Standard Bank has been named the 'Best Trade Finance Bank in sub-Saharan Africa' for the second successive year by GTR Magazine in its annual readers' poll on the world's leading financial institutions.

The award recognises Standard Bank's emphasis on trade finance in its core markets, with winners selected by readers of GTR Magazine.

"A contributing factor to the bank's success is its geographic presence across the African continent, and the links between Africa and its trading partners, in particular Asia, Brazil and Russia (through Troika Dialog), where the bank is also located" said Craig Polkinghorne, Global Head and Director, Structured Trade and Commodity Finance at Standard Bank.

"We believe that, in future, Africa will play an increasingly important role in global trade, growing trade flows with BRIC countries in particular," says Polkinghorne.

Rebecca Spong, editor at GTR Magazine, comments, "This award recognises Standard Bank's long-term commitment to trade finance banking in sub-Saharan Africa and the significant on the ground expertise in each of the countries in the region. Standard Bank has played a central role in the development of the South African economy and we look forward to seeing them build on this success."

GTR is a leading international trade finance magazine, read by and featuring the market's key banks, credit insurers, corporates, traders, law firms, brokers and consultants.