Standard Chartered Bank has won an unprecedented total of 10 awards at the Banker Awards 2006 — including the top award for Global Bank of the Year and Best Regional Bank in Africa.
The Global Bank of the Year award recognises the bank’s performance in its regions of Asia, Africa and the Middle East, as well the bank’s “prudent acquisition strategy”.
The Bank’s acquisitions include SC First Bank in Korea (2005), Union Bank in Pakistan and Hsinchu International Bank in Taiwan (2006).
Standard Chartered also won two key regional awards (Asia Pacific and Africa), six country awards and the award for Best CSR (Corporate and Social Responsibility) Bank. The country awards were for Best Bank in Afghanistan, Botswana, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, Kenya and Sierra Leone.
Africa CEO Mike Hart commented on the Best Regional Bank in Africa award: “Africa is an important part of Standard Chartered’s history and future and is a diverse continent. Many of its economies, such as Nigeria and Botswana, are experiencing strong economic growth and are being transformed by high commodity and energy prices.
“The strengthening trade links between Asia, particularly China, and Africa have received much attention in 2006. As the only international bank with strong presences in both Asia and Africa, we are helping to fund this growing trade activity, and so it is particularly pleasing that we have won these awards at this time.
“Africa still faces huge challenges, and being a leading bank in Africa means more than running a successful business. We are supporting communities through our global campaigns to combat avoidable blindness, HIV/Aids and Malaria as well as deploying our people and expertise to encourage sustainable development.”
Chris Low, chief executive of Standard Chartered Bank in South Africa said: “I would like to thank our employees for their hard work and our customers for allowing us to serve them. The awards presented to us by The Banker [magazine] recognise the progress we have made towards our strategic intent to be the world’s best international bank, leading the way in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.”
Commenting on the Global Best Bank award, Mervyn Davies, chairperson for Standard Chartered said: “Standard Chartered’s strategic intent is to be the world’s best international bank, leading the way in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
“Through strong organic growth and disciplined acquisitions, the scale of Standard Chartered has been transformed in recent years. We are proud that The Banker has recognised our progress by making us Global Bank of the Year.
“The Bank has kept a clear focus on its key regions while increasing its diversity to deliver consistent performance. We have built a more balanced spread of geographies and a broader range of services in consumer and wholesale banking.
“An additional source of diversity for us is the range of nationalities and talents among our employees. We believe leading businesses will distinguish themselves through their international understanding and their talented workforces.” — I-Net Bridge
The full list of awards won by Standard Chartered:
Global Bank of the Year Award
Best Regional Bank in Africa
Best Regional Bank in Asia Pacific
Best CSR Bank Award
Best Bank in Afghanistan
Best Bank in Botswana
Best Bank in Kenya
Best Bank in Sierra Leone
Best Bank in Gambia
Best Bank in Côte d’Ivoire