Standard Bank Partners With Airtel Money To Let Customer Bank Closer To Home

Margaret Kubwalo and Matseketsa 

Standard Bank has partnered with Airtel Money in order to give customers seamless control of their financial transactions and take financial inclusion to a higher level.

Head of Personal and Business Banking Margaret Chaika Kubwalo said the bank is moving the next step forward in providing convenience and efficiency to customers by providing them platform that allows them push and pull money to and from their Standard Bank and Airtel Money Accounts.

The platform enables Standard Bank customers manage their money when making various transactions such as utility bills, airtime purchases and transfers and account balance.

Kubwalo

"Now a Standard Bank customer doesn't need to come to Standard Bank to cash money from an ATM and push it to Airtel Money through Airtel Money agent. Now all that can be done in the convenience of their home." She said

Kubwalo also indicated that this partnership offers opportunity to Airtel Money customers who have no bank accounts but wishes to open an account with the bank. She said such Airtel customers are well come to open account with Standard Bank and move their mobile wallet from Airtel Money account to Standard Bank and start to access to other banking services not offered by mobile money.

Matseketsa

For his part, Airtel Money Country Director Francis Matseketsa said the joint financial service confirms Airtel Money as the market leader in mobile money transfers.

As a service, Airtel Money has gained massive acceptance from our growing customer base during its four years in operation. Across, Africa, Airtel Money is the most widely used means of money transfer. On the other hand, Standard Bank as a financial services provider is a market leader on the continent. This partnership is about two best brands working together for the mutual benefit of our shared customers, said Matseketsa

He said the partnership will save customers time and money and is backed by the robust ICT network platforms the two providers are backed up with.

About the service, Matseketsa explains, "If one has a bank account with Standard Bank, will be able to pull money from one's bank account into mobile money wallet then start to do all Airtel money services like send money to relatives, pay bills, even approach the nearest Airtel Money agent to withdraw cash. So that is convenience."

"Further more, They can also move extra-money in their wallet to their bank account. So you can imagine a farmer in the rural area they have sold their harvest and they get cash. They load cash within their area where there is no standard bank branch and they push that from mobile wallet of airtel money into their bank account and they can interact with their bank any time.

Standard Bank Introduces Visa Platinum Card

Margaret Kubwalo

One of Malawi's leading bank,  Standard Bank has launched a new-look Visa Platinum Debit Card which offers exclusive lifestyle benefits and increased personalized security.

Margaret Kubwalo-Chaika, Standard Bank Head of Personal and Business Banking said the new card offers prestige services to its customers and that they intend to deliver progressive and convenient banking services to its high-end customers.

"This card is more than debt card, it is a card that works both locally and internationally, it is about prestige” said Kubwalo on Thursday night in Lilongwe when launching the new card

Visa Platinum Debit Card is a new product with exclusive features like the highly secure new chip and pin that will see private bankers transact across the world with minimal risk. 

She mentioned that platinum card among others  offers exclusive benefits which include a guaranteed 24/7 world-wide concierge service, travel accident insurance, travel perks, lifestyle privileges and shopping rewards, zero liability and an end to queues.

“It is just ensuring that Standard Bank is close to the customers, it is answering to the needs of customer in just one card.” she said 

“Soon we will also be able to make e-commerce payments using this very same card” added Kubwalo further pledging that the bank will continue bringing innovative products and services to achieve excellence in the delivery of its services to customers.

According to Chaika, for customers to access Platinum Visa Card they will have to bring in their old cards and apply for the Visa Platinum cards. 

“With the release of the new card which will be offered for free for those whose cards would not have expired in this year, the old cards will have to be returned to the bank and be destroyed to avoid inconveniences" said Chaika

She explained that whole process will be done at the Private Banking suites and the bankers have been duly trained on how to handle the process.

She said Standard Bank always goes an extra mile to demonstrate capability in offering tailor-made products and services to its customers and that customers can contact their private bankers who will guide them on the whole process.

Malawi Fans Promised To Have “The Lira Experience” Says Lira

The South African song bird Lira says her fans in Malawi should get ready for a memorable performance from her this Saturday night at Bingu International Conference Centre.

Lira lands in the country on Friday afternoon. He is coming to perform for the inaugural 'Blue Mingoli' music events platform of Standard Bank.

South Africa's Lira To Headline Blue Mingoli Music Concert

South Africa’s award winning singer Lira to headline this year’s Standard Bank inaugural ‘Blue Mingoli’ music concert scheduled for 24th October, 2015 in Lilongwe.

Lerato Molapo better known by her stage name as Lira, is South Africa’s award winning vocalists whose music is a fusion of soul, funk and Afro-jazz.

Margaret Kubwalo at Chameleon

“The main act for this year’s Standard Bank Blue Mingoli is Lira!” unveiled Margaret Chaika Kubwalo, the Bank’s Head of Personal and Business Banking

Chaika unveiled Lira on Sunday night at Chameleon bar in Lilongwe during a curtain-raiser show where Lulu was the main act supported by Eunice (from Mizu Band) and Nesnes. 

Lulu perfoming Jazz at
Chameleon Pre-show
for Lira 

“Lira is a talented musician who is on top of her game in contemporary music in South Africa. Standard Bank is proud to host her for this year’s concert. And She will share the stage with our own local artist Lulu.” Said Chaika

Chaika: we felt Malawians
would relate to Lira

Speaking in an interview of Lira choice, Chaika said “We looked around, and we felt that Malawian crowd would relate more with Lira for this year”

“Lulu will also curtain raise for her because we want to keep the show locally relevant” added Kubwalo

Lulu playing guitar: to
share stage with Lira

She said Standard bank is focusing on Jazz music because it is a music genre that attracts people across all ages.

At the curtain raiser show, Standard Bank also played a video which Lira speaks to her fans in Malawi. Lira says she looks forward to her performance.

“This is Lira. I am so excited to be performing at this year’s Blue Mingoli concert on the 24th of October. I have heard a lot about the warm heart of Africa and what it has to offer and I’m truly honoured to be invited to headline this event. 

I would also like to take this opportunity to wish all the supporting acts all of the best for the 24th. I am confident that together we are going to give you unforgettable show. See you there!” she said.

Standard Bank has since assured people that preparations for the main show are at an advanced stage and promises more fun from pre-shows lined up for Lilongwe and Blantyre.

Lulu&Eunice perfoming at
Chameleon: they will be
curtain raise Lira show 

The Bank says the pre-show venues will only be in selected entertainment places that resonate well with type of people expected to come for the main show.

Standard Bank Rebrand its Jazz Concert to ‘Blue Mingoli’

Standard Bank's annual music concert 'Joy of Jazz' returns this year with new name 'Blue Mingoli'

Last year, the bank took a break from hosting a main jazz concert, but instead treated its selected customers to a jazz evening with South Africa's contemporary jazz man, Jimmy Dludlu in Lilongwe.

Margaret Kubwalo 

"I am pleased to announce that the main Jazz Concert is back. We have rebranded the concert to "Blue Mingoli" disclosed Margaret Kubwalo-Chaika Standard Bank Head of Personal and Business Banking  

Kubwalo said the rebranding aims to create a relevant platform for the bank's annual jazz concerts while maintaining its objectives of promoting the development of local musicians.

She therefore said Blue Mingoli will maintain legacy where leading Malawian musicians will be invited to share the stage with international artists.

"Under Blue Mingoli, we have created a new platform that resonates with Malawian music lovers, our customers and local musicians

Blue Mingoli will not take away anything from our fans, but rather add icing to a delicious cake." Added Kubwalo

Kubwalo said Blue Mingoli highlights the power of relevant connections that the Standard Bank brand has with its customers who are lovers of music. 

This year's Blue Mingoli concert is scheduled to take place at the Bingu International Conference Centre in Lilongwe on October 24, 2015.

"We have cast the net wider in terms of the caliber of the international artist we will invite." Said Kubwalo but indicated that the Bank will reveal the identity of the artists soon 

Ahead of the concert, Standard Bank has lined up a series of pre-concert shows at popular entertainment joints in Blantyre and Lilongwe.

In 2012, Standard bank brought South Africa's award-winning artist, Zahara, the following year, the bank invited US Grammy-Award winning jazz master, Earl Klugh.