Chanel Jacobs

Background

About Chanel Jacobs

I’m an experienced IT Project and Programme Manager with over a decade of success delivering high-impact digital banking and payments initiatives across top South African financial institutions, including Discovery Bank, Capitec Business Bank, and most recently, Old Mutual. In September 2024, I had the privilege of joining the exceptional team at PASA, where I currently serve as Programme Manager for the New Payments Industry Body (PIB). In this role, I lead the delivery of strategic programmes that shape South Africa’s evolving payments ecosystem. Previously, I played a role in Old Mutual’s Project Olympus, leading the Payments and Card Programme as both Project Manager and Scrum Master. This initiative was part of Old Mutual’s broader digital bank build, where I was responsible for delivering critical infrastructure to support the proposed bank’s core financial capabilities. Prior to Old Mutual, I supported the launch of Capitec Business Bank following the acquisition of Mercantile Bank. At Capitec, I not only supported the technical implementation of new banking products but also led the establishment of the Business Bank PMO, managing a growing team of Project Managers, Scrum Masters, and Agile Coaches. At Discovery Bank, I served as a Senior Delivery PM, successfully implementing both the Core Infrastructure and Payments Landscapes, including industry and SARB integration and certification. My earlier career includes global delivery experience with South African Breweries, managing multi-country rollouts across South America, Europe, and Africa. I bring a strong foundation in both traditional and Agile delivery frameworks, with certifications in PMBOK, Agile, and SAP Project Management. I’m passionate about building delivery teams, simplifying complexity, and enabling organisations to launch technology that drives real business impact.