Standard Bank named among world’s best employers, ranked no.1 in Africa by Forbes

Standard Bank Group, the parent company of Stanbic Bank Ghana, has been named among the World’s Best Employers for 2025 by Forbes Magazine, reaffirming its status as a leading employer on the African continent.

The Johannesburg-based financial institution was ranked 28th globally out of 900 multinational corporations and emerged as the highest-ranked company from both Africa and South Africa. Standard Bank also placed third among 119 companies in the global Banking and Financial Services category.

Forbes, in partnership with Statista, selects the World’s Best Employers annually based on independent and anonymous surveys conducted among more than 300,000 employees across 50 countries. Participants evaluate their employers on criteria such as working conditions, diversity, growth opportunities, and corporate values.

Sim Tshabalala, Chief Executive of Standard Bank Group, described the recognition as a reflection of the company’s strong values and the dedication of its workforce.

“Standard Bankers are deeply committed to our purpose and to the people we serve,” he said. “This prestigious recognition by Forbes, for the fourth year, is a testament to our 54,000 people, their unwavering commitment and their impact on sustainable growth throughout Africa.”

Sharon Taylor, Chief People and Culture Officer at Standard Bank Group, highlighted the central role of the bank’s employees in driving both institutional and continental progress.

“Our people are our greatest source of sustainable competitive advantage,” she said. “We are committed to their growth and in turn, they are the driving force behind the growth of our clients and the continent. ‘Africa is our home, we drive her growth’ is not just a statement of purpose – it is something all Standard Bankers have the opportunity to truly live.”

The latest recognition follows a string of recent international accolades, including listings on TIME Magazine’s World’s Best Companies and Newsweek’s World’s Most Trustworthy Companies for 2025.

These honours, the bank said, underscore its commitment to excellence, ethical leadership, and a people-first approach that continues to shape its growth strategy across Africa.