Presented by Standard Bank

Standard Bank Shari’ah Banking named Best Islamic Bank for SMEs in South Africa in 2025

Partner

 ·8 Oct 2025

Standard Bank Shari’ah Banking has been recognized as the Best Islamic Bank for SMEs in South Africa for 2025, emerging victorious against a competitive field of numerous entries in this year’s Global Banking & Finance Review Awards®.

• For more information about Standard Bank Shari’ah Banking, click here.

This prestigious accolade further strengthens Standard Bank’s reputation as a leading financial institution committed to ethical banking and innovative solutions tailored for small and medium-sized enterprises.

This latest award adds to an impressive list of accolades for Standard Bank Shari’ah Banking, including being crowned Africa’s Best Islamic Bank for the second consecutive year at the 2025 Euromoney Islamic Finance Awards, receiving the Excellence Award for Islamic SME Banking at the 2024 Global Islamic Finance Awards, and multiple PMR.africa Business Excellence Awards recognizing the bank’s sustained leadership and service excellence.

The Global Banking & Finance Awards are widely regarded as some of the most prestigious accolades in the financial sector.

These awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and excellence across a broad spectrum of categories, including Banking, Islamic Finance, Corporate Social Responsibility, Fund & Asset Management, and more.

By spotlighting institutions that consistently push boundaries and redefine industry standards, the awards highlight those making a lasting impact on the global financial landscape.

“Being named the Best Islamic Bank for SMEs in 2025 by the Global Banking & Finance Awards® is a profound honour for Standard Bank Shari’ah Banking,” says Ameen Hassen, Head of Shari’ah Banking at Standard Bank South Africa.

“These awards are recognized globally as a mark of visionary leadership and meaningful impact. This recognition affirms our unwavering commitment to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises through ethical, Shari’ah-compliant financial solutions that foster sustainable growth. It stands as a testament to the dedication of our teams and the trust our clients place in us every day.”

As Standard Bank Shari’ah Banking continues to innovate and support the SME sector, this award serves not only as a celebration of past achievements but also as a catalyst for future innovation and continued excellence in Islamic finance.

For more information about Standard Bank Shari’ah Banking, click here.