Bridging continents to enable Africa’s growth

When Edem Ankude stepped into his new role as Head of Business and Commercial Banking (BCB) at Standard Bank Offshore, he wasn’t stepping in to fix a broken system. He came to build on a strong foundation.

In markets known for regulatory rigour and service excellence, the BCB business has long stood as a reliable partner to corporates, fiduciaries, and trust companies.

A mature business, poised for strategic growth

For decades, Standard Bank Offshore’s BCB division has played a crucial role in supporting businesses and intermediaries in the Crown Dependencies. From trust and corporate service providers to established trading firms and real estate specialists, clients have relied on BCB’s multi-currency banking, global market access, transactional banking, lending, and fiduciary solutions to grow their wealth and operations.

These are deep, long-standing relationships built on mutual respect, trust and shared success. Local firms remain central to the BCB Offshore Strategy – and that won't change.

 But as global business becomes increasingly borderless, the opportunity to link offshore capabilities with Africa’s dynamic growth is both timely and strategic.

Africa’s economic horizon

Across Africa, a powerful shift is underway. With the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) opening up unprecedented access to inter-regional markets, businesses on the continent are poised for a new era of expansion. 

Economic integration is not just a long-term aspiration – it's actively reshaping how African companies think about scale, capital, and cross-border trade.

For many mid-sized and growing firms, the next frontier is global, but realising that ambition requires seamless financial infrastructure, regulatory clarity, and trusted partners who understand both local complexities and international demands. 

That’s where BCB becomes a catalyst—offering African businesses the tools and expertise to expand confidently across borders.

Building bridges, not silos

Edem’s appointment to lead BCB across Isle of Man, Jersey, and Mauritius marks a decisive moment in the business’s trajectory. His mandate is clear: preserve the excellence built in the island jurisdictions, while unlocking new corridors of growth by serving African enterprises ready to go global.

Under his leadership, BCB is sharpening its focus on helping African businesses make that cross-border leap. The emphasis is on building bridges between continents, regulatory environments, and financial ecosystems in a way that de-risks expansion and accelerates opportunity.

He sees BCB not just as a banking service, but as a growth partner. One that brings clarity to cross-jurisdictional complexity, and provides the multi-currency tools, fiduciary structures and global transaction capabilities that scaling businesses need. 

Edem’s goal is simple: to ensure that as Africa steps onto the global stage, Standard Bank Offshore is there to guide, support and grow with them.

Seamless, scalable, secure

Success in cross-border business hinges on simplicity. For African companies looking to expand into international markets – whether through trade, investment, or strategic partnerships – navigating foreign exchange, banking regulations, and compliance structures can be a major friction point.

BCB solves this with an integrated service offering built specifically for cross-jurisdictional agility. Key to this solution is accounts and facilities in a range of major currencies. 

They gain access to global markets and international payment corridors, underpinned by world-class infrastructure and regulatory assurance.

Whether it’s lending solutions for African property entrepreneurs looking to invest in the UK, or fiduciary arrangements tailored to preserve generational wealth, BCB’s approach is grounded in responsiveness, transparency, and personal connection. 

It's not just about banking: it’s about enabling African businesses to operate confidently on a global stage.
While BCB expands its reach, it remains committed to its core client base. Trust companies and corporates in the islands continue to benefit from the same deep expertise and dedicated service.

Looking Ahead: Partnership-Led Progress

As African economies become increasingly interconnected with global markets, the need for trusted, flexible, and future-facing banking partners will only intensify. Under Edem’s leadership, Standard Bank Offshore’s BCB business is ready to meet that need, not by replacing what’s already strong, but by building on it.
The island jurisdictions remain vital to BCB’s success. The relationships forged in Jersey, the Isle of Man, and Mauritius are not just history—they’re the blueprint for what’s next.

The future belongs to businesses that can operate without borders. And with the right partner, that future is within reach.

The information provided in this article is for general information and educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. This article does not take into account your individual circumstances, financial situation, or objectives. Before making any financial decision or investment, it is recommended that you consult with a qualified financial advisor or conduct your own research. Standard Bank is not liable for any losses or damages incurred as a result of any financial actions taken based on the information provided above.

Standard Bank Isle of Man Limited (SBIOM) is licensed by the Isle of Man Financial Services Authority. Standard Bank House, One Circular Road, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 1SB. Registered in the Isle of Man No.4713C. Terms and conditions apply. For information on any of our services including terms and conditions please visit our website, www.standardbank.com/international. SBIOM is wholly owned by Standard Bank Offshore Group Limited. Standard Bank Offshore Group Limited’s registered office is at Standard Bank House, 47-49 La Motte Street, St Helier, Jersey JE2 4SZ. Registered in Jersey No 43694.