Johannesburg, Dec 1 (I-Net Bridge) - Standard Bank (SBK) has been named 2011 Bank of the Year in Africa and Best Bank in four African countries by The Banker, the leading journal of the global banking industry.
In addition to Bank of the Year in Africa, The Banker named Standard Bank as Bank of the Year in Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi and Zimbabwe.
The Banker recognised Standard Bank for its ability to gain strategic advantage, adapt to variable market conditions, secure important deals and succeed in an increasingly competitive landscape.
Ben Kruger, Deputy Chief Executive, Standard Bank Group says of the awards: "Standard Bank has a deep and long-standing commitment to developing business in Africa. We are delighted with this recognition of our ability to connect Africa and the world."
He believes the awards reflect the group's continued growth across the continent and its substantial investment in the development of local presence and infrastructure.
"When we say that Africa is at our core, we have tangible evidence of this in the way Standard Bank has extended and deepened its presence in key African markets," says Kruger.
He points to three major milestones recently passed by the Group. In October 2011, Standard Bank celebrated the opening of its 500th branch in Africa (outside of South Africa) in the Nigerian town of Ajao Estate. In addition, Standard Bank has reached 2.5 million signed-up customers and 3 million active accounts from its operations in 17 countries around the continent excluding South Africa.
"We are delighted to receive this recognition as Bank of the Year in Africa particularly because our operations on the continent are so important in maintaining the competitive advantage we are building," says Kruger.
"For those serious about taking advantage of the growth opportunities in Africa, there can be no substitute for on-the-ground presence in the key markets. Standard Bank has been investing steadily in its African footprint for the best part of 20 years. This experience has provided lessons that continue to help us understand how best to continue growing in Africa," says Kruger.
