South Africa boasts a robust and diverse banking sector, catering to the financial needs of individuals, businesses, and investors. Here is a list of commercial banks in the country categorized into locally controlled, cooperative, foreign-controlled, mutual, and state-owned banks.
Locally Controlled Banks
- Absa Group Limited: Absa Group is a prominent financial institution providing various banking and financial services in South Africa.
 - African Bank Limited: African Bank focuses on providing accessible and innovative financial solutions to its customers.
 - Bank Zero: As a digital bank, it is known for its technology-driven approach to banking services.
 - Bidvest Bank Limited: Bidvest Bank offers a variety of financial products and services to individuals and businesses.
 - Capitec Bank Limited: Capitec is a significant player in the South African banking industry, known for its simplicity and accessibility.
 - Discovery Limited: Discovery Limited extends its services beyond traditional banking, offering diverse financial products.
 - First National Bank (FNB): FNB is one of South Africa’s oldest and largest banks, providing a comprehensive suite of financial services.
 - FirstRand Bank: A subsidiary of First Rand Limited, FirstRand Bank is a critical player in the South African financial landscape.
 - RMB – Rand Merchant Bank: RMB focuses on providing corporate and investment banking services.
 - Grindrod Bank Limited: Grindrod Bank contributes to the financial sector, focusing on niche markets.
 - Imperial Bank South Africa: Imperial Bank provides financial services to businesses and individuals.
 - Investec Bank Limited: Investec is a leading international bank offering various financial services.
 - Mercantile Bank Limited: Mercantile Bank specializes in providing business and commercial banking solutions.
 - Nedbank Limited: Nedbank is a well-established bank offering various financial products and services.
 - Sasfin Bank Limited: Sasfin Bank caters to the financial needs of businesses and entrepreneurs.
 - Standard Bank of South Africa: Standard Bank is one of the largest banks in South Africa, offering a comprehensive range of financial services.
 - Ubank Limited: Ubank focuses on providing accessible banking solutions to its customers.
 - TymeBank: TymeBank is known for its digital banking services, offering simplicity and convenience.
 
Cooperative Banks
South Africa Reserve Bank registers the following cooperative banks:
- Ditsobotla Primary Savings and Credit Cooperative Bank
 - KSK Koöperatiewe Bank Beperk
 - OSK Koöperatiewe Bank Beperk
 - Webbers Employees Savings and Credit Cooperative Bank
 - Ziphakamise Savings and Credit Cooperative Bank
 - GIG Cooperative Bank Ltd
 
Foreign-Controlled Banks:
South Africa hosts several foreign-controlled banks, contributing to the global financial landscape:
- Al Baraka Banking Group
 - Habib Overseas Bank Limited
 - Habib Bank AG Zurich
 - Access Bank South Africa
 - Bank of Baroda
 - Bank of China
 - Bank of Taiwan
 - BNP Paribas
 - Calyon Corporate and Investment Bank
 - China Construction Bank Corporation
 - Citibank N.A.
 - Deutsche Bank AG
 - JPMorgan Chase Bank
 - Société Générale
 - Standard Chartered Bank
 - State Bank of India
 - Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC)
 - Colorado Bank
 
Foreign Bank Representatives:
The list of foreign bank representatives includes:
- AfrAsia Bank Limited
 - Banco Africano de Investimentos
 - Banco BIC
 - Banco BPI SA
 - Banco Espirito Santo e Comercial de Lisboa
 - Banco Santander Totta S.A.
 - Bank Leumi Le-Israel BM
 - Bank of America
 - Bank of Cyprus Group
 - Bank of India
 - Barclays Bank Plc
 - Barclays Private Clients International Limited
 - Commerzbank AG Johannesburg
 - Credit Suisse AG
 - Ecobank
 - Export-Import Bank of India
 - Fairbairn Private Bank (Isle of Man) Limited
 - Fairbairn Private Bank (Jersey) Limited
 - First Bank of Nigeria
 - First City Monument Bank Plc
 - Hellenic Bank Public Company Limited
 - HSBC Bank International Limited
 - ICICI Bank Limited
 - Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
 - KfW Ipex-Bank GmbH
 - Lloyds TSB Offshore Limited
 - Mauritius Commercial Bank Limited
 - Mukuru Service
 - Millennium BCP
 - National Bank of Egypt
 - NATIXIS
 - Royal Bank of Scotland International Limited
 - Société Générale
 - Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation
 - The Bank of New York Mellon
 - The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Limited
 - The Mizuho Bank Limited
 - The Export-Import Bank of China
 - The Royal Bank of Scotland N.V.
 - UBS AG
 - Unicredit Bank AG
 - Union Bank of Nigeria Plc
 - Wells Fargo Bank
 - Zenith Bank Plc
 
Mutual Banks:
South Africa is home to several mutual banks:
- GBS Mutual Bank
 - VBS Mutual Bank
 - Finbond Mutual Bank
 - Bank Zero
 
State-Owned Banks:
The banking sector in South Africa includes state-owned banks:
- Development Bank of Southern Africa
 - Land and Agricultural Development Bank of South Africa
 - Postbank