Driving Africa’s Growth: How Collaboration Shapes Standard Bank’s Technology Vision

People often ask me why I've stayed with Standard Bank for so long. My answer is always the same: the culture. Because at Standard Bank, collaboration isn't a nice-to-have. It's essential to achieve our vision.??

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The challenges we face are significant, and the opportunities are complex, but together we can find the solutions we need. It doesn't matter if we're navigating diverse regulations, tackling infrastructure hurdles, or designing innovative products; teamwork is at the heart of everything we do.?

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But it's not just about collaboration; it’s also about support. Over the years, I've been given incredible opportunities to learn and grow, from earning additional qualifications to taking a sabbatical to focus on professional development. These are more than perks; they reflect our belief that when people grow, so does the organisation.?

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When I joined Standard Bank's graduate programme two decades ago, I couldn't have imagined the journey I was embarking on. Back then digital was at its infancy and the pace of the evolution of technology much slower. But over the years it has moved from support function to the core of the business in banking and industries. Digital solutions in banking are now a fundamental necessity. We are focusing on defining what the role of a trusted partner can be on the continent and exploring the services we will provide to meet our clients’ evolving needs.

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Taking the Career Path Less Travelled ?

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One of the most pivotal moments came when I got exposure to the international markets during a secondment to the London office. It broadened my perspective and really ignited my passion for the capital markets. But my heart was always with Africa, and when I came back, I took on various technical roles and later moved into leadership roles. After heading up the trading technology teams I eventually took on quite different roles heading up Investment Banking, Data and Digital Technology.

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However, this career path hasn’t been linear. At one point, I even stepped out of banking altogether to join a fintech giant. That move gave me a front-row seat on how financial services are evolving across sectors like retail, asset management, and even state-owned enterprises.?

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When Standard Bank asked me to return as Chief Information Officer for Global Markets, it felt like coming home. Only this time, I had a broader perspective and even more passion for what we could achieve together. What's stayed with me throughout this journey is something deeper than systems or strategies. It's the people, collaboration, and culture of constantly growing and working together to tackle some of Africa's most complex challenges.

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Building Technology Solutions for Real Needs

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In the early days, technology in banking was often seen as a back-office function that supported the business rather than driving it. Today, technology is central to our strategy and vision.??

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That’s why we've become much more deliberate about being data-led. By understanding what our clients need—through their behaviours, feedback, and even what they don't communicate—we design solutions that simplify their journeys and make banking more efficient. Because when you're working with a corporate client, you're not problem-solving for one person but for a group of individuals with different needs and goals. That's where our ability to dive deep into personas and solve for each one comes into play.?

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No matter what we're building, one thing never changes: our commitment to security and stability. Innovation is exciting, but it means nothing without trust.

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Embracing Experimentation and Leading with Purpose

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Working for an Africa-based organisation comes with unique challenges—from political and economic factors to infrastructural issues. The work we do here is uniquely complex. But these challenges have also given us resilience that defines our success and who we are.??

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As such, Standard Bank has created a space where experimentation is encouraged, not just accepted. We realise that not every idea in technology will work out, and that's okay. What matters is the courage to act and the willingness to pivot when something no longer serves our clients or the organisation. By delivering small, incremental value, we can adapt our vision quickly to changing needs. We also carve out dedicated time for teams to think creatively and explore bold ideas.??

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As a leader, my job is to remove friction for my team by clearing roadblocks, aligning strategy with action, and helping them see how their work fits into the technology roadmap and vision. I don't always have all the answers, but I don't need to. My role is to trust the experts around me and create an environment where they can do their best work, making sure they feel supported every step of the way.??

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The Future of Banking Rests on Technology

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Technology will play an even bigger role in shaping the future of banking, and data will be at the centre of this transformation. It will allow us to offer personalised experiences that weren’t possible before. Technology will also drive efficiency, helping us deliver products faster and more seamlessly. Ultimately, I believe banking will become integrated into our clients' lives, not as a separate service but a part of their day-to-day operations.?

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This vision would not be possible to achieve without collaboration. Cross-functional teamwork is about more than a way to get things done. It's how we solve problems creatively, drawing on diverse perspectives to build solutions that truly make a difference. Standard Bank’s purpose, “Africa is our home. We drive her growth.” isn’t just a slogan; it’s a shared purpose that unites us and will continue to inspire and drive everything we do in technology.