By MAIMBOLWA MULIKELELA –
STANDARD Bank group has been named best foreign exchange provider in Africa at the 2016 Global Finance World’s Best Foreign Exchange Provider Awards.
This is the fourth year in a row in which Standard Bank, Africa’s largest by assets, has won in the African category.
Standard Bank, which trades as Stanbic in other countries, was also named the best foreign exchange provider in Angola, Botswana, Zambia, South Africa and Kenya.
Stanbic Bank Zambia head corporate and investment banking, Helen Lubamba said the bank was delighted to receive the award from such a prestigious publication.
Ms Lubamba said in a statement issued in Lusaka yesterday that the bank’s extensive footprint across Africa and its connectivity to international markets enables it to tap into pools of capital from across the world.
This would in turn boost the continent’s currency markets at a time when liquidity levels across most jurisdictions have come under threat due to weak economic conditions.
“This provides further confirmation of the success of our client-focused strategy and desire to serve clients through our well-established on-the-ground presence in Zambia and our global connectivity that links clients to opportunities in Africa,” Ms Lubamba said.
Head of foreign exchange Richard de Roos said the bank was thrilled to receive the recognition for its work in a field that was important in maintaining Africa’s economic growth.
He said clients valued quality service above anything else.
Mr de Roos said having built experience across the continent for over 152 years, the ground presence and local insight helped the bank connect the clients to opportunities across Africa and beyond.