Stanbic Bank Botswana has been named “Bank of the Year” in Botswana by The Banker, the leading journal of the global banking industry. This award was received by our Managing Director, Leina Gabaraane in London recently.
Standard Bank has also been named 2011 Bank of the Year in Africa for its ability to gain strategic advantage, adapt to variable market conditions, secure important deals and succeed in an increasingly competitive landscape.
In addition to Bank of the Year in Africa, The Banker named Standard Bank as Bank of the Year in Lesotho, Malawi and Zimbabwe.
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 Mr 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.
“We are excited and proud of the honour, particularly the Best Bank in Botswana award. This accolade is taken as a token of recognition and appreciation for the work we do all over Africa and Botswana in particular and confirms our commitment to providing relevant and quality financial services in our market. Our efforts at supporting economic activity in various sectors across the country are not only bearing fruit, but are recognised” added Stanbic Bank Botswana Managing Director, Leina Gabaraane.
Recently, EMEA Finance Magazine acknowledged Stanbic Bank as Best Investment Bank in Botswana.
