The "shadow cost" of the creator economy

Where does the 15% budget go?

Most agencies look at the "Transfer Fee" on their banking app (usually a few hundred Rand) and think they’re covered. They aren't.

When you send money from Johannesburg to Lagos, it rarely goes direct. It often "hops" through a correspondent bank in London or New York. Each of these banks takes a "processing slice" (typically $25–$50) without notifying you.

Banks often charge a "spread"—the difference between the market exchange rate and the rate they give you. In 2026, while the mid-market rate might be R18.50/$, your bank might charge you R19.10/$. On a large campaign, that "hidden" 3% markup can cost you thousands before a single post even goes live.

The 2026 SARS "barter" crackdown

The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has officially classified social media influencers as a distinct taxpayer segment. The biggest trap for agencies in 2026 is non-cash remuneration.

If you send a R20,000 camera to an influencer in Ghana as "payment" for a video, SARS now expects that to be declared at fair market value. Failing to account for the "Kind" (non-cash) component of cross-border payments can trigger audits and understatement penalties of up to 200%.

You need a payment partner that allows you to tag and categorize non-cash benefits alongside cash payments for seamless tax reporting.

Breaking the currency wall

To protect your margins in 2026, "traditional banking" is no longer the gold standard. Here is how leading SA agencies are moving money now:

TCIB (Transactions Cleared as an Immediate Solution)

TCIB is a regional payment scheme that allows for near-instant, low-cost payments across the SADC region. It bypasses the "London/New York" hop entirely, keeping fees low and transparency high.

Stablecoins for Ad spend and gig pay

Regulated stablecoins (like USDC) are becoming the "bridge currency" for the media world. Agencies are increasingly using them to settle with international creators instantly, avoiding the 3–5 day SWIFT wait and the volatility of the Rand during the transfer window. Verto currently offers stablecoin capabilities in our solution. Enquire with our sales team for more information.

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Multi-currency wallets

Instead of converting ZAR every time you pay a foreign invoice, modern fintech platforms like Verto allow you to hold USD, NGN, or KES in digital wallets. This lets you "buy" currency when the Rand is strong and pay your creators when the invoice is due. Verto offers up to 50 different currencies to choose from including emerging market and G10 currencies.

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The bottom line

In a world of tightening margins, your payment strategy is as important as your creative strategy. Every "shadow cost" you eliminate is a Rand you can reinvest into better talent, better production, or simply a healthier bottom line.