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Standard BankSouth Africa

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Last update: 2025-02-18 00:00:00
Headquarters of Standard Bank. Photo: "Standard Bank Building, Church Square Pretoria" by Paul Saad is marked with CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Active

This profile is actively maintained
Last update: 2025-02-18 00:00:00
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About
Website http://www.standardbank.co.za/
Headquarters
9th Floor - 5 Simmonds St.
2001 Johannesburg
South Africa
CEO/chair Sim Tshabalala
Group CEO, Executive Director
Supervisor
South African Reserve Bank
Ownership
listed on JSE Limited

The industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC) holds 19.6% of Standard Bank's shares. Standard Bank's complete shareholder structure can be viewed here.

Standard Bank is a South African-based financial services group with a global presence focused on emerging markets. It operates in 30 countries around the world, including 17 in Africa. The bank was formed in 1962 as a South African subsidiary of the British overseas bank Standard Bank, under the name Standard Bank of South Africa. Standard Bank Group is the largest African bank by assets.

Sustainability
Commitments
Policies
Voluntary standards

Standard Bank's most important sustainability commitments can be found at the website sections listed below.

Links

Our impact

Sustainability policies and statements

Climate Strategy and Implementation Plan

Bank policy
2023-03-31 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Human rights statement

Bank policy
2022-03-31 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Standard Bank Group Climate Policy

Bank policy
2022-03-16 00:00:00 | Standard Bank Group

Standard Bank Group climate policy summary

Bank policy
2022-03-16 00:00:00 | Standard Bank Group

Fossil fuels financing policy

Bank policy
2020-12-10 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Managing environmental and social risks

Bank policy
2020-04-27 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Managing climate-related risk

Bank policy
2020-04-17 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Thermal coal mining policy

Bank policy
2020-02-29 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Coal-fired power finance policy

Bank policy
2019-07-29 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Environmental and social management system

Bank policy
2019-04-26 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Modern Slavery Statement

Bank policy
2019-02-22 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Code of Ethics

Bank policy
2018-05-22 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Anti-bribery and corruption statement

(page 19 of ESG report 2017))
Bank policy
2018-03-31 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Modern Slavery Statement

Bank policy
2017-02-21 00:00:00 | Standard Bank
Standard Bank has committed itself to the following voluntary standards:
Carbon Disclosure ProjectTags: carbon | climate change | greenhouse gas emissions
Equator PrinciplesTags: Equator Principles | project finance | corporate social responsibility | sustainable development
Global Reporting InitiativeTags: sustainable development | human rights
Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB)Tags: climate change | corporate social responsibility | finance | sustainable development | United Nations | Voluntary Standards
UNEP Finance InitiativeTags: United Nations | sustainable development
Universal Declaration of Human RightsTags: human rights | United Nations
Wolfsberg PrinciplesTags: finance | corruption
Dodgy Deals

Standard Bank is linked to a number of companies and projects that BankTrack considers controversial (so called Dodgy Deals), e.g. as a current or past financier or through an expression of interest. The profiles below provide more details on the nature of Standard Bank's link to these deals.

Projects / Companies
Finance type
Year
News
BankTrack
Partners
Blog
External
Blog
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Students arrested on their way to Stanbic Bank's HQ to condemn EACOP's partial funding

At least nine students are confirmed to be in police custody following a peaceful protest against Stanbic Bank Uganda
2025-04-02 | Kampala, Uganda | #StopEACOP
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

African banks back oil export pipeline despite climate commitments

Lenders including Afreximbank are backing Uganda’s EACOP project, while publicly talking up their support for a just energy transition.
BankTrack mentioned
2025-03-28 | Climate Home News
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

The StopEACOP Coalition condemns the partial financing of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline

The EACOP is still not fully financed and major banks have steered clear
2025-03-27 | Kampala, Uganda | #StopEACOP
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Mozambique LNG: Financial institutions so far refrain from taking a stance on allegations of severe human rights violations associated with the project

2025-01-22 | BankTrack, urgewald, Friends of the Earth Europe, Friends of the Earth Japan, Friends of the Earth United States, Justiça Ambiental (JA!)/Friends of the Earth Mozambique, Les Amis de la Terre France, Milieudefensie, Reclaim Finance, ReCommon
Blog
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‘The land belongs to Mozambicans, not to France’

Two week long protest continues against TotalEnergies and its Mozambique LNG gas project for resettlement violations in Afungi Communities, Palma District, Cabo Delgado, Mozambique
2024-11-15 | Justiça Ambiental (JA!)/Friends of the Earth Mozambique
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

South African banks still score poorly on climate

2024-10-22 | Just Share
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

International NGOs call for immediate official investigation into reports of series of atrocities committed by Mozambican security forces near TotalEnergies’ Mozambique LNG premises

2024-09-27 | BankTrack, Friends of the Earth Europe, Friends of the Earth Japan, Friends of the Earth US, Justiça Ambiental (JA!)/Friends of the Earth Mozambique, Les Amis de la Terre France, Milieudefensie, Reclaim Finance, ReCommon
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Uganda: 72 arrests in August alone as authorities continue to crack down on human rights defenders opposing oil development projects

The alarming numbers mark a new escalation in the repression of those voices denouncing the human rights and environmental impacts of projects in Uganda’s oil frontier. The International Federation for Human Rights condemns the latest wave of detentions and urges authorities to immediately end their clampdown on civil society.
2024-09-05 | FIDH
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

StopEACOP Campaign condemns Standard Bank's decision to fund EACOP

2024-06-21 | BankTrack, #StopEACOP
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Beggar thy neighbour: South African public financing of Mozambique fossil gas project

2024-02-13 | Fair Finance Coalition Southern Africa (FFCSA)
Blog
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New EACOP Finance Risk Update highlights numerous risks for financiers exposed to oil pipeline

2024-02-12 | BankTrack, AFIEGO, Both ENDS, Inclusive Development International, Insure our Future, Just Share
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Total Uganda: 42 families expropriated in a summary trial

While the Cop28 negotiations were taking place in the sumptuous halls of Dubai, no less than 42 families from Uganda's oil-rich regions were expropriated from their homes on a Friday afternoon, in an expeditious court hearing. To the benefit of oil giant Total, about which a commission of enquiry has just opened in the French Senate.
BankTrack mentioned
2023-12-15 | Justice Info
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

How cool is your bank?

Just Share has published a new report: How cool is your bank? An analysis of how South Africa’s big five banks understand and manage climate risk
2023-11-20 | Just Share
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

124 civil society organisations call on financial institutions to withdraw support for TotalEnergies’ Mozambique LNG project

2023-11-17 | BankTrack, and partners, Justiça Ambiental (JA!)/Friends of the Earth Mozambique, Les Amis de la Terre France, Milieudefensie, Reclaim Finance, ReCommon
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Environmental groups urge funding halt for TotalEnergies' Mozambique project

2023-11-17 | Reuters
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

The Multibillion East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline Inches Closer to Final Investment Decision

2023-10-25 | Pipeline Technology Journal
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

China steps in to save Uganda oil pipeline as Western lenders back out over environmental concerns

2023-09-23 | South China Morning Post
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Standard Bank brutalises climate activists: A call to boycott Standard Bank for the sake of our planet

2023-09-22 | Johannesburg | Extinction Rebellion Gauteng
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Who is left to fund East Africa’s controversial oil pipeline?

As potential financiers pull out due to climate concerns, expectations are growing that Chinese banks and insurers will step in
2023-09-05 | China Dialogue
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

“Our Trust is Broken” - Loss of Land and Livelihoods for Oil Development in Uganda

2023-07-10 | Human Rights Watch
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Challenging banks on their Dodgy Deals this AGM season

Our AGM wrap up blog
2023-06-27 | Natasha Ion – BankTrack
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Climate activists and CSOs hold protests targeting Standard Bank in solidarity with frontline communities in Uganda, Tanzania and Mozambique

2023-06-12 | Africa | BankTrack, #StopEACOP, 350.org Africa, AFIEGO, Earthlife Africa, Justiça Ambiental (JA!)/Friends of the Earth Mozambique
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group distances itself from the East African Crude Oil Pipeline

The announcement follows growing pressure from climate activists and StopEACOP
2023-06-05 | BankTrack, #StopEACOP
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Standard Bank’s financing of East African Crude Oil Pipeline is helping destroy rural livelihoods in Uganda

2023-06-01 | Daily Maverick
Blog
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Standard Chartered refuses financing for controversial $5 billion Ugandan oil pipeline

The decision is particularly significant as the bank had previously confirmed that it was undertaking due diligence on financing for the project
2023-05-02 | Kampala, Uganda | BankTrack
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Financing mining for transition minerals in South Africa: Are banks doing enough on human rights?

New briefing finds banks linked to companies extracting transition minerals are overlooking serious human rights and environmental concerns
2023-04-26 | Business & Human Rights Resource Centre
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Financial and reputational risks of EACOP pile up amidst growing opposition to project

EACOP: Finance Risk Update No. 4
2023-04-12 | BankTrack, AFIEGO, Both ENDS, Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), Inclusive Development International, Insure our Future, Just Share
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Who dares to finance Eni and Exxon’s dangerous Rovuma gas plans in Mozambique?

Two banks made clear they will avoid financing Rovuma LNG, but plenty remain in the frame.
2023-03-20 | BankTrack, Justiça Ambiental (JA!)/Friends of the Earth Mozambique, Les Amis de la Terre France, ReCommon
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Mozambique shows how JPMorgan Chase and other banks back war and climate chaos

New Banking on Climate Chaos case study
2023-03-16 | BankTrack, Justiça Ambiental (JA!)/Friends of the Earth Mozambique, Rainforest Action Network
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Global protests against multinational banks funding East African Crude Oil Pipeline

2023-02-22 | BankTrack, #StopEACOP, 350.org
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

As banks fund oil pipeline, campaigners question their environmental pledges

Activists say some banks that have signed up to the Equator Principles are failing to live up to their pledge of properly assessing the environmental and social risks of the projects they finance.
BankTrack mentioned
2022-11-01 | Mongabay
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

#StopEACOP campaign calls on Standard Bank to come clean about its funding of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline

2022-08-22 | #StopEACOP
Blog
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BankTrack hosts webinars on the 2022 Banking on Climate Chaos report

Webinar programme organized along with Reclaim Finance, Amazon Watch and 350 Latin America featured frontline community activists from Uganda to Ecuador
2022-06-30 | Savon van den Berk
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Climate activists challenge Standard Bank’s plans to fund fossil fuel expansion in Africa

At the bank's AGM, 99.7% of shareholders support climate resolution by Just Share and Aeon Investment Management
2022-06-01 | BankTrack, Africa Institute for Energy Governance, Bank on our Future, Friends of the Earth Mozambique, Greenfaith International, Just Share, Laudato Si
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Standard Bank lays out path to net-zero by 2050; Gulf central banks raise rates

BankTrack mentioned
2022-03-23 | S&P Global
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Standard Bank tries to toe a tightening line with new climate policy

2022-03-17 | ESI Africa
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Standard Bank aims for net zero by 2050, activists press for more

BankTrack mentioned
2022-03-16 | Johannesburg, SA | Reuters, Reuters
Blog
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Standard Bank to keep funding fossil fuel expansion in a climate emergency

New climate policy ends finance for some new coal projects, but allows lending for climate disaster projects like EACOP crude oil pipeline
2022-03-16 | Nairobi, Nijmegen | BankTrack, #StopEACOP
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

At least $132 billion in finance for fossil fuels is locking Africa out of a Just Transition, shows new report

African countries kept in fossil fuel stranglehold by Overseas money
2022-03-03 | BankTrack, 350.org Africa, AFIEGO, Africa Coal Network, Alerte Congolaise pour l’Environnement et les Droits de l’Homme (ACEDH), Alliance for Empowering Rural Communities (AERC), Centre for Alternative Development (CAD), Environment Governance Institute (EGI), Friends of the Earth Ghana, Friends of the Earth Mozambique, Friends of the Earth Togo, Innovation for the Development and Protection of the Environment (IDPE), Laudato Si, Lumière Synergie pour le Développement (LSD), Milieudefensie, Oil Change International, Save Okavango (SOUL), Solidarité pour la Réflexion et Appui au Développement Communautaire (SORADEC), Synergie de Jeunes pour le Développement et les Droits Humains (SJDDH), Women Environmental Programme Nigeria, WoMin, Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA)
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

South African banks opt out of EACOP financing

Four of South Africa’s five major banks have said they will not support the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), in Uganda and Tanzania.
BankTrack mentioned
2022-02-08 | Energy Source
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Fifteen banks now steering clear of East African oil project, says Just Share

BankTrack mentioned
2022-02-08 | Mining Weekly
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Activists call out Standard Bank for mulling over east Africa oil pipeline

BankTrack mentioned
2022-02-08 | News24
Blog
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Total’s EACOP pipeline another step closer to going ahead

They can’t build the pipeline if they don’t find enough money to pay for it. They’re short by at least $2.5 billion so we still have a chance to stop this this planet-wrecking project.
2022-01-31 | 350.org, Isabelle L'Héritier
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Banks failing to address severe human rights impacts transparently, finds BankTrack research

Findings reinforce the need for regulators to ensure access to effective remedy for people affected by bank finance
2021-12-14 | Nijmegen | BankTrack
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Equator Banks involved in financing at least 200 fossil fuel projects since Paris

BankTrack research sheds new light on finance for fossil fuels by Equator banks
2021-10-26 | BankTrack
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Some SA banks committed to fossil fuel disinvestment — others aim to keep coal and oil financing furnaces burning

2021-10-04 | Daily Maverick
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

East African Crude Oil Pipeline: new update on risks and impacts for financiers

2021-08-09 | Nijmegen | BankTrack
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Uganda’s Huge Fossil Fuel Venture Raises Fears of Environmental Damage

2021-06-25 | The Elephant
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Standard Bank points to climate progress amid activists’ anger

BankTrack mentioned
2021-06-08 | Capital Monitor
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Standard Bank accelerates new era changes at board level

2021-05-28 | Independent Online (IOL)
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Activists protest outside Standard Bank over its financing of fossil fuel initiatives

2021-05-27 | Mail & Guardian
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Standard Bank commits to adopt climate strategy in 2022

2021-05-27 | News 24
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Standard Bank faces barrage of questions on fossil fuel finance at AGM

2021-05-27 | BankTrack, AFIEGO, Just Share, others
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Banks called upon to take action to protect biodiversity ahead of UN Biodiversity Conference in Kunming

Civil society organizations urge banks to adopt stringent “No Go” policy for biodiversity rich areas
2021-05-26 | Nijmegen | BankTrack
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

One in three directors at Africa’s biggest bank have ties to the coal industry

2021-05-25 | DeSmog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

S.Africa’s Standard Bank commits to publish fossil fuel lending reduction targets

2021-05-21 | Reuters
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Standard Bank rejects climate proposal

2021-05-12 | Mail & Guardian
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Standard Bank delays response to shareholders on tabling advisory resolution on climate risk

2021-05-05 | Just Share
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Eacop’s financing blues as lenders desert $3.5b project

2021-05-04 | The East African
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Gov’t not bothered about banks refusing to finance EACOP

2021-04-27 | Kampala, Uganda | The Independent
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Insurgency threatens Mozambique’s historic natural gas investment boom

2021-04-15 | CNBC
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Infographic: Mozambique’s LNG Forecast

2021-04-01 | Africa Oil & Power
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

African banks responsive on human rights but most lack basic policies, finds new benchmark

Nigeria’s Zenith leads after publishing previously unavailable policies; state-owned National Bank of Egypt comes in last place with no points
2021-03-29 | BankTrack
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP) will disenfranchise local communities in Uganda and Tanzania (By Charity Migwi, Edwin Mumbere and Evelyn Acham)

2021-03-26 | Africa News
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Will the East African Crude Oil Pipeline really benefit all?

2021-03-26 | ESI Africa
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

There’s $120 Billion at Stake in an Overlooked War in Mozambique

2021-03-25 | Bloomberg
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Standard Bank reviewing oil pipeline financing concerns

2021-03-03 | Daily Monitor
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

NGOs' pressure on banks threatens $3.5bn pipeline project financing

BankTrack mentioned
2021-03-02 | The East African
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

263 ONG appellent les banques à ne pas financer la construction de l’oléoduc ougando-tanzanien

2021-03-01 | Agence Ecofin
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Más de 260 ONG piden a bancos no financiar un polémico oleoducto de África

2021-03-01 | Swiss Info
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Standard Bank targeted in appeal to avoid financing oil pipeline in East Africa

2021-03-01 | Business Live
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

NGOs ask banks not to finance East African oil pipeline

2021-03-01 | Business Maverick
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

In Brief: Nonprofits urge banks not to finance oil pipeline in East Africa

2021-03-01 | Devex
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Banks targeted in StopEACOP campaign

2021-03-01 | Energy Voice
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Organisations call on Standard Bank, others not to finance East African oil pipeline

2021-03-01 | Engineering News
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Organizations aim to block funds for East African oil pipeline

BankTrack mentioned
2021-03-01 | Mongabay
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Banks urged to steer clear of East Africa oil pipeline financing

2021-03-01 | Reuters
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South Africa's Standard Bank to assess 'way forward' on East Africa oil pipeline

2021-03-01 | Reuters
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Standard Bank to review ‘Way Forward’ on East Africa Oil Pipeline

BankTrack mentioned
2021-03-01 | Bloomberg
Blog
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Over 260 organisations call on banks not to finance Total’s East African Crude Oil Pipeline

With a final investment decision nearing, African and International organisations warn banks against joining $2.5 billion loan for a “manifestly irresponsible” project • New stopeacop.net campaign website launched.
2021-03-01 | International | BankTrack, 350.org Africa, AFIEGO, Inclusive Development International, IUCN NL
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Just Share's analysis of Standard Bank's new fossil fuels financing policy

2020-12-10 | Just Share
Blog
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Just Share’s analysis of Standard Bank’s Fossil Fuels Financing Policy

2020-12-10 | Just Share
Blog
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Equator Banks fail communities on consultation and grievance mechanisms, new study finds

BankTrack research into nine projects financed ‘under Equator’ finds routine failures to conduct proper community consultation and a lack of effective project-level grievance mechanisms
2020-11-24 | Nijmegen | BankTrack
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Crude Risk: Risks to banks and investors from the East African Crude Oil Pipeline

Civil society groups issue new finance risk briefing
2020-11-18 | BankTrack, AFIEGO, Both ENDS, Inclusive Development International, Just Share
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

A call to action on the Principles for Responsible Banking: End climate-destructive financing now

2020-10-20
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Standard Bank comes clean about R180bn climate risk

Standard Bank, Africa’s largest lender, has come clean about its exposure to climate change, revealing that almost 12% of its loan book — about R180bn — is exposed to elevated climate-related risk.
2020-10-15 | BusinessLive
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Uganda oil start date in doubt despite crucial agreements

2020-10-13 | Petroleum Economist
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Stop Standard Bank’s East African Crude Oil Pipeline Project

Extinction Rebellion South Africa calls for all environmentally and socially conscious people to close their accounts with Standard Bank South Africa, and move them to a bank that treats the climate and ecological crisis with the urgency it deserves.
2020-10-06 | Johannesburg | Extinction Rebellion South Africa
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

New BankTrack Equator Principles reporting tracking tool launched

2020-09-21 | BankTrack
Blog
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Equator Principles requirements missing for most projects, finds new BankTrack study

Research into 37 projects financed 'under Equator' finds project-level grievance mechanisms or stakeholder engagement processes cannot be evidenced in 65% of cases
2020-08-11 | BankTrack
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Standard Bank plays leading role in Mozambique LNG financing

2020-07-16 | Standard Bank
Blog
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Thousands petition Standard Bank not to finance the controversial East African Crude Oil Pipeline

2020-06-25 | Johannesburg | BankTrack, 350.org Africa, Africa Institute for Energy Governance, IUCN
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Banks are turning a blind eye to Mozambique gas field graft

2020-06-23 | Business Live
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

LETTER: Is talent pool for Standard Bank’s board too shallow not to have conflicted directors?

The duty of such directors to recuse themselves has its origin in the duty of a director to act in the best interests of the company
2020-06-23 | Business Live
Blog
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Why is Standard Bank embroiled in the financing of the potentially disastrous East Africa oil pipeline?

The bank’s support for the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline, which will traverse the world-renowned Murchison Falls National Park, is a huge risk for local people, the climate and the bank itself.
2020-06-18 | Diana Nabiruma, AFIEGO, Ryan Brightwell – BankTrack
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Standard Bank investors urged to oust directors on climate fears

BankTrack mentioned
2020-06-08 | Bloomberg
Blog
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Standard Bank board: fossil fuel ties brought to light

Shareholders asked to oust climate-conflicted directors at AGM largest African bank
2020-06-08 | Just Share
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

CSOs react to African Development Bank’s statement rejecting claims of potential pipeline funding

2020-04-24 | BankTrack, 350.org, Africa Institute for Energy Governance, Inclusive Development International
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Standard Bank says it is not legally obliged to have voting on proposed climate resolutions

2020-04-16 | Engineering News
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Covid-19 showing importance of early action in tackling global threats, says NPO

2020-04-08 | Engineeringnews.co.za
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Standard Bank’s coal policy fails to provide meaningful leadership on the climate crisis

2020-03-12 | Life After Coal/Impilo Ngaphandle Kwamalahle
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Total abuses in Uganda: French High Court of Justice declares itself incompetent in favour of the Commercial Court

2020-01-30 | Friends of the Earth France
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

4 out of 5 banks failing on human rights, new BankTrack Human Rights Benchmark shows

Lloyds, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs and Société Générale among the poorest performers in BankTrack ranking, alongside Canadian and Chinese banks
2019-11-26 | BankTrack
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Is your cash fuelling the climate crisis?

2019-11-25 | Mail & Guardian Online
Blog
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Uganda and DRC CSOs communique on failures in EACOP ESIA public hearings

2019-10-25 | Africa Institute for Energy Governance
Blog
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Total’s suspension of the East African Crude Oil Pipeline is a chance for Standard Bank and others to think again

2019-09-19 | Ryan Brightwell – BankTrack
Blog
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Duty of Care: Total served formal notice for its activities in Uganda

2019-06-27 | Friends of the Earth France
Blog
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BankTrack 2019 Human Rights Benchmark: criteria and scope announced

2019-06-25 | Nijmegen | BankTrack
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Activists urge banks not to finance Ugandan oil pipeline

2019-06-07 | Reuters
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Standard Bank shareholders defy board in vote for greener disclosure

They want the bank to adopt a policy on lending to coal operations.
2019-05-31 | Moneyweb
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Greens to Standard Bank: we’ll be back

2019-05-30 | Business Live
Blog
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International Call on Banks: Don’t finance the East Africa Crude Oil Pipeline

African and international groups voice opposition to pipeline development
2019-05-28 | Nijmegen | BankTrack, Inclusive Development International
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Standard Bank shareholders to vote on climate change

Upcoming AGM includes a resolution on whether the bank should disclose more on climate risk in its lending business
2019-04-23 | Moneyweb
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Standard Bank tables first SA shareholder resolution on climate risk, but Board recommends shareholders vote against it

2019-04-18 | Just Share
Blog
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Every two weeks a bank, insurer or lender announces new coal restrictions

Major financial institutions restricting coal funding tops 100
2019-02-27 | IEEFA
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

FirstRand joins exodus of banks funding new coal-fired power plants

2019-02-03 | Daily Maverick
Blog
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Principles must bring commitments

Banks endorsing draft Principles for Responsible Banking called upon to urgently act on what they sign
2018-11-26 | Paris | BankTrack
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Pipeline: Stepping stone for Japanese financiers

2018-10-08 | Daily Monitor
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

What Banking Officials Told South African Corruption Inquiry

2018-09-18 | Bloomberg
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

1,200 megawatt Vietnam coal plant gets funding, but Standard Chartered pulls out over climate policy conflict

2018-04-19 | Eco-Business
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Fake green hues in big banks’ environment-friendly boasts

2018-03-22 | BusinessDay
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Activists in Johannesburg Join a Global Call to Action: Standard Bank Give the Equator Principles Teeth!

BankTrack mentioned
2017-10-26 | AfricaNewsAnalysis
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Standard Bank has confirmed that it will not fund the proposed Lamu coal-fired power plant

2017 | BankTrack
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Equator Principles goes beyond project finance, improves transparency

2012-08-13 | Environmental Finance
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

While BankTrack criticizes Equator Principles, IFC celebrates Community of Learning

2011-10-25 | Washington | prizmablog.com
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Time to Improve the Equator Principles, BankTrack Says

BankTrack mentioned
2011-10-24 | Washington | Social Funds
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

BankTrack to Equator Principles banks; ‘get the Outside Job done’

Equator Principles update must lead to new Principles focused on people and planet
2011-10-23 | Washington | BankTrack
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Financiers search for sustainable future

BankTrack mentioned
2011-10-20 | Washington | Environmental Finance
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

China, South Africa in talks on nuclear power cooperation

2010-08-24 | Beijing | Fox Business
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

The Gibe 3 dam – a test case for China’s role in Africa

2010-08-09 | San Fransisco | International Rivers
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

New rules for Equator Principles, but no new commitments from banks

New governance rules represent missed chance for Equator Principles to take bold steps forward on transparency and accountability
2010-07-01 | Nijmegen, the Netherlands | BankTrack
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

BankTrack calls upon banks to Close the Gap on investment policies

New report evaluates quality of investment policies of 49 banks; more policies in place, overall quality below what is required
2010-04-27 | Nijmegen, the Netherlands | BankTrack
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Equator Principles: Action, not words needed

BankTrack calls upon Citi, new chair of Equator Principles to take bold steps forward
2010-03-15 | Nijmegen, The Netherlands | BankTrack
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Civil society groups call for bold steps forward with Equator Principles

Major reforms needed on transparency, accountability, implementation and climate change
2010-01-14 | Nijmegen | BankTrack
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

DJ Archipelago Resources Names 3 Banks For Toka Tindung Finance

2010-01-05 | London | Tradingmarkets.com
Blog
BankTrack news BankTrack blog Partner news Partner blog

Mind the Gap: BankTrack rates credit policies of 45 banks

New report shows continuing gap between policies and practice
2007-12-19 | Utrecht | BankTrack
Resources
Documents
Videos
Links

Letter to financiers of Mozambique LNG to support call for independent investigation into alleged human rights violations

NGO document
2025-01-21 00:00:00 | BankTrack, Justiça Ambiental, Les Amis de la Terre France, SFOC, Milieudefensie, ReCommon, Urgewald, Friends of the Earth Europe, Friends of the Earth United States, Reclaim Finance, Friends of the Earth Japan

CSR report 2023

Annual report
2024-06-30 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Annual report 2023

Annual report
2024-05-20 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Sustainability Disclosure Report 2023

Other bank document
2024-03-28 00:00:00 | Standard Bank Group

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP): Finance Risk Update No.5

BankTrack publication
2024-02-13 00:00:00 | BankTrack, IDI, AFIEGO, Both ENDS, Just Share, Insure Our Future

CSR report 2022

Annual report
2023-06-20 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP): Finance Risk Update No. 4

BankTrack publication
2023-04-12 00:00:00 | BankTrack

Climate Strategy and Implementation Plan

Bank policy
2023-03-31 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Annual report 2022

Annual report
2023-03-09 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Who is financing fossil fuel expansion in Africa?

BankTrack publication
2022-11-15 00:00:00 | Urgewald, BankTrack, 350.org Africa, Africa Coal Network & Oilwatch Africa, et al.

Annual report 2021

Annual report
2022-09-09 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

The East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP): Finance Risk Update No. 3

June 2022
BankTrack publication
2022-06-28 00:00:00 | BankTrack

Human rights statement

Bank policy
2022-03-31 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Standard Bank Group Climate Policy

Bank policy
2022-03-16 00:00:00 | Standard Bank Group

Standard Bank Group climate policy summary

Bank policy
2022-03-16 00:00:00 | Standard Bank Group

EACOP Finance Risk Update No. 2

January 2022
BankTrack publication
2022-01-09 00:00:00 | BankTrack

Actions speak louder: Assessing bank responses to human rights violations

BankTrack publication
2021-12-14 00:00:00 | BankTrack

CSR Report 2020

Annual report
2021-06-08 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Critical climate votes 2021

There will be a number of important resolutions filed by shareholders at key companies in the banking, energy, and utilities sectors this proxy season.
NGO document
2021-05-06 00:00:00 | Critical Climate Votes

Letter from Standard Bank to BankTrack on OPEN LETTER: URGENT CALL NOT TO FINANCE THE EAST AFRICA OIL PIPELINE

Correspondence
2021-03-24 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Annual report 2020

Annual report
2021-03-15 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Open Letter from over 260 civil society organisations to banks on EACOP

NGO document
2021-02-25 00:00:00 | 263 CSOs

Fossil fuels financing policy

Bank policy
2020-12-10 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

"Trust Us, We're Equator Banks": Part II

BankTrack publication
2020-11-24 00:00:00 | BankTrack

Crude Risk: Risks to banks and investors from the East African Crude Oil Pipeline

BankTrack publication
2020-11-18 00:00:00 | BankTrack, AFIEGO, Both ENDS, Inclusive Development International, Just Share

A Call to Action on the Principles for Responsible Banking: End Climate-Destructive Financing Now

Joint civil society statement
BankTrack publication
2020-10-20 00:00:00 | BankTrack, Rainforest Action Network, and others

Letter from CRAAD-OI, WOMIN, IDI, BankTrack to ten FIs on Base Toliara project

Correspondence
2020-10-13 00:00:00 | CRAAD-OI, WOMIN, IDI, BankTrack

CSR report 2019

Annual report
2020-07-31 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Letter from 15 CSOs to Standard Bank shareholders on A call to vote against the election / re-election of climate-conflicted directors at Standard Bank

Correspondence
2020-06-08 00:00:00 | 15 CSOs

Annual integrated report 2019

Annual report
2020-05-19 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Managing environmental and social risks

Bank policy
2020-04-27 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Managing climate-related risk

Bank policy
2020-04-17 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Thermal coal mining policy

Bank policy
2020-02-29 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Letter from Standard Bank to BankTrack on PRB implementation

Correspondence
2019-09-11 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Coal-fired power finance policy

Bank policy
2019-07-29 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Letter from Standard Bank to BankTrack on Standard bank's role in arranging finance for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline

Correspondence
2019-07-15 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Letter from Inclusive Development International and BankTrack to Standard Bank, Stanbic Bank Uganda and SMBC on Standard bank's role in arranging finance for the East African Crude Oil Pipeline

Correspondence
2019-05-28 00:00:00 | Inclusive Development International and BankTrack

Environmental, Social and Governance report 2018

Annual report
2019-05-01 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Environmental and social management system

Bank policy
2019-04-26 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Annual report 2018

Annual report
2019-04-16 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Modern Slavery Statement

Bank policy
2019-02-22 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Projected health impacts of Lamu plant (Greenpeace presentation)

NGO document
2018-06-26 00:00:00 | Lauri Myllyvirta, Energy Campaigner at Greenpeace

Code of Ethics

Bank policy
2018-05-22 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Report to Society 2017

Annual report
2018-04-30 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Annual integrated report 2017

Annual report
2018-04-30 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Anti-bribery and corruption statement

(page 19 of ESG report 2017))
Bank policy
2018-03-31 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Annual Integrated Report 2016

Annual report
2017-08-17 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Governance and remuneration report 2016​​

Annual report
2017-03-01 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Modern Slavery Statement

Bank policy
2017-02-21 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Dirty Bankers

How HSBC is financing forest destruction for palm oil
NGO document
2017-01-17 00:00:00 | Greenpeace

Annual-integrated report 2015

Annual report
2016-04-25 00:00:00 | Standard Bank Group

Annual Report 2014

Integrated Annual Report 2014
Annual report
2015-05-21 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Sustainability Report 2014

Annual report
2015-05-21 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Annual Integrated Report 2013

Annual report
2015-04-02 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Sustainability Report 2013

Annual report
2015-04-02 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Annual integrated report 2012

Annual report
2013-06-18 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Letter from BankTrack et al. to various financial institutions on APP

Correspondence
2012-11-06 00:00:00 | BankTrack et al.

Annual Report 2011

Annual report
2012-04-05 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Annual report 2010

Annual report
2011-04-18 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Sustainability Report 2010

Annual report
2011-04-06 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Letter from BankTrack to EPFIs on issues around Equator Principles Review process

Correspondence
2010-12-18 00:00:00 | Banktrack

Close the Gap

Benchmarking investment policies of international banks
BankTrack publication
2010-04-27 00:00:00 | BankTrack

Open Appeal to ANZ, Standard Bank and BNP Paribas: Stay away from the Toka Tindung gold mine on Sulawesi!

Correspondence
2010-02-24 00:00:00 | BankTrack, et. al.

Manual to assist you in gaining access to records held by a private body

Other bank document
2007-08-14 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

Appendix 3 to information disclosure manual

Other bank document
2007-08-14 00:00:00 | Standard Bank

EACOP: a crude reality, documentary

2023-02-27 18:04:11
Accountability
Grievances
Response tracking

Standard Bank does not operate a complaints or grievances channel for individuals and communities that may be adversely affected by its finance.

Standard Bank is an Equator Principles signatory. While the Equator Principles have no official grievance mechanism, complaints relating to this bank's financing of Equator Principles projects can be filed through our own website www.equator-complaints.org.

This page evaluates Standard Bank's responses to instances of alleged human rights violations linked to its finance, raised by civil society organisations. It is not intended to be exhaustive, but covers selected impacts raised by BankTrack and other civil society partners since 2016. For the full scoring methodology, see here. For more information about BankTrack's evaluation of bank responses to human rights impacts, see the 2021 report "Actions speak louder: assessing bank responses to human rights violations".

Impacts reviewed
Responded?
Total score
Response
Action
Monitoring
Base Toliara mineral sands mining project (October 2020)
n/a
Dodgy Deal profile
Response
n/a
Rationale for score

The bank did not respond.

Following publication: The bank responded stating that it is not involved in financing of the project, therefore it has not been included in the scoring.

Action
Out of 1
Rationale for score

No information available on whether the bank engaged with its client or took appropriate action.

Following publication: The bank responded stating that it is not involved in financing of the project, therefore it has not been included in the scoring.

Monitoring
n/a
Rationale for score
No information available on there the bank monitored the impacts or the actions of its clients
East African Crude Oil Pipeline (March 2021)
1
0.5
0.5
0
Dodgy Deal profile
Response
0.5
Out of 1
Rationale for score

The bank responded publicly acknowledging its link to the impacts, but did not address the issues raised. The bank stated that the information provided in the open letter is "given attention and due consideration during...screening processes".

Following the bank's response: The score remains unchanged.

Action
0.5
Out of 1
Rationale for score

The bank stated that the project will be reviewed by an independent consultant in line with the Equator Principles and the IFC Performance Standards. The bank did not detail any specific actions sought from the company to address human rights violations.

Following the bank's response: The score remains unchanged.

Monitoring
0
Out of 1
Rationale for score
No information available on whether the bank monitored measures taken by its client to address the impacts associated with the project.
Average
100%
0.5
0.25
0.25
0
Banks and Climate

Banks and Climate

Partner organisation Reclaim Finance tracks the coal, oil and gas policies of financial institutions, including banks, in their Coal Policy Tool (CPT) and the Oil and Gas Policy Tracker (OGPT). BankTrack works closely with Reclaim Finance and endorses their policy assessments. Find further details on their assessment of Standard Bank’s fossil fuel policy below.

Assessment of Standard Bank's policy in the Coal Policy Tool
Banks and Human Rights

Banks and Human Rights

BankTrack assessed Standard Bank in its 2021 Human Rights Benchmark Africa, where it achieved 4.5 points out of 14 and was ranked as a 'follower'. More information is detailed in the "Accountability" section of this profile.

The BankTrack Human Rights Benchmark

Human Rights Benchmark Africa 2021

BankLast update
Country
Score
Ranking
Details
Standard Bank
ZAF
4.5
Follower 4.5
Explanation
Laggard
Follower
Front runner
Leader
0 - 3.5 points
4 - 5.5 points
6 - 8.5 points
9 - 14 points
For more details see this page.
Good Moves

Good moves

Year:

2017

Standard Bank has confirmed that it will not fund the proposed Lamu coal-fired power plant

South Africa’s Standard Bank has confirmed it will not fund the proposed Lamu coal-fired power plant in Kenya. This comes despite earlier reports that it was a major project funder, as included in the bank’s annual report of 2015 (350 Africa).