Sierra Leone

Standard Chartered Bank Sierra Leone wins the award for another year of unmatched leadership. Profits were up 13% and, more significantly, return on equity was up nearly 10 percentage points to 87%. In addition, the bank continues to reduce its non-performing loan ratio, now down to 1%. The bank is also setting the standard in terms of governance, being the only bank in the market to embark on a Know Your Customer programme. Consistent with group policy, Standard Chartered Sierra Leone has developed highly respected community development programmes, particularly targeting HIV/Aids prevention and skills development. “Standard Chartered Bank has always been a leader in the Sierra Leone market, and in 2003, our strategy of attracting and retaining the best talent in the market, focusing on exceeding our customers’ expectations, and engaging in the most far-reaching community partnership programs, has enabled Standard Chartered Bank Sierra Leone to generate the highest profitability level in the market,” says Lamin Manjang, the bank’s managing director. “Despite the challenging economic environment of operating in one of the least developed countries, we are committed to leveraging on our group network to bring world-class banking products and services to Sierra Leone, and attracting and keeping the best people to work for the bank.”