Driving Innovation and Customer Focus at Standard Bank Offshore

At a time where technological innovation is the cornerstone of competitive advantage, Standard Bank Offshore stands at the forefront, combining advanced digital solutions with an unwavering commitment to customer-centricity. As highlighted by two of its senior leaders, Michael Boarer and Daniel De Oliveira, the bank’s journey in leveraging data, AI, and digital transformation embodies its dedication to driving growth in Africa and beyond.

The Data-Driven Vision

Daniel De Oliveira’s refers to his career as a “Tech-fuelled exploration of expansion”, one which reflects a deep connection to Africa and a relentless pursuit of technological advancement. Born in Zimbabwe and educated in South Africa, Daniel’s African roots and passion for technology resonate deeply with Standard Bank’s mission: "Africa is our home, and we drive her growth."

With extensive experience spanning the industry in Johannesburg and the UK, Daniel’s professional journey brought him to his current role as Head of Data, AI, and Engineering at Standard Bank Offshore. Leading a team with over 100 years of combined expertise, Daniel oversees a data environment that powers a diverse portfolio across banking, investments, and fiduciary services, excelling in design engineering, data-driven decision-making, process automation, and digitisation.

"Data is the lifeblood of our organisation," Daniel states. "We have a responsibility to use it effectively and ethically." This ethos drives the bank's substantial investment in technology, modernising its tech infrastructure, and developing its people to stay ahead of the curve. Participating in leadership programmes and hackathons, the team continually seeks to improve data capabilities and deliver value to customers.

As the wider data ecosystem evolves, the excitement of staying at the forefront of innovation keeps Daniel and his team motivated. Leveraging data, machine learning and AI, they aim to understand clients on a deeper level, enhancing their financial journeys in ways previously unimaginable. This vision aligns with Standard Bank’s overarching purpose: to contribute lasting value to Africa.

A Customer-Centric Digital Transformation

Michael Boarer, Chief Information Officer at Standard Bank Offshore, leads the charge in navigating a shifting environment where customer-centricity intersects with digital transformation. "Managing seamless service delivery and prioritising uninterrupted technological operations are core to my role," Michael explains.

As a tech leader, Michael champions Agile and DevOps practices, both promoting team collaboration and   synergy between digital change teams and existing banking operations. This collaborative approach is pivotal as the bank transitions from a legacy institution to a contemporary financial services provider powered by cutting-edge technology.

"Our resolute commitment to genuine digital transformation is underscored by our ongoing efforts to expand our suite of products and services," Michael notes. This commitment creates an environment charged with excitement and possibility, positioning Standard Bank for sustained growth and a robust presence in the digital banking sphere.

Central to this transformation is an unwavering dedication to customer service and relationship management. "Our strong rapport with both corporate and private clients testifies to our longstanding commitment to cultivating enduring customer connections," Michael emphasises. This customer focus, combined with expanding digital capabilities, forms the bedrock of the bank’s continuous development and success.

Enhancing Cybersecurity

As digital transformation accelerates, ensuring robust cybersecurity measures is paramount. Michael highlights the criticality of integrating security into every layer of the bank's digital infrastructure, particularly in light of the increased prevalence of remote working.

"We remain acutely attuned to the intricate interplay between our digital initiatives and the imperative to fortify our defences," Michael says. Implementing solutions such as multifactor authentication, which are really becoming “tickets to the game” and other proactive measures reinforces the bank's commitment to maintaining robust security protocols, ensuring seamless remote work, and safeguarding operations against potential cyber threats.

Collaboration and Future Prospects

The synergy between technology, people, and processes drives meaningful change at Standard Bank Offshore. Collaborations with industry giants like Microsoft, Amazon and Apple enhance the bank's capabilities, creating a dynamic ecosystem that amplifies service delivery and customer experiences.

Reflecting on his multifaceted professional experiences, Michael “Has come to appreciate how the digital realm unifies these diverse dimensions” - ultimately driving innovation and progress. "Being part of this journey fills my professional trajectory with excitement, curiosity, and a profound sense of purpose," he shares.

As Standard Bank Offshore continues to traverse the evolving banking and financial services sector, the amalgamation of technology, people, and diverse professional experiences and learning sets the stage for endless possibilities. The future promises transformative advancements, with Standard Bank Offshore ready to remain steadfast in bringing this to the forefront of financial services.