Local banking group Absa (ASA) and The Royal Bank of Scotland International (RBSI) have formed an alliance to open the offshore banking environment to Absa’s existing and potential clients, the two groups announced on Monday.
Jersey-based RBSI — wholly-owned by Royal Bank of Scotland Group — is a proven leader in European offshore banking, offering the necessary expertise, in these specialised markets to all Absa clients.
This alliance came about as a result of Absa’s need to provide a holistic wealth management solution to its clients backed by sound knowledge of offshore markets.
Managing executive at Absa Personal Financial Services Brendan O’Donnell said: “No South African bank can honestly claim to understand foreign markets as well as institutions that operate in these locations.
“Absa is constantly exploring new opportunities to improve our product offering to clients. A strategic alliance between Absa and such a reputable offshore financial institution emerged as the most effective and convenient way to respond to the growing needs of our clients for offshore banking.”
RBSI Retail Division MD David Gillespie is of the view that the alliance is an important one in the offshore financial industry.
“Our alliance with Absa opens up a new avenue of business to support our ongoing investment in ‘International Personal Banking’. This alliance is only possible because of the strong cultural and strategic fit we share with Absa,” Gillespie said.
The two banking groups announced that they have shared internal focus on development of human capital. Absa was voted best company to work for in 2002/03 while Jersey-based partner was accredited for its participation in the Investors in People campaign — a minimum standard of good practice internationally.
International travellers — clients with currency diversification needs — and those clients who spend extended periods of time working or living abroad needing offshore transactional solutions, are some of the clients that will benefit from this partnership.
For these clients, Absa and RBSI bring “Royalties International” and “Welcome UK” offerings – these two offerings provide clients with a safe and convenient way to fulfill their banking and savings needs.
The total number of affluent and high net worth individuals who would qualify for the offshore banking products in South Africa is estimated to be approximately 0,9-million.
“We estimate approximately 30% of this potential market has a need for offshore transactional banking and we aim to establish ourselves as an innovative player in this space within the next 12 to 18 months,” O’Donnell said
“This alliance will open new opportunities for Absa’s clients. With the growing trend of professionals seeking work experience abroad, Welcome UK will provide much needed support to these individuals,” said an ex-banker and Chief Representative Officer representing RBSI in South Africa Neels Scholtz. – I-Net Bridge