At the recent Finance Summit 2025, financial analyst Mj Givens Kgasi from Octa emphasized a crucial message: while technology and artificial intelligence are transforming the world of trading, human judgment remains irreplaceable.
The New Face of Market Volatility
According to Kgasi, the global financial landscape has entered an era of heightened uncertainty. This turbulence isn’t just random—it’s the result of a mix of ongoing inflation, institutional market manipulation, and global political instability. In such an environment, Kgasi argues, traders must be more informed and adaptable than ever.
He pointed out that Contracts for Difference (CFDs) offer a powerful advantage—traders can profit from both rising and falling markets. However, success depends heavily on preparation. It’s not the market that is dangerous, but the lack of readiness among traders.
Trading as a Desperate Measure
In countries like South Africa, where unemployment is high, many individuals are turning to online trading as a last resort. Kgasi expressed concern that most of these new traders lack education and fall victim to scams, with some reports indicating over 80% of traders have been defrauded.
This situation highlights the urgent need for brokerage firms to play a greater role in educating and mentoring their clients, especially in emerging economies.
AI Has Limits – Humans Still Matter
While modern platforms use sophisticated algorithms to detect trading patterns and analyze data instantly, Kgasi warned against relying solely on artificial intelligence. During his talk, he demonstrated how a tool like ChatGPT can offer trade ideas—but stressed that AI cannot replace human strategy, experience, or emotional intelligence.
He summed it up with a powerful reminder: technology should support decisions, not make them.
Cleaning Up the Industry
Kgasi also spoke out about issues affecting the integrity of the trading industry, including tax evasion by brokers and lax regulatory oversight. He urged the community to uphold higher ethical standards, warning that the future of the sector depends on collective responsibility.
“Doing the right thing when no one is watching—that’s integrity,” he said, encouraging stakeholders to restore public trust by operating with transparency and accountability.
Looking Forward: Keys to Long-Term Success
Kgasi concluded his session by outlining a roadmap for responsible trading in 2025 and beyond:
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Equip traders with solid education and risk management tools.
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Integrate technology without sidelining human insight.
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Promote fairness, transparency, and professionalism across the industry.
He encouraged the audience to reframe trading not just as a quick path to profits but as a platform for sustainable financial growth and responsible investing.
