Standard Bank crowned Africa’s best bank

Standard Bank Group has been named the best bank in Africa in Global Finance’s 28th annual listing of the best banks worldwide. The bank was also recognised as the best in South Africa and Uganda.

The World’s Best Banks 2021 awards were based on performance over the past year and other criteria, including their reputation, management excellence and leadership in digital transformation and corporate citizenship, said a statement.

Standard Bank Group CEO Sim Tshabalala said, “To be recognised in this way by Global Finance is a great honour for the Standard Bank Group. Over the past year we have had to work even harder than usual to support our employees, clients and communities during difficult circumstances.”

“I’m delighted to accept this award in grateful recognition of the excellent work done by my dedicated and resilient colleagues throughout our business.”

Standard Bank was acknowledged for its deep understanding of the continent that has been developed over its more than 150 years of business, its performance during the COVID-19 pandemic and key initiatives underway in the markets in which it operates.

One such initiative that was highlighted was Standard Bank’s OneFarm platform. OneFarm Share has partnered with HelloChoice, a digital agri-trade platform, and FoodForward, a beneficiary network, to match excess produce from farmers with certified food recipients.

Food is procured at a reduced cost or donated by farmers and then provided to beneficiary organisations. OneFarm has already provided six million meals to people across South Africa.

Further to this, Global Finance singled-out Standard Bank’s partnership with Salesforce to power the group’s digital platform and service the bank’s ecosystem of clients. The collaboration will allow both organisations to co-create bespoke solutions for clients, also enabling them to create solutions themselves by partnering with the Group’s service providers and vendors.

“These awards are testament to the trust placed in us by our clients, and as we look forward towards 2022, we’re focused on creating more solutions for our clients across Africa and helping them achieve their goals,” concluded Tshabalala.