legacy IT systems risk accelerating customer attrition and diminish Nedbank’s relevance amid aggressive fintech competition
Investment Insight: Who Should Invest in Nedbank?
Long-Term Income Investors
Nedbank Group generally pays dividends to its ordinary shareholders twice a year following the announcement of the company’s full-year and half-year results. For investors who want regular income from a regulated South African bank, Nedbank’s semi-annual dividend cycle and approximately 7% yield make it a practical choice.
In addition to solid earnings growth and an increasing ROE trajectory, ordinary dividends have recently been declared at a 57% payout ratio, which reflects a sustainable approach to distributing earnings.
Growth-Oriented Investors
The bank underwent significant structural changes, creating new client-focused clusters and acquiring fintech firm iKhokha to enhance its SME offerings. For investors who are looking for a large-cap South African bank that is actively repositioning for future growth rather than standing still, Nedbank’s 2025 restructuring and East African expansion plan tell a forward-looking story.
Nedbank expects ROE to build in the medium term to around 17%, supported by stronger revenue growth and a well-managed expense base, which represents meaningful upside from the current 15.4% level.
Banking Sector Investors
For investors who want exposure to South Africa’s financial sector, Nedbank offers a combination of domestic banking strength, insurance and wealth management services, and growing regional presence across Southern and East Africa. In South Africa, Nedbank has a strong franchise that contributes 90% of the group’s R1.3 trillion in assets, providing a reliable earnings base.
Contrarian Investors
After spending nearly a year under sustained selling pressure, Nedbank Group’s share price staged a powerful comeback. The stock had cascaded to R206 by late September as the bank’s first-half 2025 performance delivered limited upside surprises and rising costs eroded margins.
For investors who follow a contrarian approach, the combination of a recovery from significant lows and a new all-time high in February 2026 raises important questions about valuation and momentum that are worth monitoring carefully.
Risks to Consider Before Investing in Nedbank
Every investment carries risk. Understanding the specific risks associated with Nedbank before you invest is essential.
| Risk Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Market Risk | Nedbank’s share price can fall due to broader JSE declines, interest rate movements, or shifts in investor sentiment toward the banking sector |
| Earnings Headwinds | Wholesale impairments are expected to normalise in 2026 and Ecobank associate income will not repeat, both of which will create headwinds for earnings |
| Interest Rate Risk | Lower interest rates reduce net interest margin, which directly impacts banking revenue |
| Domestic Concentration Risk | Nedbank generates approximately 80% of its headline earnings from South Africa, making it heavily exposed to the local economic environment |
| Regulatory Risk | South African banks operate under strict regulatory oversight, and changes in capital requirements, lending rules, or tax policy can affect profitability |
| Acquisition Risk | The planned R13.9 billion acquisition of a controlling stake in Kenya’s NCBA Group introduces integration risk and capital allocation uncertainty |
| Competition Risk | Aggressive digital banking growth from fintech competitors and South Africa’s other major banks continues to put pressure on Nedbank’s market share in key retail segments |
| Currency Risk | Operations in SADC countries and East Africa expose the group to foreign currency translation effects that can impact reported group earnings |
As with any investment, never invest money you cannot afford to lose. Nedbank is a well-capitalised, regulated institution, but no stock is immune to loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Nedbank a good investment in South Africa?
Nedbank Group reported a 2% increase in headline earnings for 2025, reaching R17.2 billion, driven by improved credit quality and lower impairment charges. Combined with a dividend yield of approximately 7%, a long JSE listing history since 1969, and a clear medium-term ROE improvement target of 17%, Nedbank offers a compelling case for long-term investors. Whether it is the right investment for you depends on your financial goals and risk tolerance. Always consult a financial adviser before making investment decisions.
2. Can I buy Nedbank shares with a small amount of money?
Yes. Through Easy Equities, you can invest in Nedbank shares from as little as R5 using fractional share investing. You do not need to buy a full share at the current market price. You simply enter the rand amount you want to invest and Easy Equities allocates the proportional fraction of a share to your portfolio.
3. Does Nedbank pay dividends?
Nedbank Group generally pays dividends to its ordinary shareholders twice a year following the announcement of the company’s full-year and half-year results. For the 12 months ended 31 December 2025, Nedbank declared a final dividend of 1,104 cents per share with a payment date of 13 April 2026. The total dividend for the year was ZAR 21.32 per share, with a dividend yield of around 7%.
4. What does Nedbank Group do?
Nedbank Group Limited’s principal banking subsidiary is Nedbank Limited. The company provides wholesale and retail banking services, and insurance, asset management and wealth management offerings. In addition, Nedbank operates internationally through offices in London, Isle of Man, and subsidiaries and associates in sub-Saharan Africa.
5. What is the Nedbank share price today?
The current share price of Nedbank Group Limited (NED) is ZAR 263.58. NED closed its last trading day on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 264.75 ZAR per share on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, recording a 1.5% gain over its previous closing price of 260.96 ZAR.4 Share prices change throughout each trading day and should always be confirmed on your Easy Equities account or the JSE before placing an order.
6. When is Nedbank’s next earnings report?
Nedbank Group is scheduled to release its next earnings report on August 4, 2026. Tracking earnings release dates is important for investors who want to monitor the group’s progress on its medium-term ROE targets and the impact of its NCBA acquisition.
7. Who are the major shareholders in Nedbank?
Major shareholders in Nedbank Group include the Government Employees Pension Fund, Allan Gray Ltd, BlackRock Inc., Ninety One SA (Pty) Ltd., and Coronation Asset Management (Pty) Ltd. The presence of large institutional investors provides a level of governance oversight that benefits all shareholders.
8. Is Nedbank listed only on the JSE?
Nedbank Group is listed on the JSE Limited stock exchange under the JSE share code NED, with secondary listings on the Namibian Stock Exchange and A2X. South African investors buying through Easy Equities will be purchasing shares on the JSE under the ticker NED in rands.
Start Investing in Nedbank Shares Today
Discover why the Nedbank share is an attractive long-term investment, with a strong dividend history, growing digital presence, and strategic positioning across Southern and East Africa.
Getting started is straightforward. Open a free account on Easy Equities, complete your FICA verification, deposit any amount from R5, search for NED, and place your first order. The entire process is digital and takes only a few minutes.
For a complete step-by-step platform walkthrough, read our guide on how to buy shares on Easy Equities.
Conclusion
Buying Nedbank shares in South Africa is accessible to any investor with a verified Easy Equities account. The JSE ticker is NED and the group has been listed on the exchange since 1969.
The results mark a transitional period for Nedbank as it repositions for sustained performance in a challenging domestic environment while pursuing targeted expansion in priority African regions. With R17.2 billion in headline earnings for FY 2025, a total dividend of ZAR 21.32 per share, a clear medium-term ROE target of 17%, and bold strategic moves including the NCBA acquisition and iKhokha fintech purchase, Nedbank enters 2026 as a bank actively reshaping itself for the years ahead.
As always, invest with a clear plan, understand the risks involved, and never commit money you cannot afford to have in the market.