Standard Bank Group has been recognised as the number one Sub-custody provider (asset manager) in six African countries in Global Investor magazine’s annual Sub-custody Survey.

The recognition was achieved for Standard Bank’s activities in Kenya, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.

Standard Bank’s strong balance sheet, depth of expertise and on-the ground presence in 18 African markets enables it to serve the increased level of investor interest in the region as well as the desire to develop more liquid local capital markets across sub-Saharan Africa.

Standard Bank Group had total assets of R1.7 trillion ($171 billion) and a market capitalisation of R180 billion ($18 billion) as of mid 2013.

The Bank’s Investor Services unit is the market leader in Sub-Saharan Africa with sustained presence in 15 countries across the region.

Mr Mark Kerns, Head of Investor Services at Standard Bank says: “The growth of Standard Bank’s Investor Services business in sub-Saharan Africa has been exceptional, underpinned by strong demand from international investors as well as continued development of the pension savings and insurance markets at a local level.”

Standard Bank has been at the forefront of the development of South Africa’s financial system for 150 years and started building a franchise outside of southern Africa in the early 1990s.

It now boasts 1,277 branches, including loan centres, and 8,517 ATMs across the African continent as well as representation in key global financial centres such as London, New York and Shanghai.