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Unlocking Business Potential
Through Strategy,
Compliance, and Insight
CloudGate Consulting is a specialist consultancy founded and led by Thinus Nortje, a seasoned strategist and executive with over 25 years of experience across the finance, credit, compliance, debt recovery, data governance, and payments industries in South Africa.
As an admitted attorney and respected leader in the industry, Thinus has a proven track record of building and scaling businesses in highly regulated environments. His depth of expertise spans both strategic vision and hands-on operational execution, making CloudGate Consulting a trusted partner for organisations seeking sustainable growth, risk reduction, and regulatory peace of mind.
A Legacy of Leadership and Impact
Thinus served as CEO of VeriCred Credit Bureau (VCCB) — one of only five primary credit bureaus in South Africa — until October 2021. Under his leadership, VCCB evolved from a small bureau into a premier provider of credit insights and data analytics, servicing over 250 corporate clients, including major banks, credit providers, and retailers. The bureau facilitated more than 1 million online transactions per month on behalf of its clients.
Before this, Thinus founded and grew HTN Attorneys from a one-person operation into a firm employing over 200 people, managing a debt recovery portfolio of over R2 billion for leading credit providers and retailers.
Industry Influence and Governance
Thinus has played an active role in shaping South Africa’s financial and regulatory landscape. He has served on various boards and industry bodies, including:
Executive Committee of the Credit Bureau Association
Board of Microfinance South Africa
Association of Debt Recovery Agents
Payment System Stakeholder Forum (reporting to the South African Reserve Bank)
National Garnishee Task Team
He also maintains strong working relationships with key regulatory bodies such as:
The National Credit Regulator (NCR)
The Council for Debt Collectors
The Information Regulator
The Financial Intelligence Centre (FIC)
As a recognised thought leader, Thinus is frequently invited as a speaker and panellist at industry events.
Current Roles and Innovation
More recently, Thinus was appointed as a Non-Executive Director and EXCO Member of the Consumer Profile Bureau (CPB), another primary credit bureau in South Africa. He was also involved in the development of the new Old Mutual Digital Bank, set to launch soon, further demonstrating his commitment to innovation and digital transformation within the financial sector.
Our Mission
At CloudGate Consulting, our mission is to help businesses thrive by making operations more efficient, ensuring full regulatory compliance, and providing strategic direction in a complex business environment. We take pride in offering both strategic and operational support tailored to your organisation’s unique needs — so you can focus on what you do best.