Standard Bank Continues Supporting Power Sector: Hosts Symposium

Standard Bank on Friday April 29, hosted the 2016 Power Symposium at BICC in Lilongwe at which the bank discussed its financial capabilities in supporting the power sector in Malawi and its role in helping to unleash Malawi's economic potential.

Under the theme; “Accelerating Growth in Energy to Power a Sustainable Future,” the symposium brought together a cross-section of stakeholders in the power sector and will see Standard Bank discussing its experiences in project financing and deal structuring of the continent’s power sector.

Briefing the media at the end of the symposium Standard Bank Head of Investment Banking Shakil Satar said the Bank has

“We are glad to be hosting this year’s symposium in line with our agenda to contribute to growth of mother Malawi through support of the electricity sector. At Standard Bank, we have been financially backing Africa's power sector through arranging and backing deals that are quickly transforming the sector, and moving economies forward,” said Satar.

Satar said the sector remain a key focus for the bank to and the Bank is committed to support the development of power sector in Malawi, “The need for a reliable electricity grid and supply is paramount for the growth of our country; the power sector provides one of the most important inputs for the development of a country and availability of reliable and inexpensive power is critical for its sustainable economic development,” he said.

He said for Malawi to achieve sustainable economic growth, the power sector needs to grow at the same rate as the country’s economy. 

“Forums such as the Power Symposium should give stakeholders an opportunity to start looking into alternative to regular electricity power away from fossilised power such as solar.“Our approaches in power need also to respond to the challenge that emanate from the environment. Being environmentally-conscious and Climate Smart will determine the rate of success and sustainability of all our interventions going forward,” he said

Key power stakeholders who attended the symposium include the Malawi Government through the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy & Environment, the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) and Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (Escom) and various Investors.

Among key topics of discussed were the Draft National Energy Policy (2016), The Untilities’ long term Strategy and unbundling, as well as an update on progress of the MCC’s Compact, Power Market Reforms. Standard Bank officials from the Power and Infrastructure team will share their experiences on the region’s power sector and solutions in Project Finance.

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.

Standard Bank Beats Target for Internet Banking Registrations

Standard Bank has disclosed that over two thousand customers have registered for its internet banking service.

The Digital Banking Manager, Inqxhuiniso Dzoole Mwale made the disclosure in Lilongwe during the third draw of bank’s promotion ‘Be Your Own Bank Transact & Win’

“The promotion has received overwhelming response and we are proud to announce that we have registered over 2,200 customers. This surpasses our target of 2000 customers for three months” said Dzoole Mwale

In the first two weeks of the promotion the bank announced that it registered up to 400 customers and in the fourth week, the bank had registered 1700 customers on internet banking.

He also revealed that Standard Bank has introduced new and more secure method of resetting account password. He said the improved process will enable customers to change their account password without going back to the branch.

He explained that the customer is only required to call Standard Bank call centre and they will receive a text message as well as a PDF document through email. He said the text message in their mobile phone contains a pin number which customer will use to open PDF document which contains the password.

During the third draw of the promotion, a female customer Eddah Lijoni from Blantyre who she said works in Karonga at Kayelera, won the big prize for the fortnight draw, a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge

“I am really excited” she reacted when the bank contacted her immediately after the draw, “I’ve never won anything like that in my life”

Now there are two more fortnight draws to go. 15 lucky customers are winning T-shirts, another 15 winning caps, 5 winning flash discs while biggest prize is Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge.

Grand prize at the end of promotion in October is K1 million cash and K500 thousand for runner-up while third placed winner will walk way home with a DSTV Explorer plus a month’s premium subscription which will be given.

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.

Chikwawa Customer Wins Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge in Be Your Own Bank-Transact&Win Promotion

Thomas Banda from Chikwawa is a Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge winner during the second draw of Standard Bank internet banking promotion.

Standard Bank launched 'Be Your Own Bank Transact& Win' promotion for its customers having current account with internet banking option.

"This is a good news" Banda reacted in a telephone call when the bank called him to inform of his win in the promotion.

"This internet banking is helpful especially down here in Chikwawa because it is very convenient" said Banda while encouraging fellow customers to use the internet banking facility

Chirwa (in white shirt)

Speaking in Lilongwe Standard Bank’s Sales and Customer Experience Manager, Frank Chirwa said the competition has received positive response from customers and that the bank is surpassing its target on customers registering for internet banking.

“Our target was 2000 registrations in three months, but we have seen 1700 so far.” said Chirwa

Within the first two weeks of the promotion the bank recorded 400 registered new users

“From these results, we are seeing that people are interested in internet banking transaction, but let’s transact more because there are lots of prizes waiting for customers.”

With a minimum of four transactions every two weeks using internet banking, one stands a chance to win the fortnight's promotion prizes; 15 caps, 15 T-shirts and 5 flash discs and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge. 

The promotion Grand prize money is K1 million and K500 thousand for runner-up and third placed winner will walk away home with a DSTV Explorer plus a month's Premium subscription which will be given at the end of promotion in October.

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.

Standard Bank Conducts ‘Be Your Own Bank-Transact & Win’ Promotion First Draw

Standard Bank Be your own bank 1st Draw 

Lucky Current Account customers for Standard Bank begins to receive prizes for the 'Be Your Own Bank-Transact & Win' Promotion as the Bank conducts the first fortnight draw of the promotion.

Standard Bank officials conducting the draw

The first draw conducted on Tuesday, saw customer, Fiona Kalemba winning prize of the day, Samsung Galaxy S6. 15 customers won T-shirts, another 15 won caps while 5 won flash discs.

The promotion launched two weeks ago aims at promoting internet banking usage in Malawi for greater customer convenience and security.

Charity Mughogho

Charity Mughogho, Head of Personal Markets for the bank says the bank has registered huge positive response as it received more than 400 registered new users within the first two weeks of the promotion.

She said customers are getting comfortable using the self-service channel 'internet banking' as the bank experienced "a commensurate increase" in internet banking transactions during the same period. 

"The response in the first two weeks is encouraging and prospects are high that more people will come forward to join us in this new era of digital and paperless banking" said Mughogho

Charity Mughogho

"We would like to reiterate the fact that our internet banking platform offers great convenience and security to our customer hence our drive to encourage of the platform.

"Gone are the days when customers always had to walk to the bank or talk to a banker in order to transact. With internet banking transactions can be performed from literally anywhere and it is important that our customers become more comfortable using platforms to transact." Explained Mughogho

Existing Standard Bank Current Account customers need to register for internet Banking while potential ones should open a Current Account complete with the Internet Banking service option. 

With a minimum of four transactions every two weeks using internet banking, one stands a chance to win the six fortnight's promotion prizes that include a Samsung Galaxy S6, flash discs, caps and T-shirts.

Grand prize money is K1 million and K500 thousand for runner-up and third placed winner will walk away home with a DSTV Explorer plus a month's Premium subscription which will be given at the end of promotion in October.

Deposit-Taking ATMs Reducing Banking Hall Congestion- Standard Bank

Standard Bank

Woman depositing money on ATM

Standard Bank Malawi says the newly launched deposit-taking Auto Teller Machine (ATM) services have significantly reduced queues in its banking halls across crevice centres in the country. 

In its quest to continue moving its customers forward Standard Bank on 22nd May 2015, launched deposit-taking ATMs is in line with the bank’s continued improvements in digital banking capabilities in response to increasing customer preferences.

Frank Chirwa 

Speaking in an interview, Standard Bank’s Sales and Customer Experience Manager, Frank Chirwa while encouraging customers to utilize the Deposit-taking ATMs, said unlike the past, the bank has reduced congestion in banking halls.

He said, with capacity of making deposits of up to K40 thousand at a time, customers are able to deposit quickly without getting inside of the banking hall hence the reduced incidences of congestion. 

“We don’t want our customers to queue.” Said Chirwa “What you have to do is go outside and find ATM and deposit. In that way you are able to do deposit during both day and night. So you don’t have to wait for the bank to open”

When launching the service, Standard Bank announced that the new service is available at existing ATM points across 11 strategic branches of the bank and that Customers must use their personal ATM cards in order to interact with deposit-enabled ATMs.

Standard Bank Introduce ‘Be Your Own Bank Promotion’

Standard Bank Capital City Branch

Standard Bank launches ‘Be Your Own Bank—Transact & Win’ promotion for existing Current Account Customers and those opening Current Account with complete Internet Banking service option.

The Bank announced that Customers stand a chance of winning K1 million grand prize and K5 hundred thousand for runner-up and many other fabulous prizes up for grabs during fortnight lucky draws.

Launching the promotion, Standard Bank’s Sales and Customer Experience Manager, Frank Chirwa said the promotion aims at empower customers to be their own bank managers by conduct Current Account transactions using bank’s Internet Platform.

Frank Chirwa

He said Current Account customers registered on Internet Banking must transact a minimum of four times every two weeks, and have higher chances of winning with more transactions.

The promotion the promotion which runs from 17th July to October 30, 2015, enables Current Account customer transact virtually from their phone or computer using Standard Bank’s Internet Banking platform.

“We are trying to focus on the customer to make sure that whatever they do on the internet banking is rewarded.” said Frank Chirwa

“We are looking at customers that are new to the Bank. There are some customers that are already with us but don’t have internet bank while others have internet banking but they don’t use it, so we are trying to encourage those to make sure that they are able to use our platform.” Added Chirwa

He also assured that the Standard Bank internet banking is; reliable, smart, safe, secure and fast convenient since customers can transact at any time and from anywhere without them physically visit the bank.

“Our system is accredited globally and is managed by our team in South Africa Center” he said

“It has taken years of careful planning and continuous improvement of our digital banking platform with the objective of giving customers peace of mind, security and flexibility, the same leverage enjoyed by all our customers globally” said the Sales and Customer Experience Manager

He said customers will get trained on transacting using internet banking and will be followed up after two weeks.

‘Be your own Bank-Transact & Win’ is the third initiative from Standard Bank under the financial institutions digital offering this year. The others are deposit-taking ATMs and ATM card-based Swipe for customers shopping at a leading retailers and service providers.

Fast Facts on the ‘Be your own Bank-Transact & Win’

The third place winner will walk home with a DSTV Explorer plus a month’s subscription. Other fabulous prizes up for grabs during fortnight lucky draws are in the promotion are Samsung Galaxy S6, flash discs, caps and T-shirts. Promotions runs from July 17 to October 30th, 2015.

To stand a chance of winning existing Current Account Customers need to register for Internet Banking while potential ones should open a Current Account complete with the Internet Banking Service option.

The customers must ensure to transact a minimum of four times every two weeks, and the more transactions one conducts, the higher their chances of winning.

With this internet banking system, there is no time for queuing to check your balance and pay bills at Standard Bank, a customer need just to press a button.