Based on its recent analysis of the market for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) support financial services, Frost & Sullivan recognizes Standard Bank with the 2014 South Africa Frost & Sullivan Award for Customer Value Leadership. Acknowledging SME clients' need for on-call services throughout the day, Standard Bank introduced a command centre for the processing and turnaround of SME loan applications within 48 hours.

"Standard Bank has refined its micro-finance strategy to offer more secured loans and is currently focussed on improving the management of its current holdings," said Frost & Sullivan Research Analyst Ntsolo Setlaba. "Additionally, as part of a differentiated credit extension strategy, it offers financial training to clients rather than simply extend credit. This practice is becoming increasingly challenging due the delicate balance required between maintaining the integrity of the financials while achieving substantial growth rates."