Banking is the highest regarded industry in South Africa according to the 2013 Top Companies Reputation Index published this week by Mail & Guardian. The index rates the most reputable businesses in the country. Overall, Standard Bank is placed second to Coca-Cola SA and first in Financial Sector category and first in the Banking sub-sector category.

Standard Bank was also seen as the second-most reputable by Facebook users. Read more »

With 150 years’ business banking experience in Africa, Standard Bank Group will be joining in the Africa Day celebrations on 25 May to commemorate the founding of the Organization of African Unity (now known as the African Union) in 1963, which marked the unification of 54 African states.

The day aims to remind countries in Africa that they are not alone in dealing with problems such as poverty, natural disasters, extreme weather and armed conflict in Africa and deserve their independence, rights and welfare. Read more »

Most South Africans are still opting for the traditional instalment sale agreement to finance their new cars but some are considering alternatives like rental and leasing. Both options allow for an agreement of up to five years but leasing, in particular, is gaining popularity since it offers greater peace-of-mind and ease of use. Read more »

For those of you who remember huddling around the radio and waiting to hear what the next twist in the tale will be, radio dramas are back.

Radio dramas have been around since the 1940s and are a rich part of South Africa’s history. Who said they have to be a thing of the past? Let us capture your imagination and tug at your emotions. Read more »

Standard Bank Group has once again been shortlisted for the FT/IFC Sustainable Finance Awards 2013.

These leading global awards are now in their eighth year and are the benchmark for financial institutions that have demonstrated dedicated and integrate environmental, social and corporate governance considerations into their operations. The awards are presented by Financial Times and IFC, a member of the World Bank Group (see www.ft-live.com/sustainablefinance). Read more »

It takes a cool head to manage a fleet of vehicles, especially when it comes to reducing the risks and costs involved. With more than 700 000 fleet cards in circulation in South Africa, the local fleet management industry is turning to technology to help them better control risk for their customers.

Dr David Molapo, head of Standard Bank South Africa’s fleet management offering, explains that the application of technology is increasingly placing control of vital elements of a fleet’s operations in the hands of their customers' fleet managers and controllers. Read more »