Standard Bank Group has received widespread recognition at the 2025 Euromoney Awards for Excellence, collecting 26 awards across its operations in Africa. At a ceremony hosted in London, the bank was named Africa’s Best Bank and was recognised for its performance across corporate and investment banking, client services, SME engagement, and responsible banking practices.
Euromoney, a global financial publication with a history of over 30 years in evaluating leading financial institutions, undertakes a rigorous assessment of global banking entities based on performance data, market insight, and client surveys. Standard Bank’s strong showing underscores its continuing prominence in African finance, particularly in providing solutions across corporate, investment, and retail banking sectors.
In a statement, Sim Tshabalala, Chief Executive of Standard Bank Group, reaffirmed the bank’s strategic commitment to the continent. “Our purpose is clear: Africa is our home, we drive her growth. As the continent’s leading financial institution, and with Africa poised to remain one of the world’s fastest-growing regions, we are uniquely positioned to capture the immense opportunities ahead while delivering strong returns for our shareholders and a positive impact for our clients and the communities we serve.”
The Group’s Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) division accounted for the majority of the accolades, securing 18 of the 26 awards. Luvuyo Masinda, Chief Executive of CIB, noted that the division’s achievements were underpinned by sectoral expertise and strong client partnerships. “Our deep sector expertise, particularly in energy and infrastructure, combined with strategic client relationships, has allowed us to deliver bespoke financing and advisory solutions. We continue to align our lending and global markets capabilities to meet client demands,” said Masinda.
Masinda added that the bank’s forward-looking strategy includes investing in data analytics to identify early-stage opportunities and expedite client solutions. The focus remains on growth sectors such as mining, infrastructure, energy, and technology media & telecommunications (TMT), alongside an expansion of its equity and debt capital markets offerings across the continent. According to him, enhancing structured capital and cultivating the next generation of investment professionals are central to sustaining this momentum.
The complete list of awards reflects the geographic breadth of Standard Bank’s operations, with notable distinctions in Angola, Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. In South Africa, the bank was recognised as the country’s best overall bank and best bank for large corporates and investment banking.
Beyond corporate finance, the bank was also honoured for its efforts in customer experience and SME support, particularly in Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zambia. The recognition for corporate responsibility in Zambia further highlights Standard Bank’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive financial development.
This year’s honours cement Standard Bank’s position as a key financial institution on the continent. Its strategy of regional integration, combined with a focus on digital innovation and sector-led growth, continues to receive validation from international peers and institutions.
