Nedbank scoops top award for Best Innovation in Retail Banking South Africa and Mike Brown honoured as 2018 Banking CEO of the Year for Africa
Published - 10 July 2018
Nedbank’s strong client focus, innovative technologies, good governance and nationbuilding efforts were just some attributes that helped Nedbank seal the 2018 International Banker Awards for Mike Brown as the Banking CEO of the Year for Africa and for Ciko Thomas for Innovation in Retail Banking South Africa.
When receiving the award Mike Brown was commended for his ‘commitment to technological advancement, client focus, corporate social responsibility and good governance, which places Nedbank in a great position to thrive in a country emerging from a political quagmire. The way in which Nedbank navigated the turbulent environment within South Africa, from credit rating downgrades to major political upheaval, is a testament to Group Chief Executive Mike Brown’s management and Nedbank employees’ skill.’
Each year the International Banker recognises leading banking institutions and individuals who have set the bar for industry excellence. At the 2018 International Banker Awards individuals and organisations in financial services in the Middle East and Africa that drive global economic commerce, create capital and opportunities for economic growth within their regions, set the benchmarks for technological advancement and client service, while maintaining high levels of regulatory compliance and corporate governance, are acknowledged.
On receiving the two awards at the London Stock Exchange, Brown said that he was proud of the leading role Nedbank continued to play in nationbuilding, supporting the economies in which the bank operated, adding value to societies and enhancing governance. ‘Our approach to banking is based on the fundamental belief that money can help create good and that Nedbank can help clients become financially fit and healthy. Our aim is to position ourselves as the bank that uses its core expertise in financial services to do good and, in doing so, secure positive outcomes for individuals, families, businesses and society,’ Brown said.
Ciko Thomas, Nedbank Group Managing Executive of Retail and Business Banking, said it was the human element that differentiated Nedbank’s innovative retail banking offering in a highly competitive retail banking sector. ‘With everyone moving towards digital, and the client demanding the same digital experience across all service providers regardless of the offerings, most organisations are focusing less on the human elements of compassion, responsiveness and attentiveness. Our digital strategy is worldclass without a doubt. But even digital experiences require human intervention. At Nedbank we pride ourselves on having the best employees to service our clients.’
Nedbank was further commended for its contribution to corporate social responsibility initiatives. The judges agreed that Nedbank’s goal of being a ‘strong advocate for and influencer on environmental matters’ was being fulfilled through, among others, its significant investment in the successful renewable-energy programme on the African continent.
