Standard Bank’s position as one of the world’s leading emerging markets banks was endorsed on Wednesday night with the company winning eight awards, including the prestigious Emerging Markets Bank of the Year, at The Banker Awards of 2007.
Standard Bank, whose operations extend to 38 countries and with total assets of $156-billion, was also named Bank of the Year for South Africa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland and Zimbabwe, reinforcing its position as Africa’s leading bank.
Each year The Banker, a pre-eminent publication on the banking sector, 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 on Wednesday night at the Dorchester Hotel in London.
Commenting on the awards, Jacko Maree, Standard Bank group chief executive, said: “2007 has been a milestone 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 market banks.
“Financially, Standard Bank has seen continued and robust growth in developing countries as these markets continue to perform. Furthermore, our proposed strategic partnership with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China will, if approved, lay the foundation for significant expansion of trade and investment between China and Africa, and will be a defining milestone for Standard Bank.
“Our position as specialists in emerging markets is founded on the 145 years’ experience we have operating in early-stage economies and developing markets and we look forward to building on this position in the years ahead.” — I-Net Bridge