The Chief Executive (CE) of Stanbic Bank Ghana, Kwamina Asomaning, has a candid perspective on the bank's recent triumph at the 17th EMEA Finance African Banking Awards 2024, where the institution secured the coveted Overall Best Bank in Ghana title, alongside awards for Best Investment Bank and Best Debt House.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with Graphic Business, the CE emphasised that while the accolades are welcome recognition, they are ultimately a reflection of customer satisfaction rather than an end goal in themselves. 

"We don't set out to win awards from magazines or other institutions. What we set to do is to address the needs of our clients exceptionally well," the CE stated.

The bank's leadership philosophy appears firmly grounded in a customer-first approach, with the CE noting that the true measure of success lies in customer perception rather than industry accolades. "The ultimate award is the award you get from your customers," the executive emphasised.

Mr Asomaning said the bank's success follows a clear chain of events: exceptional service leads to customer satisfaction, which builds loyalty, ultimately translating into profits and growth. The recent awards, the CE suggested, were merely an outcome of successful customer strategy execution as observed by third-party institutions. 

The bank's strong performance in financial intermediation to productive sectors played a crucial role in securing these recognitions. 

The CE highlighted their significant presence in extending long-term finance to clients requiring sustained financial support, demonstrating the bank's commitment to economic development. 

In the energy sector, Stanbic Bank Ghana has established itself as a major player, particularly in power and oil and gas, spanning both upstream and downstream operations. 

This comprehensive approach to energy financing has positioned the bank as a key facilitator of Ghana's energy infrastructure development.

Infrastructure financing represents another cornerstone of Stanbic's operations, with the CE revealing substantial involvement in both airport and seaport development projects. This strategic focus aligns with Ghana's ambitious infrastructure development goals. 

The bank's portfolio extends deeply into the mining and extractive industries, with significant investments in gold, bauxite and diamond operations. This diverse approach to resource sector financing has helped strengthen Ghana's position in the global mining industry.

Financial services form another crucial component of Stanbic's operations, with the CE describing how the bank provides crucial support to other banks and financial intermediaries, including insurance companies, contributing to the overall robustness of Ghana's financial sector.

The telecommunications sector features prominently in Stanbic's portfolio, with the bank providing significant support to major mobile telecommunications operators. 

This involvement has helped facilitate the expansion of Ghana's digital infrastructure.

Industrial and Manufacturing represent yet another key sector for the bank, with support extending to both multinational corporations and local enterprises, demonstrating Stanbic's commitment to retail sector development. 

The CE attributed these recent accolades to the collective effort of the bank's staff, the unwavering loyalty of its customers and the support received from various stakeholders, emphasising the collaborative nature of the bank's success.

While acknowledging the prestige of the EMEA Finance African Banking Awards, the CE maintained that customer satisfaction remains the bank's primary focus and most valued form of recognition. "The ultimate award is the award we receive from a satisfied and loyal customer,” the Chief  Executive noted.