The entity, now through the JSE Limited, operates and regulates the debt securities and interest rate derivatives markets in South Africa.

BESA was granted its exchange license in 1996 and over the next twelve years was responsible for the development of the bond market in South Africa.

This was followed by a rights issue which was concluded in October 2008, injecting fresh capital into the business and introducing new strategic partners to the exchange.

In 2009 the Johannesburg Stock Exchange acquired the BESA for R240 million and rebranded as the JSE Debt Market.

BESA's rules and directives served as a tool for regulating both issuers and trading participants.