Standard Bank recognised for its excellence in emerging markets

Quick facts

• Standard Bank was honoured with the ‘African Banker of the Year’ award at the The Banker Awards 2009.
• The bank was also named ‘Bank of the Year’ for South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Swaziland and Tanzania.
• These awards are in line with Standard Bank’s objective to become a leading emerging markets financial services organisation.

Press Release

London, 4 December 2009: Standard Bank was last night honoured with seven awards at The Banker Awards 2009, including the ‘African Bank of the Year’ award.

Standard Bank, whose operations extend to 33 countries and with total assets of US$200 billion, was also named ‘Bank of the Year’ for its country of origin South Africa and for Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Swaziland and Tanzania.

Each year The Banker, a banking sector publication, acknowledges banks for the best overall performance by country and region, with the winners chosen based on analysis of their financial results, as well as their strategic developments and overall achievements in the year. The awards ceremony was held last night at the Intercontinental Park Lane Hotel in London.

Standard Bank’s key objective is to become a leading emerging markets financial services organisation, using all its competitive advantages to the full. The company’s Africa growth strategy was enhanced in 2008 with ICBC (Industrial and Commercial Bank of China), the world’s largest bank, becoming a strategic partner through its 20% acquisition of Standard Bank. This was the biggest ever Chinese foreign direct investment at the time.

Standard Bank’s acquisitions in Nigeria, Kenya, Argentina and Turkey, and more recently the finalisation of its 33% partnership with Troika Dialog, the most established independent investment bank in Russia, has reinforced its strategy to build strong operations in chosen markets.

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Quotes

“2009 has been an excellent year for Standard Bank and these awards reflect Standard Bank’s position not only as the bank of choice in Africa, but also as one of the world’s leading emerging markets banks.” – Jacko Maree, Standard Bank Group Chief Executive

“Our focus is firmly fixed on being a full-service financial services player in our home market and using this experience to build strong operations in chosen markets in Africa, and in other emerging markets, particularly those with links to Africa.” - Jacko Maree, Standard Bank Group Chief Executive

“Our strategic partnership with ICBC provides us with one of the strongest partners in the future global superpower economy, with a keen desire to participate in the next phase of development on the African continent.” - Jacko Maree, Standard Bank Group Chief Executive

“Standard Bank’s heritage of nearly 150-years, our pioneering spirit and proven track record gives us a good understanding of emerging markets. Being based in South Africa throughout its economic, financial market, social and political evolution, has forced and enabled us to be innovative, proactive, resilient and adaptable – attributes which are essential to developing a global emerging market operation.” - Jacko Maree, Standard Bank Group Chief Executive

Credits

Social Media Release created and issued by Brandsh on behalf of Standard Bank