In the year that Jersey’s finance industry reaches its diamond anniversary, Standard Bank will also soon be celebrating 30 years since arriving in the Island in May 1992.

For nearly three decades, Standard Bank in Jersey has been focused on connecting the African continent to international solutions. The business provides financial solutions to people and businesses, from simple and accessible offshore bank accounts through to investment and trust solutions.

Charles Molteno, chief executive of Standard Bank Jersey, moved to Jersey in 2016 after working in Nigeria and South Africa for the group previously.

Charles explained: ‘Africa is a continent of dreamers and doers; people who connect to brands that can help them realise their ambitions and put them at the centre of the discussion. We are that brand and business. Our objective is clear. We support Africa’s growth by connecting the continent to international markets. We are a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the countries where we operate, and we make life better for our fellow Africans by doing business the right way. Africa is our home, we drive her growth.’

Standard Bank has heritage of nearly 160 years and a presence in 20 countries in sub Saharan Africa in which we have developed a long and successful track record. As an African-focused business, Jersey has been an integral part of the African strategy and we are seeking talent in the Island to join us on our journey of serving Africa’s rapidly growing, upwardly mobile and affluent population.

We pride ourselves on being an employer of choice and invest time, energy and resources into developing our people through continuous learning. We were the first bank in the Channel Islands to be awarded the DIFERA Liberate employer accreditation – in which we hold a four-star rating – demonstrating our credentials as a diverse, inclusive, fair, equal, respectful and accepting place to work. In return, we are proud to have a workforce of passionate, driven and diverse colleagues.

Putting our clients at the centre of everything we do and making Standard Bank a great place to do great work is key to us, along with making a positive contribution to the communities in which we operate. One of our strategic drivers is SEE, which encompasses three areas to make a positive social, economic and environment impact: education and skills, environmental sustainability and enterprise development. Underpinning this are five ‘action groups’, run by employees, dedicated to wellness, eco initiatives, diversity and inclusion, CSR strategic partnerships and volunteering and fundraising.

We have supported charities across our jurisdictions through initiatives including funding Covid-19 responses in African schools and rural communities, donating to registered solidarity funds, fundraising health and medicine initiatives across Africa and funding ‘Live at Home’ charity calls to elderly community members during lockdown.

We worked closely with Liberate, our diversity and inclusion partner, to support services for Jersey residents during Covid and progressed a disability audit within our premises. We support women in leadership through our involvement in the United Nations HeforShe initiative and worked with the Jersey Institute of Directors to develop a D&I Leadership Charter/vision statement.

From Jersey to Africa, a tale of endless opportunity. Join us on our journey of driving Africa’s growth and work for a business where you have an impact and your dreams are valid.