Standard Bank Mauritius Ltd : Elevating African financial leadership

THE origins of Standard Bank (Mauritius) Limited go back more than 160 years, but it was only in 2001 that this South African bank established itself in Mauritius. As a 100% subsidiary of the Standard Bank Group, “Africa’s largest bank in terms of assets” in the words of François Gamet, Chief Executive of the bank in Mauritius, it capitalizes on the Group’s vast experience, which extends across 20 African countries. Building on Mauritius’ reputation as an international financial centre, Standard Bank Mauritius aims to be a strategic partner for investors using Mauritius as a gateway for trade and investment in Africa.

The decision to collaborate with Mauritius stems from its status as a leading international financial centre in Africa. Boasting a business-friendly environment, solid infrastructure, a skilled workforce, competitive tax rates and a well-regulated banking sector, Mauritius aligns itself, in Standard Bank’s eyes, with the opportunity to offer comprehensive services to customers with ambitions in Africa.

As part of the Standard Bank group, it benefits from being one of the continent’s largest financial service providers, with a presence in 20 African countries and six international centres. Ranked as the most valuable banking brand in Africa for three consecutive years, Standard Bank focuses on a customer-centric approach, offering high-quality services through digital platforms and a dedicated team of professionals with in-depth expertise in key industry sectors relevant to Africa’s growth.

In addition, Standard Bank’s strategic partnership with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) underlines its commitment to fostering opportunities between Africa and China. In Mauritius, an office dedicated to this objective facilitates trade and business relations between the two regions.

Standard Bank Mauritius remains optimistic about its future prospects. Building on a solid performance in 2023, characterized by strong revenue growth and strengthened customer relationships, the bank is poised for further expansion. With a focus on supporting customer growth and diversifying revenue streams within a prudent risk framework, Standard Bank Mauritius aims to support Africa’s growth trajectory and build brand awareness through initiatives such as the #AfricaFuture-ReadybyMauritius campaign.

Continuing its dedication to Africa, Standard Bank Group plans to expand its footprint by opening a new office in Egypt, capitalizing on the increasing trade between Africa and the Middle East. Overall, Standard Bank Mauritius is well positioned to adapt to changing market dynamics and contribute to Africa’s economic development.