The Standard Bank of British South Africa was formed in Port Elizabeth, South Africa in 1862 and incorporated in London. After 150 years, we're now one of the largest banking groups in Africa and a leading light in emerging markets on the global stage.

By the early 1960s, the group was owned by Standard Bank Limited in London, a holding company that later became Standard Chartered Bank plc. In 1969, the Standard Bank Group was established as the Standard Bank Investment Corporation, the holding company of the South African business. In 1987 however, complete ownership was transferred to South Africa when Standard Chartered sold its 39% share. Since then, we've expanded our operations through both natural growth and acquisitions, initially in Africa and then across the world.

A truly global emerging markets bank

With strong roots in South Africa's developing economy, our business now spans 17 African countries and 13 others. While we continue to play a major role taking the South Africa forward by encouraging economic inclusion and investing in local communities, we're also connecting this experience and expertise across Africa and in emerging markets with links to Africa.

Major global partnerships

As part of our growth strategy, in 2007 we announced a strategic partnership with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), at the time the world's largest bank by market capitalisation. This gives us access to a bigger client base in China, Africa and other emerging markets. In particular, with ICBC's huge presence in the Chinese market, it provides us with an established route into the largest emerging market on the planet.

Africa

In Africa, we're continuing to expand the variety of products and services we provide to customers. In 2007 we gained a controlling stake in Nigeria's IBTC Chartered Bank Plc, recognised as a leader in the local financial sector. After merging our existing Nigerian operations with IBTC, we created Stanbic IBTC Bank, with a strong presence across Nigeria. Stanbic IBTC offers a wide range of client-focused, customised solutions that create real value for our clients.

More recently in Africa, in 2009 we gained a banking licence in Angola, enabling us to extend our services to Angolan customers.

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